Lantern Tour, Colorado Springs Travel Guide

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Explore the spooky side of Cave of the Winds with a 90-minute lantern-lit tour through dark tunnels and eerie ghost stories in Manitou Springs, CO.

Embark on a thrilling 90-minute Lantern Tour at Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs, Colorado, navigating dark tunnels and hearing spooky tales by lantern light. Explore the cave's history, folklore, and unexplained phenomena in the Manitou Grands.

A brief summary to Lantern Tour

100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, West Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80829, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lantern Tour.

Wear comfortable clothing, including shoes with good traction, and a light jacket, as the cave environment can be cool and involve some walking.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, due to limited space on the Lantern Tour.
Be aware that the Lantern Tour is not suitable for young children (under 8) or those with mobility issues or who are easily frightened.
Arrive early to allow time for parking and ticket purchase, as the timed entry may involve a wait, especially on busy days.

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Getting There

Driving

To reach the Cave of the Winds Lantern Tour from Colorado Springs, head west on Highway 24 for about 6 miles. The entrance to Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is on the right, just past the billboard sign at the stop light. Free parking is available in a large dirt lot. Be aware that the road to the cave is winding. RV drivers may need to park at the bottom of the hill and take a shuttle. Note: Using the address in a GPS may redirect to an incorrect location; instead, use the intersection of Serpentine Drive & Highway 24 West.
Public Transport

To reach Cave of the Winds using public transport, take a bus from the main bus terminal in Colorado Springs to Manitou Springs. From there, take a taxi or rideshare service to Cave of the Winds, which is a short drive away. Please note that there is no direct bus service to the caves. Taxi/Rideshare: Expect to pay around $15-$25 for a ride from Manitou Springs to Cave of the Winds, depending on the service and time of day.

Discover more about Lantern Tour

The Lantern Tour at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park offers a unique and adventurous experience, guiding visitors through the depths of the Manitou Grand Caverns with only the light of a handheld lantern. This 90-minute guided tour takes you through nearly a mile of walking, navigating dark, narrow tunnels, low passageways, uneven stairs, and rooms with muddy, original floors.As you explore, you'll delve into the history of Cave of the Winds, which has been in continuous operation since 1881, making it one of Colorado's oldest visitor attractions. The cave itself is millions of years old, with legends from the Jicarilla Apaches telling of a cave near Manitou Springs where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided.The tour also uncovers the frightening folklore, ghost stories, and unexplained phenomena associated with the Manitou Grands. Be prepared to hear spine-chilling tales and learn about the eerie side of the cave's history. The Lantern Tour provides a thrilling and immersive way to experience the natural and historical wonders of Cave of the Winds.Note that this tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues or who are easily frightened. Children under 8 are not permitted.