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Fairy Caves: A Historic Journey Underground

Explore the magical Fairy Caves at Glenwood Caverns, a historic natural wonder with stunning views and unique geological formations.

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Descend into the depths of Iron Mountain and explore the Fairy Caves, a part of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. These caves, first opened in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the geological wonders and history of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

A brief summary to Fairy Caves

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the walking tour, as the paths can be uneven and involve some steps.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time and potentially money.
  • Bring a light jacket, as the cave temperature remains a constant 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) year-round.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Glenwood Springs, follow signs for Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The park is located at 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road. Parking is available at the base of the Glenwood Gondola for $5. A free parking lot is located a short distance away. Due to limited parking, walking, biking, or taking the bus to the park is encouraged.

  • Public Transport

    Ride Glenwood offers on-demand transportation within Glenwood Springs for $1 per ride. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) also serves Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork Valley. Check the RFTA website for schedules and routes to the Glenwood Gondola.

  • Gondola

    The final approach to the Fairy Caves requires a ride on the Iron Mountain Tramway (Glenwood Gondola). Purchase tickets at the base of the tramway. In 2022, the cost of the gondola plus the cave tour was $34. As of July 2025, the cost of the Gondola/Cave ticket is $52 if purchased online ($57 at the gate).

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Discover more about Fairy Caves

The Fairy Caves, nestled within Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, offer a unique journey into the heart of Iron Mountain. Originally opened in 1886 by Charles Darrow, a Glenwood Springs attorney, the caves quickly became a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors with their stunning natural formations. Darrow, a marketing pioneer, even touted the Fairy Caves as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Visitors can explore the Historic Fairy Caves on a guided walking tour that showcases the cave's narrow passages, natural water features, and unique formations. A highlight of the tour is Exclamation Point, a viewing balcony offering breathtaking panoramic views of Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Canyon, and the Colorado River Valley. The current route of the tour was two years in the making, with workers removing nearly 1,000 tons of rocky debris by hand. In the late 1890s, Darrow installed electric lights, making Fairy Caves one of the first caves in the U.S. to have electric lighting. Today's tours include a 'History Lane' section illuminated with replica Edison and Marconi-style bulbs, recreating the experience of early visitors. The Darrow family operated the caves until 1917. After being closed for 82 years, Steve and Jeanne Beckley reopened the caves in 1999, applying modern preservation methods to revitalize the 'dead' historic sections. Today, visitors can also explore King's Row, another cave within Glenwood Caverns, known as one of the largest and most decorated cave rooms in Colorado. The cave is home to unique formations called speleothems that resemble chess pieces.

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