At Glenwood Caverns Adventures Park in Colorado, we are fascinated by caves and continue to learn about, explore and map our own at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Every cave is unique, and caves around the world and in the U.S. vary from place to place. If you’re curious about caves, check out these weird and interesting cave facts.
- While most caves are formed by the action of acidic water on karst, a landscape of limestone, dolomite, and gypsum, some are formed by lava tubes from volcanos or from meltwater in glaciers.
- In most caves, the dissolving of the karst takes more than 100,000 years to make enough space for one person.
- Ancient people were painting patterns and figures on cave walls more than 40,000 years ago. Scientists believe that Neanderthals might have painted on caves in the Iberian Peninsula up to 64,000 years ago and a figure of an animal on Borneo more than 40,000 years ago.
- Mayans built temples over caves or built them to look like caves because they believed that caves were the entrance to the underworld. Other ancient people also considered caves to be sacred spaces
- Arthropods, fish, amphibians, and insects that have evolved to live in caves are called troglobites . The first troglobite identified, in the 1700s was the eyeless white amphibian called the olm. Some, such as the blind wolf spider of Hawaii, the Devil’s Hole pupfish of Death Valley, and the Texas Blind Salamander, are found in only one location.
- Sulfur is the basis of nearly all life forms in the Cuevo de Villa Luz in Mexico. Single-celled organisms called Snotties oxidize the sulfur from underground springs.
- Humans have used caves for shelter, food storage, mushroom farming, hideouts from the law, and many other activities. The Reed Flute Cave in China was an air-raid shelter during World War II.
- The caves in Paradise Glacier on Mt. Ranier in Washington were world-famous for most of the 20th The caves have disappeared as the glacier melted.
- Some of the largest natural crystals ever found were formed in the Cuervo de los Cristales 1,000 feet under Naica Mountain in Mexico. Translucent gypsum beams are up to 26 feet long and weigh up to 55 tons. Temperatures in the cave reach 138˚F. It has been re-flooded since exploration.
- Three million wrinkle-lipped freetail bats live in Deer Cave in Mulu National Park on the island of the Borneo, one of the world’s largest known cave passages.
See the Largest Cave in Colorado!
If you’re interested in more cave facts, we offer our very own cave tours. Visitors have been welcomed to Glenwood Caverns since 1999. They can explore the natural wonders of Iron Mountain. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park recommends taking both the Historic Fairy Cave and King’s Row tours if time allows. These tours, along with unlimited rides and attractions, are included in the Glenwood Caverns Funday Pass. The first cave tour starts about 60 minutes after the park opens.
What to Know About Our Cave Tours
The Funday Pass includes both Cave Tours.
The cave remains a cool 52 degrees all year.
We recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater and wearing comfortable walking shoes to maximize your enjoyment.
Be prepared for unpredictable weather in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, during the Historic Fairy Cave Tour.
Food and liquids are not allowed in the caverns. We always recommend children should have something to eat before exploring.
An adult must accompany children under 14. Carry small children in arms or a front pack.
Due to safety concerns, backpacks and strollers are not allowed in the cave. Rent lockers near the Upper Cave Entrance.
Pregnant individuals or those with heart or respiratory problems should not take the tour due to the elevation and exertion.
You can bring cameras inside the cave, but be considerate of others when taking pictures. No mono/tri-pods allowed.
The maximum number of people allowed on the Historic Fairy Tour is 20, and 25 on the King’s Row Tour.
After your tour, come see some of the rides your family can enjoy at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
Alpine Coaster
As part of the FunDay Pass, you’ll have access to our Alpine Coaster. The Alpine Coaster is a thrilling ride. It will take you down 3,400 feet of track and then bring you back up 1,000 feet. The ride is safe and secure, with cars affixed to the track. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and take in the wildflowers as you go. The Alpine Coaster operates year-round, even in the winter. It’s by far one of the most popular attractions at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The idea for the ride came about because of long lines for cave tours. The owners wanted to give guests something fun to do while they waited. The Alpine Coaster opened in 2005 and continues to be a favorite among visitors.
Find more Cave Facts in Glenwood Springs, CO!
Are you thinking about checking out everything Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has to offer? The Fun Day Pass could be the best option for all your needs. Start with a gondola ride to the mountain top: the only way to reach the top of the mountain. While you’re there, visit with the trolls and take in seasonal music and events.
Learn more about caves and explore them for yourself at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs. Make plans to visit today!
