History of The Fairy Caves
Our History
The Historic Fairy Caves, an attraction within Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, was a thriving tourist destination in the 1890s, thanks to Charles W. Darrow, a pioneering Glenwood Springs attorney. Darrow and his family homesteaded the top of Iron Mountain, including the cave entrance. Today, you can tour Historic Fairy Caves as a part of the Cave Tour.
Darrow opened Fairy Caves to visitors in 1895. At that time the known extent of the cave was about 800 feet. Today, Glenwood Caverns, including the Historic Fairy Caves, has more than 16,000 known feet. When the Fairy Caves opened to the public, visitors could get to the caves by walking up a trail, by riding a horse or burro, or by being transported in style in a horse-drawn carriage. Today, you travel to the Historic Fairy Caves in a gondola on the Glenwood Gondola.
Wild tours scheduling:
Reservations are required for Wild Cave Tours. This tour is not included in the Funday Pass. Call 970-945-4228 or 1-800-530-1635, ext. 0 Learn more about Cave Science and History >
November 22nd, 2025 -
January 4, 2026
Celebrate the season at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s Winter on the Mountain! Ride the scenic gondola to a glowing mountaintop wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive décor, and holiday cheer. Enjoy thrilling rides like the Alpine Coaster, dazzling light displays, and live entertainment. Meet Santa on select Saturdays and experience the magic of the Plaza Music & Light Show every half hour starting at 5:30 p.m. With cave tours, music, and family fun all season long, Winter on the Mountain is where holiday memories shine brightest.
King’s Row
The most highly decorated cave room in Colorado! This is a 40 minute walking tour.
