The Trolls of Glenwood Caverns
Chantico - Defender of Fire
The name Chantico comes from the Aztec goddess of the family hearth, home and volcanoes. Our Chantico has traveled throughout the world facing the feats of volcanic eruptions and wildfires only to have ended up at Iron Mountain as our newest defender against the dangers of fire.
Chantico’s Story
According to legend, Chantico arrived at Iron Mountain shortly after the Grizzly Creek fire of 2020. She was called upon by Halvor Flowstone to provide additional protection to the mountain and all of its visitors. Powered by the ashes of wildfires past, Chantico experienced these natural disasters firsthand and doesn’t shy away from leading the charge and standing tall at each fire line to protect what’s at stake. Some even say if you ask retired firefighters in the valley, they’ll recount Chantico battling wildfires alongside them, even before Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park was built. While stoic in nature and often misunderstood, Chantico is a relative of Halvor and knows how to get the job done when protecting the park and natural beauty of Iron Mountain. Chantico can’t wait to meet our guests and pose for photos while providing a strong, warm sense of security. Come find her in front of the Defiance Coaster the next time you #GetUpHere.
Halvor Flowstone – Protector of the Cave
Halvor Flowstone, a 14-foot-tall troll, is the newest addition to the kid-friendly attractions at the park. Halvor means Defender of the Rock in Old Norse, and Flowstone is a cave formation that looks like melted cake icing or a frozen waterfall.
Legend has it that Halvor lived with his troll parents 150 feet underneath the ground inside Glenwood Caverns until he was old enough to guard the treasures of King’s Row by himself. King’s Row is the most-highly decorated cave room in Colorado. After living alone for thousands of years, Halvor heard the sounds of laughter once the cave was open to tours. Eventually, he followed those sounds and made his way outside for the first time where he fell in love with the sun, moon and the bright blue skies.
Halvor now serves as honorary Protector of the Cave from his home on the Iron Mountain Trail where he eagerly awaits opening day to make new friends. He’s comfortable seated, ready for kids of all ages to climb onto his feet, legs and lap—or to tickle his chin—and is always smiling for the camera.
Halvor loves having his photo taken. Feel free to sit upon his lap, but please do not climb on his arms, back, shoulders or head as he may get damaged. Thank you for helping us to care for Halvor, as he cares for our caves!
Halvor’s Story
Halvor Flowstone was born a very, very long time ago deep inside Iron Mountain in what is now known as Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It was thousands and thousands of years ago, in fact. His home was 150 feet underneath the ground in Glenwood Caverns. Halvor, which means Defender of the Rock in Old Norse, lived with his troll parents until he was old enough to guard the treasures of King’s Row by himself.
Today, we know that King’s Row is one of the most beautiful and magical places on Earth because we have lights that allow us to enjoy its sparkling formations. But for most of Halvor’s life, it was so dark that he couldn’t even see his own hands if he held them right in front of his face. The magic, though, was there, and he took his job of protecting it very seriously. Even if he didn’t know what it looked like, he knew that it was very special indeed.
It was a peaceful existence and the only life that Halvor had ever known, so he was quite happy. The only sounds he heard, other than when he sang the songs his mother taught him, were when drops of water fell from the top of the cave to the ground below. He got a lot of cave kisses, which is when those drops of water fall onto your head. Every day was the same, unless he had a surprise visit by bats or tiny creatures so small, he couldn’t feel them but could sense their presence.
Then one day not that long ago, everything changed. Halvor heard new sounds. It was as if someone else was singing a happy song. He didn’t know who or what made the wonderful noise, but it made him smile. He looked forward to hearing it and was sad when it went away.
Halvor’s curiosity grew and grew until he finally decided that he had to find out where the sounds were coming from. He crept very slowly from his home at the back of King’s Row. So slowly, it took him a long time to get there. But, oh, when he made it, his life changed forever. For Halvor could finally see what he’d been guarding for so long. There were lights in the cave!
King’s Row was much more beautiful than he’d ever imagined. It sparkled and glistened, with so many shapes and colors that it brought tears to his eyes.
Even though he was still well-hidden, Halvor could see that something was moving. Lots of things, in fact. And that’s where the sounds were coming from. Suddenly, he remembered a story that his father had told him when he was a young troll. It was a story about the people who lived on the mountain before he was born. He’d never really known if it was true or just something made up to help him go to sleep, but now he knew.
People lived with their families, talked, laughed and sang songs just like trolls. And the sound that he’d been hearing was laughter. Halvor stayed in his hiding place at the back of King’s Row for months, sleeping at night and listening during the day. The laughter, especially when it came from the children, made his heart swell until he thought it would burst. For the first time in his life, he felt lonely when there were no people nearby.
When he could take it no more, Halvor made a very big decision. He was going to go outside. One night, he crept through the cave and out onto the mountain. The last step was a little scary, because he had no idea what might await him, but he summoned up all of his courage and kept going.
It was magnificent! The moon was shining down on him and millions of stars twinkled in the sky. The smell of the fresh air and trees and the river below made him feel like he could do anything. As much as he loved the earthy smell of the cave, these new scents made the images around him come to life. He sat down on the ground above the cave and, for the first time, watched as the sun began to rise.
Halvor was so mesmerized by the sight of the mountains and blue sky, and the birds and animals around him, that he forgot where he was. Suddenly, the sound he loved so much—children laughing—startled him and he realized what was happening. He knew that if he moved, he would frighten the people, and they would leave. So Halvor held very still because he did not want to be lonely again.
Nowadays, kids love Halvor so much that they play by his feet and climb onto his lap. Sometimes the grown ups do, too. He never moves, at least not when there are people around, and still takes his job as Protector of the Cave very seriously.
Attractions
- Giddy Up Ride
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If you’re a thrill seeker, hard to pass this place up.
The Giant Canyon Swing (big pendulum) is ridiculous, but I highly recommend waiting in line… read moreIf you’re a thrill seeker, hard to pass this place up.
The Giant Canyon Swing (big pendulum) is ridiculous, but I highly recommend waiting in line for seats on the mountain-facing side of the ride. If you’re not going to end up through the gate first so you can pick that side, just let people pass you so you can get it the next ride. If you’re seated facing the mountain, you’ll be on the side that looks straight down over the 1300 foot cliff drop to I70 and the Colorado River down below; super scary rush! The other side you’ll be facing down over the line to the ride, still awesome, but not the same.
The round swingset, i.e. Canyon Flyer, I actually found to be far more discomforting than the Swing. You’re just seat belted into a swing-set chair and around you go over the side of the same cliff, vs the Swing having you locked in so tight you can barely move. You really get the feeling you could just go flying off the side lol. My eight year old rode it three times in a row.
The older roller coaster was fun but a bit jerky of a ride vs a smooth modern coaster. The new yet to be opened Defiance looks like it’s going to be incredible.
The alpine coaster was great. You can go all out because they auto brake you to keep you at ~25mph, so you’re not going to get to an unsafe speed even if you try.
Lines moved quickly throughout the park, and all the staff were incredibly nice. The cave tour is nice, but if you’ve been to some of the incredible caves along the east coast from Carolinas to Pennsylvania, you may feel a bit underwhelmed. It’s definitely still a good tour and interesting caves, but there are better ones out there. read lessDavid R.9/26/2022Fun coasters, fantastic views! A must-see for anyone who likes coasters. No, it doesn’t have the variety of a Six Flags Park, but not being surrounded by concrete… read moreA must-see for anyone who likes coasters. No, it doesn’t have the variety of a Six Flags Park, but not being surrounded by concrete and steel was pretty nice. It’s small, and has the feel of a mom-and-pop operation, but every employee we encountered was kind, friendly, and went above and beyond to help us out. Also, the new Defiance coaster is definitely not a “mom-and-pop” experience. My daughter and I forced ourselves to go on it once in the back, then decided we had to do the front. It is really something riding a gravity defying coaster with nothing but the track and views of the valley below as you rush down a vertical track and then the subsequent rolls. Very short ride, but well worth it! Sadly, the Cliffhanger coaster was shut down due to wet tracks, but the Alpine Coaster made up for it. It’s “just” a set of tracks right above the ground that runs down the hill, but getting to control the speed by myself on my own little “sled” was a blast. And it’s so long! The first ride, every time I thought that surely I must have reached the bottom, there was another curve. I’d visit again for this ride alone.
If you are large or have long legs, the Soaring Eagle zip ride might feel a little insubstantial…. I wish the seat had been a little deeper, that I could’ve scooted my rear farther back, and I’m only 5’8″. My daughter and I thought once was enough. Probably a blast for adventurous kids.
The Canyon Flyer, our first ride (intermittent morning showers were delaying some rides) was a real adrenaline rush, too. It’s perched on the edge of a steep hill, you’re in a little swing, and then it’s swinging out over the valley with nothing but a tiny highway and river far below your feet. Really incredible. My heart needed a break after that. Would’ve gone again if I hadnt discovered the Alpine Coaster.
I like nature, green trees and blue skies, so i wasn’t terribly interested in the caves, but the one tour we did was interesting.
Nice gift shop, large indoor café with incredible views that had nice hot food (nothing gourmet, but hot) and hot chocolate which was nice after we got a little wet and chilled in the morning showers. The Smokehouse looked good too, but hadn’t yet opened when we were ready to eat.
The park opening was delayed due to wet gondola tracks from a heavy rain during the night, but we had no trouble seeing everything we wanted to between 11 and 4:30, including a long lunch and long afternoon rest. Granted, there were no lines. Maybe you need all day if there are.
We visited Colorado from California pretty much to visit this park, and I’d do it again. Two nights at the Queen Anne B&B in Denver (cheaper flights) then a beautiful drive along I-70 to Glenwood Springs for 2 days. We had a wonderful time! (Highly recommend the lake at Georgetown as a rest stop.) The people were friendly, every worker we encountered was helpful, and most of it was cheaper than California. Would love to return! read lessP. Cathey9/22/2022This place was so much fun. It’s decorated like the wild west, has caves to tour, good food and beer, and a wide range of… read moreThis place was so much fun. It’s decorated like the wild west, has caves to tour, good food and beer, and a wide range of attractions to suit anyone from simple but fun 4D movies up to crazy thrill rides that literally hang you off the side of a 1300 foot high cliff. There’s something for everyone. Some places would be more difficult to get to if you have trouble walking due to inclines. read lessBryan Coesens9/22/2022 -
This is one of the best hidden gems, best theme parks I’ve ever been too and I’ve been to A LOT! The scenery, the AMAZING… read moreThis is one of the best hidden gems, best theme parks I’ve ever been too and I’ve been to A LOT! The scenery, the AMAZING RIDES, the low crowds, everything I love about theme parks was here. Plus parking was free and the cave tour is also included with park admission. I can not state enough about the scenery too. It’s too much to type but if you want to see my full tour of everything at this park just search MrBucketlist on Youtube Tour of Glenwood Caverns. Enjoy! read less
MrBucketlist S.9/20/2022Took the Gondola up the Mountain to ‘Glenwood Springs Adventureland’ – very picturesque, exciting ride to amusement park on top of the mountain! … read moreTook the Gondola up the Mountain to ‘Glenwood Springs Adventureland’ – very picturesque, exciting ride to amusement park on top of the mountain! Rollercoaster takes you down the steep windy mountain – Ferris wheel on top – scenery is awesome! Great little Fake Western town on top for kids to play in…….. Restaurant and food stand there too……… Gondola workers are very helpful and pleasant…….. It was shut down due to lightening, then re-opened and by the time we got up top, thunder started, a little sprinkle of rain, saw the views on top of restaurant and then the rains came down harder and we were stuck up there because they shut down the Gondola again due to rain & thunder!! Very exciting! ❣️. A short time later, they re-started the Gondola, and the ride back down views were incredible! And my friend was able to make their flight at Aspen Airport back home……… A good time was had by all! 💖 Great place to see……. 👌 read lessDEBRA D9/06/2022Spent a day here and my 11 year old son had a wonderful time. The amusement park is not very large but the rides are… read moreSpent a day here and my 11 year old son had a wonderful time. The amusement park is not very large but the rides are cool and the experience is incredibly unique as the amusement park is set on top of a mountain range. You actually need to take a gondola to get up to the park and some of the rides give you the feeling that your going over the edge of a cliff. If your near the area I’d highly recommend a visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park! read lessAnthony Rinella8/23/2022 -
Don’t miss this! Absolutely worth the trip! The gondola ride up to the Park was amazing in itself, with spectacular views along the way. This park is so… read moreAbsolutely worth the trip! The gondola ride up to the Park was amazing in itself, with spectacular views along the way. This park is so cool, with something for thrill seekers, as well as for those just looking for a relaxing, fun day. The Alpine Slide is incredibly fun! Very cool gift shop and great food at the top, too! The caves were awesome, and the guides were fun and informative. While waiting for the cave tour, a tiny chipmunk entertained us! A very awesome day! read less
AndyR8/19/2022Great Day! What a nice park! We had such a pleasant, relaxed day and the park is clean and full of friendly staff.
Nate, our cave tour guide,… read moreWhat a nice park! We had such a pleasant, relaxed day and the park is clean and full of friendly staff.
Nate, our cave tour guide, was so nice and did a terrific tour for us, and Skyler in the restaurant kept us entertained with local knowledge and recommendations while we waited out the rain.
The rides were great, too. Best Alpine Coaster I’ve ridden anywhere, and the swing and new roller coaster were terrifying in a good way.
Terrific visit and highly recommended. read lessPHXroadwarrior8/16/2022So much fun! Definitely worth the trip. My family was visiting me in Denver and we stopped for one night in Glenwood Springs on our… read moreSo much fun! Definitely worth the trip. My family was visiting me in Denver and we stopped for one night in Glenwood Springs on our way to Moab. We took the gondola up to the adventure park (really great views and you can comfortably fit 4 people in a gondola at a time). We aren’t personally into rides (nor did we have the time), but definitely looked like adults and kids of all ages really enjoyed them. We did both of the cave tours: we did the Fairy Caves first at 10:45am and the King’s Row second at 12:00pm with Kiki. They have tours every 45 min, but sometimes they run a little late depending on the size of your group and if there’s more talking/questions. By the way, the adventure park opens at 9am but the first tour isn’t until 10:45am (and most of the rides don’t open exactly at 9am either), so just plan accordingly. I highly recommend both tours if you have time as they are both different and unique. I’ve even done the Cave of the Winds in Colorado Springs – they were comparable but all very different & unique & worth it! Our tour guide was also so great, funny, and knowledgeable. Truly an enjoyable experience with family! read less
Vidisha S.5/05/2022