Plan a Thrilling Romantic Adventure for Two

Add some big thrills to your romance with a visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The mountain-top theme park in Glenwood Springs is the perfect place for heart-warming and heart-pounding fun.

Give your romantic relationship a love booster shot. A spur-of-the-moment, micro-getaway that includes Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park could be just the remedy for the mid-winter amour doldrums. The Adventure Park checks all the boxes for a romantic  good time and a great date.

  • Snuggle on the Glenwood Gondola. The orange gondola cars will whisk you and your partner high above the humdrum of the ordinary. Get cozy under blankets that are provided in each cabin as you travel from the valley floor to the park entrance at the top of Iron Mountain. Consider it the grown up version of seven minutes in heaven!
  • Plumb the depths. Explore new territory together. Cave tours offer couples a glimpse of a rare and magnificent underground landscape. See spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, showy aragonite crystals and more. The caverns have also been the site of more than a few marriage proposals and wedding ceremonies!
  • Feel the need for speed on the Alpine Coaster. Sometimes you’ve just got to go a little wild. Let the throttle out on the Alpine Coaster. You determine your speed as you soar down the mountain. The cool mountain air and fast pace are guaranteed to awaken the senses.
  • Be silly in the 4-D Theater. Love isn’t rational. You don’t need to be ten years old to enjoy these 15 minute animated shows. Grab a seat at this family-friendly attraction, put on your glasses and enjoy the surround sound, bumps and breezes of 4-D technology. By the end, no matter your age, you’ll feel like kids again.
  • Unwind with libations. For a more mature pastime, head to the Lookout Grille for an adult beverage and some sustenance. The bar serves a selection of decadent cocktails, beer in bottles and on tap. Wine and a Bloody Mary bar are other options. You can also satisfy your partner’s appetite at the Lookout Grille. The restaurant has an extensive menu of delicious casual dining menu choices.
  • Take in the views. To paraphrase Antoine de St. Exupéry, it not all about looking at each other; it’s looking in the same direction that matters. On your visit to the Adventure Park be sure to walk up to the Viewing Deck above the General Store for landscape views of the Roaring Fork Valley and Glenwood Springs. This is also the perfect spot for a romantic couple’s photo.
  • Attend an intimate concert. Add a little night music to the mix with Friday Afternoon Club FAC features talented local bands and food and drink specials every Friday through February from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The Park’s FAC also includes a free gondola ride after 4 p.m. with a coupon that appears in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent on Fridays. The small indoor venue is relaxed and laid back—perfect for a date night.

Love is a big, bold adventure. Add some thrills to your romance at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park!

Add More Mountain-top Thrills to Your Colorado Ski Vacation

When you’re skiing or snowboarding at the mountains of Aspen and Snowmass, Vail Resorts or Sunlight Mountain Resort, your Colorado ski vacation should be packed with peak experiences. Add even more high-elevation thrills with a day trip to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Skiing and riding the back bowls of Vail, down the face of Aspen Mountain, or a thigh-burner run on Ute at Sunlight Mountain Resort is the stuff of powder dreams come true. These Rocky Mountain resorts are part of the quintessential Colorado outdoor winter experience. While the bulk of your ski vacation will be spent slope-side, set just one day aside to explore adventuring options further afield.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs is located within easy driving distance of both Aspen area mountains and Vail Resorts. The proximity makes planning this day trip bunny-slope simple. As the highest elevation theme park in North America, the Adventure Park is as much an essential Colorado experience as first tracks in Blue Sky Basin on a powder day.

Other upsides of visiting Glenwood Springs include a respite for ski-fatigued bodies and the opportunity to relax in riverside hot springs.

Getting to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

  • From Vail, follow I-70 west for 60 miles. As you approach Glenwood Springs you’ll travel through Glenwood Canyon, one of the most stunning stretches of highway in the western U.S. At Glenwood Springs, take exit 116. Bear left through the round-about, turning right onto Highway 6 and left at Devereux Road.
  • Aspen is a short 40 miles away from Glenwood Springs; travel north via Highway 82 to Glenwood Springs. Continue through town, over the Grand Avenue Bridge. At the round-about turn right on Highway 6, then left at Devereux Road.
  • From Sunlight Mountain Resort, take Four Mile Road approximately 10 miles to Glenwood Springs and follow the same directions as if coming from Aspen.

The Height of Fun

Just like your experience on the slopes, your Caverns adventure begins with a gondola ride. The bright orange Glenwood Gondola cabins will whisk you up to the mountain-top park entrance. Along the way, take in spectacular views of snow covered Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork Valley below.

After you step off the gondola, explore all the Adventure Park has to offer. Winter Fun  Passes are the best value and include your Gondola pass, as well as two cave tours and unlimited turns on rides and attractions. The Alpine Coaster lets you zoom down the mountainside at your own pace. Let out the throttle or take it easy; it’s up to you.

Cave tours are dazzling; chock-full of spectacular formations. Expert guides lead the way through the underground landscape imparting a custom blend of historical data, fun facts and engaging stories. Lighted displays show off the cave formations to their best advantage much like sculptural artwork in a high-end resort gallery.

A winter day on the Alpine Coaster

Adventure Park visitors can also have fun at attractions like the laser tag arena, 4-D Theater and enjoy casual dining with a view in the Lookout Grille. Pick up some homemade fudge in the General Store to nibble on before heading back to ski towns.

While You’re In Glenwood Springs…

Plan to spend at least two to four hours enjoying Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Since Aspen, Vail and Sunlight Mountain Resort are all nearby, you’ll have time to relax with other Glenwood Springs activities as well. Ideas include:

Take your Vail, Aspen or Sunlight ski vacation to all-new heights. Plan your visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park today!

Relax at Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Adventure Park Annual Thrill Pass Special is Back for 2020

Enjoy Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park year-round at a discounted rate when you purchase your Annual Thrill Pass by January 1, 2020.

With only a couple of weeks left, now’s the time to take advantage of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Annual Thrill Pass sale. Through January 1, 2020, annual passes are just $90 for adults (regularly $128) and $78 for kids ages 3 to 12 (regularly $116). That’s a $38 savings, an amount equal to the value of an annual Gondola Pass. In other words, the Adventure Park will throw in a Glenwood Gondola Pass to anyone who purchases an Annual Thrill Pass by Jan. 1!

A Perfect Last-minute Gift for Kids and Families

 If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your children or an activity-oriented gift that you can enjoy together both now and later, a Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Annual Thrill Pass is an easy choice for high-flying, family-friendly fun all year round. This special is available online only and the offer ends Jan. 1, 2020.  To purchase, go here—Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park—use the promo code ALLYEARFUN and follow the prompts to complete your transaction.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Annual Thrill Park Passes include:

  • Unlimited rides on the Glenwood Gondola to take you to the Adventure Park anytime you want to enjoy the mountain-top setting for a fun-filled day that includes action-packed activities, dining with a view, live musical entertainment and more.
  • Unlimited turns on Adventure Park rides and attractions, including favorite thrill rides like the Alpine Coaster and the Giant Canyon Swing. Passes also include family attractions like kid-friendly rides, the laser tag arena and 4-D Theater shows.
  • Enjoy unlimited cave tours. Take guided cave tours through King’s Row and the Historic Fairy Caves with our expert guides whenever you feel like it. These beautiful underground landscapes never cease to amaze.
  • Free event admission is also included. With the exception of special ticketed events, your  Pass provides access to mountain-top events such as Kick-off celebrations, Music on the Mountain, Friday Afternoon Club (FAC), Octoberfest and Winter on the Mountain.
  • Get 10 percent off at mountain-top dining and retail venues. Just show your  Thrill Pass at the Lookout Grille or the General Store Gift Shop to trim a cool ten percent off the top of your purchase.

Take family fun to new heights at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, America’s only mountain-top theme park. Learn more and purchase your Annual Thrill Pass today at glenwoodcavdev.wpengine.com.

Gondola Giving

Gondola Giving

Glenwood Caverns invites you to GIVE at the base of the Glenwood Gondola for our community-minded event, Gondola Giving. Beginning at 2 p.m.,  we will be continuing the tradition of collecting food donations for Thanksgiving meals to community members in need. Guests who bring in non-perishable food items will receive one free gondola admission ticket for our Winter on the Mountain Kick-Off event beginning at 5 p.m., or you can donate grocery gift cards of $20 or more for 4 gondola admission tickets to be used at the event and be entered to win great prizes! Prizes included Annual Thrill Passes and soak passes to Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Donations can be dropped off at the Bighorn Toyota truck parked at the gondola base, then pick up your free gondola passes at the cashier window. The free passes are valid Nov. 23, 2019, only.

During Gondola Giving, local radio broadcaster, Jim Williams will be riding the Glenwood Gondola from 2-4 p.m., broadcasting live to keep the giving going. With special interviews from Glenwood Caverns Employees and later, Santa will give a special interview before making his debut appearance. A special thanks to Bighorn Toyota for collecting cans in a beautiful Toyota truck to later be sent to local food pantry Lift-UP.

See you at the Glenwood Gondola base for Gondola Giving and the Winter on the Mountain Kick-Off!

Holiday Season Kicks Off Nov. 23

The mountain-top Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colo., continues its tradition of community-minded holiday fun on Saturday, Nov. 23, with a fundraiser and food drive to provide Thanksgiving meals to community members in need, followed by a kick-off party with live music, holiday lights and a visit from Santa.

 Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park continues its tradition of community-minded holiday fun on Saturday, Nov. 23. It starts with Gondola Giving from 2 to 6 p.m., a fundraiser and food drive to provide Thanksgiving meals to community members in need. Guests can receive free gondola passes to use that day by donating grocery store gift cards or non-perishable food items. The mountain-top Winter on the Mountain kick-off party begins at 5 p.m. with live music by the Leonard Curry Trio, a tree lighting at 6 p.m., more than half a million holiday lights and visits from Santa Claus and the Coca-Cola polar bear.

“This day is all about community. It’s friends, neighbors and even strangers making it possible for others to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner together,” explained general manager Nancy Heard. “Then, everyone can come together to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at our kick-off party. The only cost is a can of food, and that includes a ride on the new Glenwood Gondola, the lighting of our Christmas tree, beautiful light displays, music, a visit with Santa and a cup of warm apple cider.”

Turkey Tram-a-Ganza transitions to Gondola Giving

Gondola Giving is a joint promotion with Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Bighorn Toyota. This event, which runs from 2 to 6 p.m., benefits local food pantries. In years past, the food drive focused on frozen turkeys. That is not the case this year; LIFT-UP has specifically requested grocery store gift cards and non-perishable Thanksgiving dinner fixings for area families in need foods.

Anyone who donates a gift card worth $20 or more receives four gondola passes to use that day and one entry in a drawing to win Annual Thrill Passes, Funday Passes and passes to soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Those donating a can of food receive one gondola pass to use that day. People can drop off donations and register for the drawing at the Bighorn Toyota truck parked at the tram base at 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, then pick up their free gondola passes at the cashier window. The free passes are valid Nov. 23, 2019, only.

Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Winter on the Mountain returns for 5th season

After a hiatus last winter for construction of the Glenwood Gondola, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park celebrates the return of Winter on the Mountain. Beginning at 5 p.m., guests can take in the holiday lights, visit and take photos with Santa Claus in the North Pole and get a hug from the Coca-Cola polar bear in the Plaza, where the lighting of the Christmas tree begins at 6 p.m. The Leonard Curry Band is performing Americana, bluegrass and some holiday favorites in the Lookout Grille throughout the evening.

“There’s a strong sense of family, community spirit and even a little holiday magic in the air at the kick-off party every year,” added Heard. “The kids are excited to share their wish lists with Santa, and parents can get that perfect pic of them together in time for holiday cards. With the lights, music and festive atmosphere, it’s a very special evening.”

Entertaining Guests All Season Long

This family-friendly park in Glenwood Springs, Colo., shines all season with a display of more than a half million lights, a giant Christmas tree, fire pits for roasting s’mores and lighted rides on the Alpine Coaster. The cave tours, 4D motion theater, laser tag arena and General Store are open as well.

Fire pits in the plaza are a natural gathering place to warm the hands and roast s’mores, with a tempting selection of hot cocoa, cider and winter beverages for kids and adults available inside the Lookout Grille. Along with a cozy fireplace and holiday décor, the restaurant offers appetizers, sandwiches, hearty winter specials and desserts. Beer, wine, cocktails and a robust Bloody Mary bar round out the drink options. There’s live music in the Lookout Grille nightly during the holidays as well.

From Nov. 15, 2019, through Feb. 28, 2020, the Lookout Grille hosts Friday Afternoon Club from 5 to 8:30 p.m. with live music and food and drink specials. Gondola rides are free after 4 p.m. with a coupon that appears in the Post Independent each Friday. Each coupon is valid for up to four people.

Ride Alpine Coaster at Winter on the Mountain

Winter Season Rates and Hours

 The discounted Winter Funday Pass is the best value to enjoy Winter on the Mountain. It includes the gondola ride, unlimited turns on the Alpine Coaster, 4D Motion Theater and laser tag arena, and two guided cave tours at a cost of just $42 per adult and $37 per child, ages 3 to 12. A round-trip ride on the Glenwood Gondola is $19 per adult and $14 per child for guests who want to view the lights, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Lookout Grille, do some shopping at the General Store and visit with Santa.

Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday from Nov. 15 through Feb. 29, 2020. The park is closed Monday through Thursday. During the holidays, it will be open daily Nov. 15 to Dec. 1, except for Thanksgiving Day, and Dec. 20 to Jan. 5, except for Christmas Day.

Not a Thrill Seeker? A Dozen Things to Do Instead

Theme parks like Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park tend to attract people who like the adrenaline rush of a scary ride. Not everyone is a thrill seeker, however. Here are 12 things to do if you’d rather not swing out over a 1,300-foot cliff.

  • Ride the Gondola. Getting to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is part of the fun. The Glenwood Gondola will whisk you up and away to the mountaintop theme park, but don’t worry; the ride is smooth and quick with amazing views of Glenwood Springs.
  • The Alpine Coaster. Before you say, no way, consider that this thrill ride allows you to control your speed. Let the throttle out all the way for maximum acceleration, or pull back for a speed you’re comfortable with. Either way, having the wind whip through your hair as your ride down the mountain is pure joy.
  • The Mine Wheel. This ride is not just for kids. Whatever your age, climb aboard this old-fashioned Ferris-style family ride updated with a mining theme. You’ll go round slowly, and as you reach the pinnacle, you’ll catch sight of the beautiful park and mountain scenery.
  • Laser Tag. Have fun ducking for cover and taking aim at friends and family. This lively game is a hoot. Be warned, however, kids are especially good it.
  • Meander through the General Store for all sorts of fun gifts, snacks and souvenirs. From sacks of colored stones to slingshots, homemade fudge to home décor, and tee-shirts to toys, you’ll find lots of eye candy to enjoy or to take home.
  • Check out the view. The Adventure Park has a couple of viewing decks. Climb the stairs at the Visitor’s Center for spectacular views of Glenwood Springs, the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers and Mt. Sopris in the distance. Another viewing deck is located near the Giant Canyon Swing. Even if you don’t ride, you can watch others as they swing out over Glenwood Canyon which can be thrill enough.
  • Cave tours. Two caves tours, the Historic Fairy Caves and King’s Row are not to be missed. Both offer different perspectives on the amazing underground world. See thriving cave formations that include stalactites and stalagmites, cave bacon, popcorn, soda straws and flowstone.
    • Catch a show. Glenwood Caverns offers a lineup of live entertainment almost all year long, whether it’s Friday Afternoon Club and Two for Tuesdays during the summer, Music on the Mountain which goes into September, Octoberfest in the fall, Winter on the Mountain during the holiday season, or special artist engagements. To see who’s playing, check out our always updated events calendar.
    • 4-D Theater. These 15-minute shows will put a smile on your face. The theater is equipped with moving seats, surround sound, and special effects that make you feel like you’re actually inside the movie!
    • Grab a bite. Sit for a spell and savor something delicious. The Lookout Grille serves a variety of meals as well as adult beverages. For a grab-and-go pick-me-up, stop by the Snack Shack or Popcorn Wagon.
    • Strike a pose. Smile for the camera—your or ours. Take fun snaps in the Giant Mountain Chair at the Visitors Center. You can also bring home souvenir photos taken on the Fairy Caves tour, Alpine Coaster and other rides or dress up in western style for a full-on photoshoot at Silk’s Saloon Old Tyme Photos.
    • Pan for gemstones. Purchase a bag of dirt from the General Store and try your luck at finding an unexpected “gem” at our sluice channel. As you do so, imagine what it must have been like for prospectors who spent their days panning Colorado mountain streams in hopes of flushing out tiny flecks of precious metal.

Not a thrill seeker? Not a problem. Have all the fun without the faintness of heart. Learn more and plan a visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park today.

Pro Tips for Navigating Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Happy faces at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Happy faces at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

You wouldn’t visit the Magic Kingdom without a having plan; similarly, for a 5-star experience, use these strategies for navigating Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park during the peak summer season.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a top activity choice for visitors to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It rates right up there with soaking in hot springs, rafting in Glenwood Canyon and hiking to Hanging Lake, all of which reach the pinnacle of visitation during the summer months when kids and families take time off to travel. Having a strategy for navigating our theme park will help ensure a satisfying experience.

Our Best Insider Advice for Navigating the Park

Purchase tickets in advance.  Buying tickets ahead of time is convenient and you’ll spend less time waiting in the line to take the Glenwood Gondola to the mountaintop theme park. You can also save 5 percent using promo code BUYONLIN5P.

The best value. Our Funday Pass hands-down offers the biggest bang for your buck. It includes everything—the Glenwood Gondola, unlimited turns on rides and attractions and both cave tours.

Know height requirements. All of the thrill rides require riders to be a minimum height  to ensure safety and we’re sticklers about it. Family attractions also have restrictions. We’d rather see you back next year when your child easily meets the height requirement than have to tell you sorry after you’ve stood in line on a hot day.

Check for ride closures. For a variety of reasons, we sometimes we have to close rides. Sometimes it’s a short delay, perhaps due to a thunderstorm passing through. In the event it’s a longer closure we let guests know by posting it to the website under Park Info>Rides & Attractions Status. If you’ve been dreaming about riding the Alpine Coaster, rather than be disappointed that it’s closed, we recommend checking the status page before arriving.

Dress code. Wear comfortable clothing and non-flip-flop shoes; bring a light jacket for cave tours and a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

Visit early or late. To avoid the crowds, come when the park opens at 9 a.m. and head straight for the rides you most want to enjoy. The Park stays open until 9 p.m., seven days per week, until August 11 when we will start closing at 6 p.m. on weekdays. Until then, evenings after 5 p.m. are another great way to miss the midday traffic.

Eat early or late. Avoid the lunch rush hour at the Lookout Grille by eating before 11:30 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m.  Alternatively, enjoy a lighter meal outside at Snack Shack.

Beat the heat. The sun’s rays are strongest in the afternoon. Cool off with midday cave tours.  On a hot summer day, the caverns internal temperature is a refreshing 52°F. Other ways to beat the heat include attending a 4-D Theater show which takes place every 15 minutes. The misters will cool you off outside while the air-conditioned interior of the theater will keep you comfortable inside.

Use our free stuff. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located at an elevation of 7,100 feet. At higher elevations like ours the chances of getting sunburned or dehydrated increase. Complimentary sunscreen is available at the guest services shack in the plaza, and there is free ice water available at the Lookout Grille. We encourage you to use both as often as necessary.

Rain, rain, go away. Afternoon thundershowers are a regular part of summers in the high country. The good news is they roll through quickly. Many people choose to leave when it starts raining, but we advise sticking it out as the storms tend to pass quickly.

Leave it outside. Caring for our caves is another top priority at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Contact with the outside air, detritus, food, drinks, bumping or dropping things inside the caves can create irreparable damage. That’s why we ask you to leave your backpacks, handbags, snacks, water bottles, toys, strollers, etc. outside the cave entrance. If you’re not comfortable with that, we offer lockers where you can store your belongings.

Now that you have a handle on navigating Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, make plans to visit today.

Summer’s Here! It’s Time to Buy Your Annual Thrill Pass

For Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park annual pass holders, the season ahead is filled with thrilling rides, cave tours and a full schedule of musical entertainment! Even though passes are valid for one year, make the most of your annual pass by purchasing now—in time to make the most of upcoming summer fun!

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is getting ready to kick high-flying fun up a notch for summer. We recently launched our new Glenwood Gondola, celebrated the 20th anniversary of opening the caves to tours, hosted a Prince tribute band and we’re just getting started! In addition to the all the thrill rides and attractions you’ve come to love, we’ve got a big summer planned. Music on the Mountain kicks off on Saturday, June 15; Friday Afternoon Club makes its weekly reappearance beginning on June 14. Scattered throughout the year are special events that include Cave & Karst Day on June 9, Octoberfest in the fall and later in the year—Winter on the Mountain. An Annual Thrill Pass in your pocket means you never have to pass up the fun!

Unlimited Admission on Thrill Rides & Attractions

With your 2019 Annual Thrill Pass, you can hop aboard the new Glenwood Gondola and all your favorite Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park thrill rides as often as you like including the Giant Canyon Swing, the Alpine Coaster, the Cliffhanger Roller Coaster, the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride and the Canyon Flyer. Your thrill pass also gains you admission to both cave tours and attractions like the park’s 4-D movies and laser tag arena.

No Black-out Dates

Your pass is valid anytime the park is open. Come for special events like the Friday Afternoon Club, Music on the Mountain, Harmony Sisters sing-along and the new Two for Tuesdays with buy-one-get-one specials after 4 p.m. It doesn’t matter if it happens to be spring break, the Christmas holiday or the height of summer, your Annual Thrill Pass gives you access to entertainment and adventures that span the seasons.

An Outstanding Value

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Annual Thrill Pass is a crazy good deal. Consider that a one-time Funday Pass costs $58 for adults (13 and older) and $53 for children (3-12), while a Thrill Pass runs $128 and $116 respectively. In just a little over two visits, your pass pays for itself!

Bonus Discounts

Your Annual Thrill Pass also entitles you to discounts at any of the park’s restaurants and in the gift shop. Save ten percent on whatever tickles your taste buds. It could be a meal at the Lookout Grille, a slice of pizza at the Snack Shack or sweet treats at the Popcorn Wagon. Take home souvenirs or shop for gifts at the General Store, all while trimming a cool ten percent off the top just by showing your Thrill Pass.

A Gondola-only Option

If you’d prefer to skip the rides and just come to the park to enjoy the views, the music, or a meal out, consider purchasing the Glenwood Gondola Annual Pass. Like the Annual Thrill Pass, it’s valid for one year, and at just $38, it’s a bargain.

Give the Most Thrilling Gift

An Annual Thrill Pass makes a great gift for just about anyone in your life. Give a gift of smiles, wonder and lasting memories to all the special people in your life. An Annual Thrill Pass is just the thing for kids on summer break; it makes an ideal present for high school and college graduates; and is also perfect for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.

Purchase Your Thrill Pass Today

Annual Thrill Passes are just $128 for adults (13 and older) and $116 for children (3 – 12) and are available for purchase at www.glenwoodcaverns or by calling 970-945-4228. If you already have a Glenwood Gondola Local’s Pass, you can upgrade to an Annual Thrill Pass and the cost of your Local’s Pass will be pro-rated and deducted from the cost of your Annual Thrill Pass.

Grand Opening of the Glenwood Gondola

There’s a new gondola in the Roaring Fork Valley, and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is ready to celebrate its completion. The Glenwood Gondola, which replaces the park’s former Iron Mountain Tramway, has been under construction since October 29, 2018. On Saturday, April 20, the mountain-top theme park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is rolling out the red carpet to introduce its newest attraction.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicks off the festivities at 10 a.m. on April 20

Paying homage to the grand opening of the Iron Mountain Tramway in 2003, owners Steve and Jeanne Beckley have invited two of the people who played important roles in that ceremony to come back for repeat performances. KMTS news and sports director Ron Milhorn will once again be the emcee for the event. Melissa Miller Matis will sing the same two songs she sang in 2003, when she was 15, “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “A Moment Like This.”

After the Beckleys take the first ride, the Glenwood Gondola opens for the public. The park saved tram cabin number one, which is located at the base for photo opportunities. Cake will be served on the stage in the plaza area beginning at 11 a.m. Silk’s Saloon Olde Tyme Photos will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well.

“Everyone at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is really looking forward to the grand opening,” park general manager Nancy Heard explained. “Even though the park has been open for a few weeks with 17 gondola cabins, this is really the big kick-off for us. We have a lot of great things planned for this summer, so this is just the first of many fun events coming up, including our 20th anniversary celebration on May 18 and 15 Music on the Mountain concerts through the summer.”

Giving thanks to a supportive community

To thank the community for its patience while the park was closed, free annual gondola passes were offered to residents from Basalt to Glenwood and from Eagle to Parachute. More than 17,000 people signed up, a much larger number than anticipated.

Heard added, “Wow, the response was just incredible! We had to make a special order of the plastic cards used for the passes to accommodate so many people. We continue to be humbled by the loyalty and enthusiastic support of our community.”

At $38 per annual gondola pass, that’s a $650,000 goodwill gesture to encourage locals to come up and see what’s new and to bring back those who may have stopped attending the Music on the Mountain concerts because of the lines to get up and down the mountain.

The Glenwood Gondola improves the park experience for visitors

With the increased capacity of the Glenwood Gondola, that should no longer be an issue. In the past, the majority of customer complaints were related to getting up and down the mountain. The new gondola is designed to be much more customer-friendly. It features 44 detachable cabins that move continuously, so the ride is faster and smoother than the former Iron Mountain Tramway. It’s also less susceptible to weather-related closures.

“When you combine the gondola, the capital improvements made throughout the park and compensation to keep our year-round, full-time employees on the payroll during the closure, this multi-million-dollar investment in the park is the largest since its inception,” Steve Beckley said. “Jeanne and I are really pleased with the dedication our managers and staff members have shown to improving our customer experience. We can’t wait to hear what our guests have to say.”

The season ahead at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

The park’s year-round attractions are open—the Alpine Coaster, both walking cave tours, the laser tag arena and 4D Motion Theater. An inclusive Funday Pass costs $47 for adults and $42 for kids 3 to 13 until May 10, when all attractions will be open. A ride on the Glenwood Gondola is $19 for adults and $14 for kids, and the Gondola/Cave Tour combo is $32 for adults and $27 for kids. Annual Gondola Pass Holders can upgrade to a Funday Pass for $28 or to an Annual Thrill Pass for $90 per adult and $78 per child.

The Lookout Grille is open with a variety of new options on the menu, including a line of Panini Sandwiches and more vegetarian choices. The General Store gift shop is open and also has a lot of new items, including locally made cave-themed chocolates, handmade artisan soaps and lotions, and fresh designs on t-shirts and hoodies, with more on the way.

Starting Thursday, April 11, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Longer hours for summer will begin in late May. More information about the park can be found at GlenwoodCaverns.com and on Facebook.