Visit A Cave During International Year of Caves and Karst

Celebrate 2021 International Year of Caves and Karst at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

In addition to showing off the beauty of the caves for visitors, Glenwood Caverns’ is celebrating the International Year of Caves and Karst to help provide education and protection for the natural wonders here in Glenwood Springs and around the world.

The International Year of Caves and Karst (IYCK) is an initiative of the International Union of Speleology (UIS), a non-profit headquartered in Slovenia and dedicated to the exploration, study and management of caves through international cooperation.

Glenwood Caverns is a proud IYCK supporter, helping to educate visitors about caves and karst. “Every cave tour is an opportunity to inform visitors from all over the globe and of all ages about the unique, fragile environment of caves,” said Kathy Miller, Director of Cave Operations.

What Exactly is Karst?

Caves and karst are fascinating to learn about
Viewing the underground landscape is part of the fun of exploring caves

Karst is a type of landscape that covers about 20 percent of the world’s land, with special surface, hydrological and underground features and phenomena. It forms mainly by the slow dissolving of certain rocks over thousands of years. Karst forms most widely in carbonate rocks—limestone, dolomite and marble—by water enriched with carbon dioxide, which is slightly acidic and can dissolve those rocks. In dry climates, karst forms on evaporite rocks— gypsum, anhydrite, and halite (rock salt)—which dissolve even if the water is not acidic. In rare cases, karst will form in other rocks, such as quartz sandstones. Caves are the best-known type of karst feature, and form as underground drainage systems by the dissolution process.

Why are Caves Important?

  • Economic Drivers. Caves and karst are priceless natural resources. Hundreds of caves are open to tourism around the world, many in World Heritage sites. About 150 million tourists visit caves each year, providing vital support to many national economies.
  • Fresh Water. Karst aquifers provide an estimated 20 percent of the world’s drinking water and include the largest wells and springs on earth.
  • Biodiversity. Caves and karst are home to many of the planet’s most diverse, important and rare ecosystems, supporting ecological diversity above and below the ground.

Why Do We Need to Understand Caves Better?

Many species make caves their home, some newly discovered like this critterDespite its broad international distribution and great importance, caves and karst are generally poorly understood. Few scientists and natural resource managers are adequately trained to properly study or manage them. Many governments do not recognize caves and karst at all or fail to recognize their importance. As such they are often unprotected, subject to contamination and vandalism.

Progress is being made, however. Specialized cave and karst conferences are now common and national cave and karst research institutes have been established in eight countries. Effective understanding and management of caves and karst requires broad, international understanding and appreciation by governments from the local to the national level, as well as from such stakeholders as scientists and the public.

How Can You Help?

One of the best ways to support caves and karst is to visit a cave near you. Your visit not only raises money that contributes to the care of caves but also raises awareness about the importance of protecting them for future generations. With 2021 declared the International Year of Caves and Karst, this year is a perfect time to go deeper by exploring the hidden world of caves either at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park or elsewhere.

Learn more about Glenwood Caverns and make plans to visit in 2021!

Our 2021 New Year Resolutions!

Having fun in 2021 at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

It’s the beginning of a new year and we’re making our annual resolutions, all of which include you—our guests. We want to thank you for supporting Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park throughout 2020, and we’re looking forward to seeing you at the mountaintop once again in the coming months. Take a look at what we’re committed to in 2021.

Continue reading

Don’t Let Vacation Days Go To Waste

Ride the Alpine Coaster at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

You worked hard to earn your vacation days, don’t let them go unused. Instead, plan an end-of-the-year vacation to Glenwood Springs where you can enjoy the holiday merriment, rides and cave tours at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs and ski at Sunlight Mountain Resort!

The end of the year is looming and you still have vacation days left. Don’t wait; make plans to enjoy every minute of them today! You might have had big travel plans at the beginning of the year, but when the pandemic hit in March those plans more than likely came to a screeching halt. While some employers will allow you to rollover unused vacation days, many do not. The result is those days are lost forever. Living through quarantines was bad enough; don’t make it worse by losing your earned vacation days. After all, you really do deserve to enjoy a little R&R before the year ends.

Spend a Few Days in Glenwood Springs

During these unprecedented times, traveling to destinations that are close to home seems to be the easiest and most appealing option for many people looking for a Colorado getaway. Glenwood Springs is an easy drive from Denver and points east, as well as from Grand Junction to the west. You can also hop aboard the Amtrak train which makes regular stops at the historic train depot in downtown Glenwood.

Springs, Slopes & Celebrations

Not only are the final two months of the year the perfect time to use your vacation days, but they are also an ideal time to visit Glenwood Springs. Top winter activities include hot springs, skiing and snowboarding, thrill rides and cave exploration, as well as holiday merriment. The hot springs town has also been at the forefront of public safety during the pandemic. Hotels, restaurants and attractions have dialed in protocols to keep guests and workers safe. You can read about what COVID precautions attractions have taken in the links below.

Celebrate the holiday season at America’s only mountaintop theme park. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s annual Winter on the Mountain begins Friday, Nov. 13 and runs through Feb. 2021. Enjoy gondola rides, dazzling light displays, thrill rides, a giant Christmas tree with a light show choreographed to holiday music and much more. The Unlimited Alpine Coaster ticket is the best value to enjoy Winter on the Mountain. As the name implies, it includes unlimited turns on the Alpine Coaster plus a roundtrip gondola ride, 4D Motion Theater, laser tag arena and two guided cave tours at a cost of just $44 per adult and $39 per child, ages 3 to 12. A round-trip ride on the Glenwood Gondola is $20 per adult and $15 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. Make your online reservations to attend Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park today!

Learn more about Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s COVID guidelines here.

Relax at Iron Mountain Hot SpringsRelax, restore and rejuvenate in 16 soaking pools that range in temperature from 99°F to 108°F. Get cozy on cold days with a soothing soak. The natural geothermal water has an almost magical ability to tease tension from sore muscles, helping you to thoroughly decompress. The family pool with a jetted spa is cooler and provides relief from the heat of the soaking pools. Be sure to visit Iron Mountain Hot Springs online to make reservations for your 2-1/2-hour soaking window. Choose morning hours and weekdays for the ultimate serene getaway; après ski is a wonderful time to remedy any aches and pains; and an evening soak before bed practically guarantees a good night’s sleep.

Learn more about Iron Mountain Hot Springs’ COVID guidelines here.

 

Snowboarding at Sunlight Mountain ResortSunlight Mountain is Glenwood Springs’ affordable, family-friendly ski area with over 730 acres of skiable terrain. In addition to miles of cruising intermediate terrain, Sunlight’s East Ridge has one of the steeper runs in the state. Sunlight is home to one of the longest trails in ski country, Ute, a beginner slope that winds more than two miles from summit to base. Sunlight also hosts some of the best tree skiing in Colorado with many aspen groves untracked days after a snowfall. All trails converge at the base lodge, so friends and family can always keep track of each other.

There’s so much to smile about at Sunlight Mountain Resort, especially this season. One of the big bonuses is that Sunlight won’t require visitors to make reservations to ski, something the larger, more crowded Colorado ski areas are embracing this season. With lots of open space and fewer people on the slopes, Sunlight is socially distant by nature!

Learn more about Sunlight Mountain Resort’s COVID guidelines here.

 

Time is Running Out

The time left to use your 2020 vacation days is dwindling. Check with your HR department today and let the boss know you’ll be taking a few days off before the year is over!

Octoberfest is Happening!

Octoberfest 2020 at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Octoberfest at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is an autumn tradition—full of fall colors, fall flavors and fall fun for the whole family. From contests and games to brats and beer, it’s the event of the season. Make a reservation and wear a face covering to join in!

Continue reading

An Unforgettable Location For Weddings, Reunions, Retreats

Many people don’t realize they can celebrate their special occasions at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The mountaintop venue is perfect for events of all kinds including weddings, retreats and family reunions.

Called “special occasions” for a reason, they range from once-in-a-lifetime celebrations like a wedding ceremony to annual gatherings such as company parties and corporate retreats. Whatever the cause for getting together, location sets the tone for your event. For a fun, interactive location that’s casual, vibrant and 100 percent Colorado, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is the place to celebrate your next big event.

Weddings. Getting married at a theme park might not be the first place that comes to mind as the location for your nuptials, but it’s one you should consider especially if a fun atmosphere, a unique setting and memorable details are important to you. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has all three. To exchange vows, the Viewing Deck and Lookout Grille both offer breath-taking views with a stunning backdrop of the Roaring Fork Valley and Mt. Sopris. For smaller weddings, couples can also tie the knot inside the caves. The mountaintop restaurant provides catered dining options and a full bar—everything you need for a great party. When it comes to capturing the moment for eternity, there’s no shortage of amazing backdrops for extraordinary, unique wedding photos. Take pictures all around the beautifully landscaped park, amid cave formations on King’s Row or even on rides like the Canyon Flyer or Giant Canyon Swing!
Learn more about wedding venues and reception packages at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Retreats & Company Parties. Get the job done and have fun at the same time. Encourage every member of your team to bring their A-game with a company retreat or party at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Getting away from the ordinary day-to-day interactions allows people to interact differently with each other. A theme park retreat can be an effective way to encourage team building among employees. Chances are they’ll see a whole new side of their workmates. Annual company parties at the Park, whether at the holidays or other time of year, also offer a unique way to thank and recognize employees for a job well done.

Learn more about Glenwood Caverns’ business packages and all the options available for corporate gatherings.

Reunions. Celebrate multiple generations of family at a venue that has something for every member—from school-aged youngsters and hard-to-please teens to senior citizens. Get together for a delicious, casual meal at the Lookout Grille and spend the day exploring the Park. You’ll make memories to cherish for a lifetime. The Park’s family attractions are fun for all, thrill rides are a screaming good time and cave tours can accommodate the whole group for an experience that’s entertaining and educational for one and all. As a memento, we can even snap professional souvenir photos of your group for you.

Learn more about Friends & Family packages available at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

An unforgettable venue for your next big event, celebrate the occasion at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Plan a Thrilling Romantic Adventure for Two

Add some big thrills to your romance with a visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The mountaintop 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!

Win a Family Getaway to Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, America’s only mountaintop theme park is sponsoring a contest for a vacation package that includes the best of Glenwood Springs activities and accommodations.

Win a Glenwood Family Getaway

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is rolling out the Glenwood Family Getaway contest again for 2020. One lucky family will receive:

  • A 2 night stay at the historic Hotel Colorado
  • 4 Funday passes to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
  • 4 day passes to soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs
  • 4 show tickets to the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue
  • 4 vouchers to the Glenwood Escape Room
  • Fifty-dollar gift card to Glenwood Canyon Brewpub

The Best of Glenwood Springs

The Hotel Colorado is a Glenwood Springs landmark. It has hosted such notable guests as President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt and Titanic survivor “Unsinkable” Molly Brown. It is famous for its holiday lighting display, fine dining and as a favorite location for weddings and other special events.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is an award-winning, family-owned theme park. It is home to spectacular caves and holds the record for the second largest cave room in Colorado. The mountaintop theme park is also known for its thrill rides. The Giant Canyon Swing, two extreme rides, have attracted world-wide attention from media outlets and thrill seekers.

Located on a terraced bank along the Colorado River, Iron Mountain Hot Springs allows guests to customize their soaking experience. Sixteen individual soaking pools—varying in size, shape and temperature—enable guests to find the one that’s “just right.” Other amenities include a larger, freshwater family pool, a restaurant, modern locker rooms and a gift shop.

For evening entertainment, the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue, Glenwood’s own Comedy Central is the place to go for laughs. The talented cast of professional performers keeps audiences in stitches with family-friendly skits, jokes, high energy dance numbers and more. The venue also hosts special events, bringing in bands, comedians and musicals.

For guests who like a challenge, the Glenwood Escape Room will put sleuthing skills to the test. The question is: Are you clever enough to get out in time? Choose from three scenarios and use clues to solve the mystery. Guests have 60 minutes and must work as a team to unlock the door and escape!

The Glenwood Canyon Brewpub brings flavorful and memorable food to your table. With a variety of delicious American pub dishes for everyone and award winning brews.

Enter to Win Today!

For the chance to win the Glenwood Family Getaway, fill out the entry form. The contest begins February 3, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on February 29, 2020. The winning family will be electronically drawn at random and announced March 2, 2020. Winners’ travel must occur between March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021. Blackout dates apply.

The Fine Print:

  •  No purchase necessary
  • One valid entry per contestant
  • Must be 21 years of age or older at time of entry to be eligible for this contest.
  • This contest is void where prohibited by law.
  • Employees of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and their immediate family are not eligible.
  • Winners will be notified by phone and/or email.
  • If a winner is unreachable after seven (7) days or if that winner is unavailable for prize fulfillment an alternate winner will be selected.
  • Travel expenses to Glenwood Springs are not included.
  • Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park reserves the right to substitute any prize with another prize of equal or greater value.
  • Contest entrants agree to abide by the terms of the Official Rules and by the decisions of the contest commissioners which are final on all matters pertaining to the contest.
  • Entrants further grant Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park the right to use and publish their proper name and state online and in print, or any other media, in connection with the contest.
  • By completing this registration and pressing “submit”, entrants give Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Hotel Colorado, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Vaudeville Revue, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub and Glenwood Adventure Company permission to contact the contestant via the email provided.
  • Contestants authorize Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Hotel Colorado, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Vaudeville Revue, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub and Glenwood Escape Room Inc. to send emails about their products using automated technology.

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 mountaintop 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 mountaintop 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 mountaintop 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 mountaintop theme park. Learn more and purchase your Annual Thrill Pass today at glenwoodcavdev.wpengine.com.