Cave ecosystems are delicate environments that require special cave care for their preservation. Learn more about how you can do your part to help caves stay healthy.
Continue readingCave Care: Sustaining the Subterranean
Summer Fun Going Strong in Glenwood Springs
Even as we all adjust to a new normal that includes face coverings and social distancing, you can continue to enjoy many of the activities you’ve always loved to do in Glenwood Springs. In addition to rides, attractions and cave tours at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, there’s rafting, biking, fishing, comedy shows, outdoor dining, hot springs and much more!
Continue readingFor Bird’s Eye Views Visit the Viewing Deck
For knock-your-socks off vistas, there’s no place in town like the Viewing Deck at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
Continue readingAdventure Park Reopens With New Protocols in Place
As visitors return to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for the mountaintop fun they’ve missed over the past few months, they’ll find there’s a lot to take in including a newly-completed arrival building at the base, as well as enhanced safety procedures for operating in a COVID-19 environment.
Continue readingAmusement Industry Pros Join Management Team
Two amusement industry veterans have joined the management team at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, adding to the park’s depth of experience.
Continue readingGet Outside: The Remedy for Quarantine Cabin Fever
Feeling cooped up these days? Spending time in nature, while still respecting social distancing and other health recommendations, could be just what the doctor ordered.
We miss seeing your smiling faces at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. As a Colorado theme park situated on top of a mountain, being outside enjoying thrills rides and family attractions, as well as exploring the natural beauty of the caverns is part of the Adventure Park experience. Until we re-open in the weeks ahead, we encourage you to spend some time outdoors every day. Nature can be a potent source of renewal and regeneration for all of us, especially now.
Since mid-March, to tamp down the spread of the novel coronavirus, many of us have been working from home, socializing online, homeschooling our kids, limiting trips to the grocery store, wrangling for toilet paper, binge-watching TV and getting the hang of wearing face masks in public. It has been a long few weeks and there’s still more to go. At this point in the quarantine, who among us isn’t going a little stir crazy?
Here’s a suggestion: Get outside. Spending time in nature has all sorts of documented benefits. According to MentalFloss, it can boost your energy, creativity and immune system. A dose of sunlight can help mitigate pain, reduce anxiety, help with seasonal affective disorder and even restore your focus. And those are the perks in a pre-pandemic world!
Getting out in nature now can be even more effective in boosting our health and our moods. In the viral health crisis we find ourselves in today, spending time outdoors has a stockpile of advantages:
- Nature takes our minds off scary headlines. Turn down the noise of the world by stepping out your front door. If you look for natural beauty every time you go outside, you’ll be sure to find it. Fresh blooms are popping up everywhere, warm sunshine on bare skin feels like a hug from an old friend, and spring rain brings with it rainbows and the promise of better days ahead.
- Nature allows us to interact with other humans from a safe distance. While the wearing of masks is recommended in confined indoor settings, as long as we keep the 6-foot recommended distance from one another we can lower our nose and mouth protection when we’re outside. After so much self-isolation, smiling and waving to other people has never felt more therapeutic!
- Nature is a big playground. Along with school closures, many city parks and playgrounds are off-limits for the time being. To keep kids from going bonkers, turn them loose for fresh air and to burn off steam. Simple things to do include riding bikes around the neighborhood, taking the dog for a walk, flying a kite or spending the afternoon fishing.
- Nature encourages relaxation. Study after study has shown that green spaces boost our mood, reduce anxiety and generally make us feel better. Why not use this quarantine to take a solitary nap in a hammock, sketch or paint a landscape, read a book al fresco or dip your feet in the creek. Doing so won’t solve all your problems, but you will likely feel better and more at ease.
- Nature is all around and accessible. Spending time in nature is not complicated even in these complicated times. It’s is as easy as opening your front door, walking barefoot on your own lawn, picking weeds in the garden, going for an early morning walk or an after-work-at-home run.
However you decide to spend time in nature, follow national, state and local health guidelines especially social distancing even when outside and remember to wash your hands thoroughly when you return home.
We at Glenwood Caverns look forward to seeing you back again soon for a mountain-full of fun and adventure. For updates on our re-opening and other news follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram today.
Locals’ Choice Awards Names Glenwood Caverns in Multiple Categories
The votes have been tallied and the results are in—Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a Locals’ Choice winner, placing in top spots in seven categories.
The Glenwood Springs Post Independent (GSPI) recently announced the winners of its 2020 Locals’ Choice Awards—and area residents are feeling the love for the mountaintop Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs. They selected Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park as their number one choice for Best Attraction, Best Family Entertainment and Best Place for a Kid’s Birthday Party. The Adventure Park also placed in other categories including Best Live Music Spot, Best Entertainment Venue, Best Place to Take an Out-of-Town Guest and Best Winter Festival or Event.
Adventure Park Feature Story
The GSPI featured Park owners Steve and Jeanne Beckley in the Locals’ Choice Arts and Entertainment special section.
“It’s a huge honor when this happens—this is really cool. I think it’s a testament to the place, but it is such a huge reflection of our team that works with us in carrying out our mission of making people smile,” Jeanne Beckley said. Read the whole GSPI story here.
The 2020 Locals’ Choice Awards
Thanks to everyone who voted for Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, we look forward to seeing your smiling faces and to welcoming you back to our mountaintop theme park soon. We also want to give a shout out to these other great local businesses who share the Locals’ Choice spotlight with us.
#1 Best Family Entertainment: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
(Glenwood Hot Springs Pool; Brenden Rifle 7 Theaters)
#1 Best Attraction: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
(Iron Mountain Hot Springs; Glenwood Hot Springs Pool)
#1 Best Place for a Kid’s Birthday Party: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
(City of Glenwood Springs Community Center; Glenwood Hot Springs Pool)
#2 Best Live Music Spot (Ute Theater and Events Center; Steve’s Guitars)
#3 Best Entertainment Venue (Glenwood Vaudeville Revue; Ute Theater and Events Center)
#3 Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests (Rifle Falls State Park; Iron Mountain Hot Springs)
#3 Best Winter Festival or Event: Winter on the Mountain (Hotel Colorado Lighting Ceremony; Hometown Holidays in Rifle)
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. We encourage everyone to stay healthy by practicing social distancing as well as following national, state and local guidelines. To receive updates on our re-opening date and other news, please follow us online on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Tune in to Watch RMPBS Fairy Caves Episode
Rocky Mountain PBS “Colorado Experience” Viewers’ Choice Episode about the Fairy Caves airs Thursday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m.; viewers outside of Colorado can watch at https://www.rmpbs.org/schedule/ at the same time.
Fairy Caves Wins Viewers’ Choice
This time last year, Colorado residents voted for “Fairy Caves” to be the 2020 Rocky Mountain PBS “Colorado Experience” Viewers’ Choice.
Every year, Colorado Experience conducts a Viewers’ Choice Award contest to let viewers decide what episode Rocky Mountain PBS will produce. According to producer Eric Hernandez, “For a few weeks, typically in March, there is a call for submissions when anyone can suggest episode ideas; we always get a long list of interesting and important topics. This year we had 360 submissions! We narrowed that down to six finalists from different regions and timeframes and opened the contest for voting.”
Getting the Vote Out
The team at Glenwood Caverns and the Historic Fairy Caves, which is part of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, pulled out all the stops to encourage people to vote. An initial email was sent to managers and supervisors asking them to share with their employees, friends and family members. A social media and email newsletter campaign started, and the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association asked for support from the business community. It all came together with reminder emails and Facebook posts.
History in the Spotlight
“This show is so special to us as it chronicles the history of the Fairy Caves as well as Glenwood Springs, and the timing is wonderful because this year marks the 125th anniversary of the discovery of the cave. We got a sneak preview and it brought tears to my eyes,” admitted Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park co-owner Jeanne Beckley. “Although our local premiere has been postponed, we hope our community can tune in Thursday night.”
Episode Airs March 26
The Fairy Caves episode airs Thursday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m.; viewers outside of Colorado can watch at https://www.rmpbs.org/schedule/ at the same time. Filming primarily took place last May. Jeanne and husband and co-owner Steve Beckley are featured in the show along with general manager Nancy Heard, natural attractions manager Kathy Miller, executive director of the Glenwood Springs Historical Society Bill Knight, and cave historian and author of “Colorado Caves” Richard Rhinehart.
Learn the Fascinating Story of the Fairy Caves
“Colorado Experience: Fairy Caves” explores the magical Fairy Caves—once dubbed “The 8th Wonder of the World.” Hidden inside Glenwood Springs’ Iron Mountain, this living cave network inspires awe. But the caverns were nearly lost to time and were closed for more than 80 years—until an engineer who also happened to be a caver had a vision of how to return the magic to this fantastical place.
Spring Break is a Time to Spring Forward
Take a break at a family-friendly spot this year. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a family favorite for spring break vacations. Learn more about spring break traditions around the country.
Spring break isn’t just for college kids. Your family can use a break—maybe from the winter cabin fever, maybe for that final sprint of the
kids’ school year, surely for some getaway time together that will make more lifetime memories. After all, vacations aren’t just for summer.
Check out the hot spots online for college spring breaks. Then look somewhere else where you can find fun for the whole family. You probably don’t want to be competing with massive student groups for a spot on the beach or a table in a restaurant.
One nice thing about spring is that it’s still winter—snow season—in some parts of the country and summer—beach season—in others. You can find plenty of family-friendly resorts, pick breathtaking natural beauty, or explore the museums, shops, entertainment and fun in unexpected cities. Check out these lists for ideas:
- Family Vacation Critic has found 14 desirable spots, from the mountains (Ogden, Utah) to the coast (Hilton Head, S.C.; Panama City, Titusville, and the Florida Keys) to the coast (Carlsbad, Calif) to the coast (the Caribbean and Mexico). They’ve also found fun family things to do in Indianapolis, New York City, and the Wisconsin Dells.
- HGTV has a Top 10 that includes snow at Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont; sun in San Diego, Calif. and Captiva Island, Fla.; a dude ranch in Arizona; and a surfing school in Hawaii.
- Good Housekeeping’s 15 recommendations include Lisbon and London; Banff, Canada, and Los Cabos, Mexico; Yosemite National Park and Hawaii.
- Family Vacation Critic highlights out-of-the-way places such as Greenville, S.C., Blowing Rock and Beech Mountain, N.C., McCall, Idaho, and Blairsville, Ga., alongside the more familiar Punta Cana, Cancun, Mexico City, Quebec City, Montego Bay, and Palm Springs. It includes Glenwood Springs on a list focused on affordability.
Whatever your family’s interest—ski, swim, scuba, surf, big cities, small towns or back-to-nature, you can find the perfect spot for 2020 sightseeing. You’ll come home refreshed, renewed and ready for the rest of the years.
For a family spring break in Colorado, be sure to learn more about Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
Winter at the Adventure Park: What Not to Miss
While many Colorado theme parks shut down for the winter months, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park remains open all winter long with seasonal rides, cave tours, dining and entertainment.
Open year-round
Elitch Gardens, the amusement park in Denver may have wrapped up its season, but Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs keeps the fun going strong all winter long with Winter on the Mountain, a wonder-filled season at the mountaintop theme park.
With plenty of chilly, but sunshine filled days ahead, visiting the Adventure Park in the off season has its perks. Visitors can look forward to fewer crowds and reduced off-season pricing, all while still enjoying many of the Park’s highlights including award-winning thrill rides, fun family attractions, two spectacular cave tours, dining with a view and live music entertainment.
What Not to Miss
Yuletide Splendor
Winter on the mountain is an ongoing celebration that shines bright on winter’s darkest nights with a dazzling display of more than a half million lights which can even be seen from Glenwood Springs. A giant Christmas tree with lights choreographed to holiday songs is a focal point in the plaza, where there are also fire pits for warming up and for roasting s’mores (purchase your s’mores kits from the General Store). And, throughout the time leading up to Christmas, Santa will be making regular stops to pose for photos with youngsters.
Fun & Games
Glenwood Caverns’ rides and attractions have season-spanning appeal and a knack for making kids of all ages smile from ear to ear. The Alpine Coaster, which features twinkly fairy lights after dark, provides a more controlled downward descent with a magical and relaxing tow back to the top. Winter guests can also shoot it out in the laser tag arena and watch one of four animated shows in the 4D motion theater.
Cave Tours
Cave tours are especially delightful in winter where the caverns’ temperature is a steady 52 degrees year round, which can seem downright cozy when the mercury dips into the single digits. Choose either the Historic Fairy Caves Tour or the King’s Row Tour; both are about 40 minutes long. In addition to viewing and learning about formations like stalactites, stalagmites, cave bacon, popcorn, flowstone, soda straws and more, like the rest of the Adventure Park the caves too are decked out for the holidays with festive lighting appropriate to the season.
Dining & Entertainment
The Lookout Grille is a picture-perfect setting for lunch or dinner. Along with a casual meal enjoy spectacular views of Glenwood Springs below, the Roaring Fork Valley to the south and the Colorado River Valley to the west. On Friday nights, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., don’t miss Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) with live music featuring talented local bands 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.
Adventure Park Winter Hours
Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park hours are as follows: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 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.
Don’t miss out on a mountain-full of adventure this winter! Plan to visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park today.