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 Iron Mountain Tramway.

Wild Tour Testimonial

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 >

The most highly decorated cave room in Colorado! This is a 40 minute walking tour.

40 min guided walking tour suitable for most fitness levels.

For those seeking an authentic cave adventure.

Learn more about the rich history of our caves!