If you’ve never been to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, get ready for the insider’s scoop. Our guide will show you just how to navigate the park for the best experience.
For first-time or multi-time visitors to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you make the most of your day, from sky-high attractions and mysterious cave tours to the best spots to grab a bite and catch your breath between adventures.
Let the Adventure (Park) Begin!
The moment you step aboard our signature orange gondola, you’ll be whisked away to a place where the views are incredible and the adventure is the real deal.
First up, be sure to take a look around. As the valley floor drops away, you’ll rise higher and higher up Iron Mountain, and the panoramas just keep going. Glenwood Springs becomes a miniature town, Mount Sopris in the distance glistens like a diamond, and the dual rivers of the Roaring Fork and Colorado form aquatic branches that unite the landscape in all directions.
Welcome to the Main Plaza
(Follow along as we navigate the park using our fun Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park map.)
After arriving at the mountaintop adventure park, your first stop will be the Main Plaza. This is the central hub of the park. Surrounding the Plaza, you’ll find places to eat, shopping, and, perhaps most importantly for anyone visiting the park, our welcome ambassadors at the Guest Services Gazebo.
These friendly folks are easy to spot in their khaki vests. Don’t be shy about asking them any questions you may have. They can point you to hydration stations, free sunscreen, family lockers, and restrooms, as well as answer any questions you may have about rides and attractions.
The Lay of the Land
It’s helpful to think about the layout of the park from the Main Plaza as having three branches and a loop. One goes to the Alpine Coaster, the park’s most beloved thrill ride. Just past it is the Little Feet Playground and the Wild West Express kiddie coaster.
The central branch, named the Iron Mountain Trail, passes by one of our two resident trolls, Halvor Flowstone, as well as the Mine Wheel, a Ferris wheel ride, and the Cliffhanger Roller Coaster. The third branch, takes off eastward from the Iron Mountain Trail and leads guests to the Glenwood Canyon Flyer ride.
To access the loop trail, walk under the Caver’s Corner arch, so named because it leads you to the Historic Fairy Caves tour entrance. Beyond it is the Giant Canyon Swing , one of the most thrilling rides in the park; you can either ride this pendulum-style apparatus that locks you in and then launches you out over Glenwood Canyon, or you can watch from the viewing deck. Even watching will make your stomach do somersaults.
As you round the bend of the loop, you’ll find the entrance to the King’s Row Cave Tour, the Crystal Tower drop ride, and, not far past, a trio of kid-friendly attractions, including a speleobox for kids to practice squeezing through tight spots just like a real spelunker!
Towards the southwest end of the park is the 4-D Theater, a fun break between rides. Meanwhile, Chantico, our girlie cave troll, welcomes visitors to this mini-loop section where the Defiance Roller Coaster dominates the scene. Just under a minute, it’s full of twists, turns, and a beyond-vertical drop. Ride it if you dare!
Time to Eat!
With all that walking and activity, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to grab a bite. For sit-down meals, the Lookout Grille is the place to go. It features a full menu and a full bar, with over-the-edge views of the Glenwood Springs below. The Smokehouse is another great option with, you guessed it, an assortment of savory smoked meats and cold drinks, including Icees for the kids and beer for the grownups. There’s also Defiance Dogs, for an on-the-go bite.
If you’re craving fudge, head to the Gift Shop and peruse the candy case where the delectable delicacy is lovingly handmade daily.
When You Have to Go!
One of the most frequent questions we get is “Where are the restrooms?” There are three facilities for men and women at the Adventure Park, two of which are centrally located in the Main Plaza. One is in the Gift Shop, and the other is at Guest Services on the west side of the smokehouse. Another restroom, closer to the cave tours, is located in the Crystal Tower ride.
And here’s a helpful tip: cave tours typically last around 45 minutes, so it’s a good idea to make a restroom stop before heading underground.
A Whirlwind Tour
Now that you know where you’re going, get going!! With the insider’s scoop, make the most of your adventure at Glenwood Caverns!
Learn more and start your summer off with a big adventure at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
