Last Chance for Mountaintop Thrills

Let the good times roll, zip, bounce, spin and swing! Catch your favorite Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park rides one last time. October is your final chance—at least for several months—to visit America’s only mountaintop theme park before the start of a months-long temporary closure.

Beginning in November, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will embark on a major construction project that will temporarily close the mountaintop theme park for a little more than four months. During the closure, the current tramway will be removed and replaced with a high-capacity model that will transport visitors more efficiently to and from the park. It’s just one more exciting adventure for us, but…

…in the meantime, let’s have some FUN! If you have a favorite ride, take the opportunity to hop aboard in next few weeks—weather permitting all the rides will be operational through Oct 28, the last day Glenwood Caverns will be open for a while. Keeping it fun and festive all month long, Glenwood Caverns has fall-themed events and activities planned throughout October. For the full run-down of things to do, be sure to visit the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Octoberfest link.

So, why not give it one last whirl while you have the chance? Take a turn on all your favorite thrill rides including those listed below (click on the links for video clips).

The Giant Canyon Swing. Crazy scary, this ride launches riders out over the edge of Glenwood Canyon at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Peek if you dare. It’s a 1,300 foot dropoff!

The Cliffhanger Roller Coaster. Another ride that will have you clinging to the edge of your seat is this coaster that’s considered the highest in elevation in North America!  Get ready for g-force curves, plunging drops and a wild ride that will leave you breathless and invigorated.

The Alpine Coaster. Glenwood Caverns’ first thrill ride, the Alpine Coaster remains a top crowd-pleaser. You control the speed as you race down Iron Mountain —navigate tight turns and cruise over tummy-flipping bumps—then sit back and enjoy the scenery as you ascend back up the mountain.

The Soaring Eagle Zip Ride. This two-seater ride pulls you backwards high above the landscape, then with a pop it lets you fly. You’ll feel like you just got your wings as you soar like an eagle to the landing pad.

The Canyon Flyer. Not so fast you can’t open your eyes and see the amazing panoramic views of the Roaring Fork Valley, but your vision will also pick up on the fact that you’re swinging out over a 1,300 foot cliff!

More. Before the end of the month, take the opportunity to also explore the rest of the park: cave tours, family-friendly rides, laser tag, the 4-D theater, the speleobox and panning for gemstones in the sluicebox.

Take a cave tour at Glenwood Caverns for National Caves and Karst Day!

The last day the park will be open is Sunday, Oct. 28 when we’ll officially retire the Iron Mountain Tramway and celebrate with a huge party. Join our mailing list (scroll to the bottom of our homepage) to stay on top of all the news and receive construction updates.

A Season for Celebrating: Octoberfest at Glenwood Caverns

Enjoy a fall ride aboard the Glenwood Gondola
Enjoy a fall ride aboard the Glenwood Gondola

All month long at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, we’ll be honoring fall traditions with Octoberfest, then on Oct. 28., we’ll wrap up the season with a final farewell party to retire the current Iron Mountain Tramway.

Fall is a season of celebration and change—none more so than this year at America’s only mountaintop theme park. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s Octoberfest celebrations run throughout the month of October and this year, they culminate with a final farewell party for the Iron Mountain Tramway.

We’ll be sad to see this stalwart workhorse go. For over 15 years it has transported more than two million visitors from the valley floor to the park entrance at the top of Iron Mountain. At the same time, we’re excited for its replacement: a new, high-capacity tramway that will enable us to transport passengers more efficiently, reducing wait times at the base and mountaintop.  On Sat., Oct. 28, we will celebrate its retirement with a community goodbye party.

Until then, join us for beautiful fall days, jaw-dropping autumn views, harvest activities, music and, of course, our signature rides and attractions. Here’s what to expect at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in October:

Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
  • Fall-themed activities. From Oct. 1 through 28, daily fun includes a pumpkin patch, fall photo opportunities and Octoberfest food and drink specials. On Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. enjoy hayrides, games for kids, face painting, scavenger hunts and pumpkin decorating.
  • German fare. The Lookout Grille will be serving all your Old Country favorites including bratwursts, sauerkraut, pretzels and seasonal beers. The Bloody Mary Bar will also be open and stocked with dozens of garnishes to create a drink that’s perfect for you. For more fall flavors, try the homemade pumpkin fudge and fudge-covered apples available at the General Store.
  • Music & dancing. On Saturday, 13 and Oct. 20, from noon to 4 p.m., Alpine Echo, Glenwood’s local oompah band, will entertain guests in the plaza with traditional German music. Get ready to polka, waltz and even chicken dance.
  • Scary rides. There’s no better month for a screaming good time than October. Halloween-themed decorations lead guests on the trails to the ride, while spooky music sets the tone for a ghostly, one-of-a-kind experience for those who dare to drop.
  • Leaf peeping. In addition to colorful maple trees and flowers in the plaza, the park features several vantage points with panoramic views of the changing colors in Glenwood Canyon and the Roaring Fork Valley. The tram, the Lookout Grille, the Mine Wheel and viewing decks at the Giant Canyon Swing and above the restaurant are some of the best places for leaf peeping and photos.
  • Goodbye tram party. The last day of Octoberfest also marks the final day for the current Iron Mountain Tramway, which will be replaced over the winter months. All are welcome to join the farewell celebration which will feature $10 tram tickets—throwback prices from 2003 when the tram opened. There will also be free cake, prize drawings and photo opportunities.

Make plans to attend Octoberfest—Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s month-long party—and help us send off the Iron Mountain Tramway in style on Oct. 28. See you on the mountaintop!

Glenwood Caverns Hosts National Caves Association Convention

King's Row is a spectacular sight
King's Row is a spectacular sight

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will be hosting the 53rd Annual National Caves Association Convention, Sept. 24 – 28, and we couldn’t be more excited!

Members of the National Caves Association (NCA) will convene in Glenwood Springs and at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for their annual convention on Sept. 24 -28. The event is a venue for the exchange and sharing of ideas on all things related to owning and operating a cave attraction. While in town, NCA members will have the opportunity to learn more about Glenwood Caverns and its operations as well as share about their own experiences and insights.

Some of the convention highlights include a vendor show at the Hotel Colorado, an opening reception at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, keynote and other speakers, as well as Q & A sessions. There are also opportunities for visitors to get the full Glenwood Springs experience. Convention guests will have a chance to soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs and ride the thrill rides at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. On Tuesday, a western-themed afternoon is planned at Bair Ranch High Canyon Adventures complete with four-wheeling or horseback riding excursions, a chuckwagon dinner and a bluegrass band.

This year’s keynote speaker is Mike Kaplan, President and CEO of Aspen Skiing Co. Kaplan was one of the youngest executives of a top U.S. ski resort when he took the reins as president and CEO of Aspen Skiing Co. He earned his Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Denver. Kaplan offers a depth of knowledge about the fast and changing pace of guest expectations, recreational technology and growth opportunities.

Others include Jon Schallert, an internationally known speaker that helps small businesses improve their marketing strategies and become destinations that attract visitors far beyond regional geography. Schallert’s message resonates with cave owners, many of whom are family-owned enterprises. Also speaking on the topic of marketing is Trent Blizzard, owner of BlizzardPress, a website design and marketing firm in Glenwood Springs. A social media expert, Blizzard will share tips with NCA members about how to engage with audiences across a variety of marketplace platforms.

Photo op from Exclamation Point

With 146 registered participants, Glenwood Caverns is expecting the largest turnout for an NCA convention to date. The NCA represents 80 show caves from across the US, Bermuda and Barbados—including Glenwood Caverns. It was founded in 1965 by a small group of private show cave owners with the goal of encouraging the public to discover America’s underground wonders. The association is also dedicated to educating about cave science. They provide material resources; give talks and tours about everything from cave critters and how to protect the fragile cave environment to the mesmerizing cave formations that delight visitors.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will be open to the public and operating as usual during the NCA convention.

Firefighter Appreciation Day at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Firefighter Appreciation Day

Firefighters and their immediate families are invited to spend the day enjoying cave tours, thrill rides and kid-friendly attractions, courtesy of the mountaintop Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Members of the community can drop off cards or signs of support at the tram base by Sept. 15.

In light of the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices made by firefighters in the Roaring Fork and Grand Valleys this year, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is hosting a Firefighters Appreciation Day on Sunday, Sept. 16. These heroes and their immediate family members are invited to spend the day at the park, free of charge. For those unable to attend, a make-up day is being held Sunday, Sept. 23.

“This is our way of saying thank you to these brave men and women and their families for the sacrifices they have made,” Nancy Heard, general manager of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, said. “We are also inviting the public to drop off thank you notes and signs of support that we can display during their visit.”

To obtain the free Funday Passes, firefighters must show their badge or ID at the tram base upon arrival. The passes include transportation up and down the mountain, two walking cave tours and unlimited turns on all rides and most attractions.

Heard, whose family was evacuated during the early days of the Lake Christine Fire, added, “I know a lot of the volunteers who fought so hard to save not just our home and those of our friends and neighbors, but the entire towns of Basalt and El Jebel. I saw firsthand the incredible danger that they willingly subjected themselves to in order to serve our community. We all hope that they can take some time on the 16th or 23rd to relax, laugh and play a little, our treat.”

Anyone interested in dropping off cards, notes or signs should do so at the tram base by Saturday, Sept. 15. The park will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Host Your A Fab Fall Event at Glenwood Caverns

Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Mark your milestone special occasion—retirement party, corporate or group event—with a venue that’s equally exceptional. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park may be known for its award-winning thrill rides, but the mountaintop theme park also happens to be a stunning Colorado setting for a group gathering—especially come autumn.

Autumn splendor. Fall in Colorado is a knock-out season. Mountainsides of golden aspen and the ruddy fall hues of scrub oaks mingle together against a blinding blue-sky backdrop. People drive all over the highways, byways and back roads of the state for a glimpse of Colorado’s autumn glory, but at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park you have a bird’s eye view of the grandeur. Since you’re treating your guests anyway, why not give them the added bonus of jaw-dropping Colorado views along with a day’s worth of other memorable moments?

 

Halloween fun at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Up, up and away. From the instant your guests step inside the cabin of an Iron Mountain Tramway gondola, they’ll literally be transported to new heights in a matter of minutes. As the tram ascends, spectacular views unfold including panoramas of the Roaring Fork Valley, Mt. Sopris and the Elk Range to the south. At the summit and Park entrance, staff members welcome your guests and direct them to their group meeting place on the Patio or in the Lookout Grille.

A gondola pass gains you access to breathtaking views

Fresh air and good food. Glenwood Caverns gives event goers the unique opportunity to take the party indoors and outside. It’s the best of both worlds. Choose your menu format—Glenwood Caverns’ on-site event coordinator can help with that—and enjoy a reserved section in the Lookout Grille. Popular options include the ultimate barbeque menu and a south-of-the-border themed fajita bar. When you’ve finished eating, stroll the grounds which will be decked out for fall come October—all month long Glenwood Caverns celebrates Octoberfest with German music, food and drink specials as well as hay rides, pumpkin decorating, kids games and more—take panoramic photos from the Viewing Deck and do a little self-guided exploring.  Group events require a minimum of 25 people and, in addition to food, pricing includes the tram, cave tours and unlimited turns on the rides and attractions.

Go below. With everything included, be sure to encourage your guests to go on a cave tour or two. Both the Historic Fairy Caves and Kings Row tours are included. The scenery is just as jaw-dropping below ground as it is from the Viewing Deck. The Barn on the Kings Row tour is the largest cave room in Colorado. Caverns tours boast magnificent examples of cave bacon, aragonite crystals, soda straws, stalactites and stalagmites.

And over the edge. Above ground, buckle up for high-flying fun on the Park’s thrill rides. This is a party your guests won’t forget anytime soon. The Giant Canyon Swing launches riders out over Glenwood Canyon while the Canyon Flyer gently lifts and swirls you round and round for 360° views. The Cliffhanger Roller Coaster is another gravity-defying ride that will have you screaming with delight and the always popular Alpine Coaster gives you control of your speed as your race down the mountain. The double-seated Soaring Eagle Zip Ride pulls you up high then releases you to fly back to the launch zone. Your guests can also enjoy the Park’s other attractions and activities while they’re on the mountaintop.

Make your fall season event plans today. Our team at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park can help you plan the perfect fall event to celebrate your special occasion. To get the party started, contact us at—970-945-4228, 800-530-1635 X118 or via email.

Big Changes Ahead for Iron Mountain Tramway

Updated on Nov. 19, 2019 – The day after our Goodbye Tram party, we began decommissioning our old tram.  The cabins have been sent to Grafton, Illinois which sees 1.5 million cars pass through each year to visit the booming Riverside tourism experiences.  The Iron Mountain Tram upper deck has since received major demo, removal of terminal and foundation excavation in preparation for receiving the new foundation and drive terminal.  Soon the drive terminal at the tram base will be removed along with other demo.  Everything is going as planned and while we hope for a good snow season for local skiers, we are enjoying the great November weather as work moves forward.

Updated on Oct. 17, 2018 – We’re just about done with the party planning. On Sunday, Oct. 28 we’ll be saying goodbye to the Iron Mountain Tramway with a big bash of a celebration on the mountaintop from noon to 6 p.m. Join us for throw-back pricing of $10 tram rides. This was the cost of a ride when the tram opened in April, 2003. There will be cake, drawings, prizes, free refreshments and $1 hot dogs in the plaza. We’ll also have photo opportunities to commemorate the old tram and celebrate the new one. Lastly, there will be a grand prize drawing for the final ride down the mountain at the end of the evening aboard the old tram alongside Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park owners Steve and Jeanne Beckley. Mark your calendars and plan to come out for the festivities and to help us say farewell to the original Iron Mountain Tramway.

We’re getting ready to say goodbye to an old friend. In just a few short months, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will be retiring the current tramway which was installed in April of 2003. In service for 15 years, the tram has transported 2.2 million visitors to America’s only mountaintop theme park for cave tours, thrill rides and more. We’ll be sad to bid farewell to this stalwart workhorse, but we’re excited about ushering in a new era of visitor transportation for Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

At the end of October, we’ll begin the process of decommissioning the original tramway and installing a new state-of-the-art aerial tramway. The entire process will take several months during which the park will be temporarily closed. We expect construction to be completed by March with the new tram debuting in time for 2019 spring break and the summer season.

To keep you up-to-date on everything that’s happening with Iron Mountain Tramway before and during the construction period, you can visit us here for all the latest information. We hope to post videos, technical details and fun facts about the construction project, so be sure to check back in.

10 Ways to Keep the Summer Fun Going in Colorado

Colorado is cool in the summertime. Keep the fun going with these 10 outside activities you can enjoy across the state.

In addition to the high-flying summer fun at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, America’s only mountaintop theme park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, the entire rest of the state is a playground of outdoor adventures!

    1. Go wild. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Also giraffes, rhinoceroses, elephants, wolves, and alligators are waiting for you at major zoos. Check out the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, and the Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca.
    2. Take a hike. Smell the wildflowers at Yankee Boy Basin near Ouray, Shrine Pass near Frisco, or Lake Isabel near Colorado City. Enjoy the waterfalls at Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs, Seven Falls in Colorado Springs, or Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride. Retrace history on the Santa Fe Trail’s Sierra Vista Overlook near La Junta, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Pueblo dwellings in Montezuma County, Skyline Drive dinosaur tracks near Cañon City. View elk at Horseshoe Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, bighorn sheep and mountain goats at Mount Evans Wilderness Area near Idaho Springs, and moose at State Forest State Park near Walden.
    3. Camp out. Find cabins and yurts at Golden Gate Canyon State Park near Golden; wilderness backpacking at West Fork Campground near Pagosa Springs, Trappers Lake near Meeker, and Ansel Watrous Campground near Bellvue; and lakeside tent and RV sites at Elk Creek Campground near Grand Lake, Cherry Creek State Park near Aurora, and John Martin Reservoir State Park near Hasty; and amazing views at Silver Bar Campground near Aspen and Moraine Park Campground near Estes Park.
    4. Ride a bike.  It’s summer, so you can pedal down the ski slopes on Vail Mountain, Purgatory, and Keystone Resort, with a ride-up on the gondolas. You’ll find bike parks at Winter Park Resort, Lory State Park near Fort Collins, and Palmer Park in Colorado Springs, and paved routes in Glenwood Springs, Denver, Vail, and Golden. Mountain biking was invented at Crested Butte, where you can find a great singletrack rides.
    5. Float your boat. Waterski at Navajo State Park, Jackson Lake State Park, and Blue Mesa Reservoir; canoe at Lake Granby in Granby, Gross Reservoir near Eldorado Springs, and the Colorado River near Palisade; fish at Grand Mesa Lakes near Cedaredge, Lake Pueblo State Park, and Steamboat Lake State Park; sail at Lake Dillon in Dillon, Grand Lake, and the Ruedi Reservoir in Basalt.
    6. Swing your club. Golf at mountain courses such as Pole Creek Golf Club, Copper Creek Golf Club, Breckenridge Golf Course, among rock formations at Arrowhead Golf Course and dinosaur footprints at Fossil Trace Golf Club, or on the highest course on the continent at Mount Massive Golf Course.
    7. Go underground. Get out of the sun at Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs, Rifle Falls State Park, Dinosaur National Monument, Whit4e River National Forest and our own Glenwood Caverns.
    8. Eat & Drink. As the fruit ripens across the season, check out the peach, cherry, and apple orchards and the wineries on the Western Slope, especially around Palisade, Grand Junction, Paonia, Hotchkiss and Cedaredge.
    9. Paddle whitewater. Go for the fast water in the Arkansas River Headwaters near Salida, Gunnison Gorge near Gunnison or Browns Canyon National Monument near Buena Vista. Take it a little milder at Glenwood Canyon near Glenwood Springs, Ruby Canyon near Grand Junction, or Eagle River near Gypsum. Take it easy at Cottonwood Lake near Buena Vista, Pearl Lake State Park, or Barr Lake State Park. For whitewater, hit Confluence Park in Denver; Clear Creek Whitewater Park, Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park, or Gunnison Whitewater Park.
    10. Get festive. Join the celebrations at the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival July 6-15, the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo July 14-15 in Steamboat Springs, the Denver Underground Music Showcase July 26-29, the Vail Dance Festival July 28-Aug. 11, the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo Aug. 28-Sept. 3, and A Taste of Colorado in Denver Aug. 31-Sept. 3.

For more information on these and other summer activities in Colorado, visit https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-family-attractions-summer, https://www.colorado.com/articles/5-things-do-colorado-summers-over, and https://www.colorado.com/articles/8-ways-love-colorado-summer.

Explore Glenwood's many hiking trails

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Update on Wildfire in Basalt, Colorado

America’s only mountaintop theme park in Glenwood Springs continues to welcome visitors for a summer filled with thrills and adventure. Due to visitor inquiries, however, we are providing guests with this update about the Lake Christine wildfire in Basalt.

We’ve recently fielded some questions about our proximity to the Lake Christine fire in Basalt, Colorado. We’d like to inform anyone planning to visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Glenwood Springs more broadly, that with the exception of some smoke in the area, the fire has had little impact on our operations. The Park, including all the rides and attractions, is 100-percent open for visitors to enjoy.

The town of Basalt, where a wildfire has been burning since July 3, is approximately 25 miles southeast of Glenwood Springs. The Lake Christine fire is currently 39 percent contained.

Though most days have been clear at the Park, due to shifting wind patterns, visitors can expect to see and smell some smoke on occasion in the vicinity of Glenwood Springs. Because our guests’ health and safety is always a top priority, those with medical issues may wish consult this interactive map for air quality information.

All roads to Glenwood Springs are open including I-70 through Glenwood Canyon and continuing west toward Grand Junction. Highway 82, which connects Glenwood Springs with towns up-valley, including Carbondale, Basalt, El Jebel, Snowmass and Aspen are also all open, with normal traffic patterns.

The latest update on the fires is that crews continue to make great progress on the western flank of the fire. Additional hand lines as well as dozer lines were established and the objective in the coming days is for all of these to unite. In the northwest corner, crews will continue to build direct fire line and utilize burning operations to reduce the fuel load and secure the fire line. The southern perimeter remains quiet. Swing shift crews are patrolling this edge and assisting other divisions with operations.

For more information and regular updates on the Lake Christine fire, please visit InciWeb.

10 Souvenirs to Take Home from the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Gift Shop

Souvenirs play an important role in travel. They help us recall special moments long after our vacations are over. These 10 mementos from the General Store will help you remember all the fun you had at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Ever wonder why on vacation we’re lured into shops that sell trinkets emblazoned with the name of a place or attraction? Bringing home a little bit of the place we’ve been is not only fun in the moment when we’re shopping, that cute t-shirt or kitschy coffee cup can also bring us a mini-dose of happiness every time we put it on or fill our mug.

Kristen Swanson studies merchandising and what people buy when they’re vacationing. “Research has shown that all tourists, or most tourists…there’s always that one exception, are predisposed to shop for souvenirs as part of the activities they’re going to do when they go traveling,” Swanson said. “A souvenir is a remembrance of an experience. They have emotional value attached to them that ordinary objects don’t have.”

Souvenirs also happen to be excellent conversation starters. When you wear that Glenwood Caverns t-shirt, you never know who might ask you about your experience at America’s only mountaintop theme park. Break out your set of Glenwood Caverns shot glasses and regale your friends with stories of how you screamed like a little baby on the Giant Canyon Swing. Smile as your kids re-enact exploring make-believe caves while wearing their toy caver’s helmets.

Stopping at the gift shop to peruse the merchandise and select something special to take home is part of the pleasure of vacationing.  A visit to the General Store at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is no exception. Favorite souvenirs that guests like to take home from the park include:

  • Pressed pennies. It’s an inexpensive keepsake you can tuck in your pocket.
  • Yummy cake mixes packaged in wine and beer bottles. Not only do these travel well, they make great gifts for that special person back home watering your plants and watching your dog.
  • Wooden signs. These fun signs have sayings focused on hiking, camping and Colorado living.
  • Kid-sized caver’s helmets. After the cave tours, encourage their spelunking dreams with child-sized caving gear.
  • Logoed merchandise like t-shirts, coffee mugs and shot glasses. Among the most practical souvenirs, these items can be worn or used again and again.
  • Saw-cut wooden bears. These cute critters like hanging out on fire place mantles and front porches after they leave Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
  • A bag full of polished rocks. Let the youngsters mine for their favorite polished rocks to take home in a drawstring bag.
  • Old fashioned toys. Keep kids entertained with retro-toys like popguns, slingshots and boomerangs.
  • Adorn yourself with something pretty and sparkly.
  • Fudge. Even locals and staff members can’t get enough of this treat. It’s made daily from fresh ingredients and comes in a mouthwatering variety of flavors. Top-sellers are Rocky Road, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Mint Chocolate.

Of course, this is just a sampling of what’s in store at the gift shop at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, stop in at the General Store to find your own perfect souvenir to take home.