Mountain-Top Summer Music Begins

The Missing Link Band
The Missing Link Band

In addition to cave tours, thrill rides and family fun, summer at America’s only mountaintop theme park means live music six days a week, entertainment for kids and some greats deals.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is putting the new Glenwood Gondola to good use this summer with more live music events than ever, plus some really good deals. Its season kicks off the week of June 10 with Two for Tuesdays, Friday Afternoon Club and Music on the Mountain. That’s the icing on the cake of the mountaintop theme park known for its cave tours, extreme thrill rides, panoramic views and family-friendly fun.

Summertime is Concert-time!

“Our summer season has arrived! Getting more people up and down the mountain quickly was our main goal with the new Glenwood Gondola, and we’re making the most of it with more Music on the Mountain concerts than we’ve ever hosted,” explained Nancy Heard, general manager for Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. “There are 15 concerts lined up with no break during the peak season as we’ve had in the past, plus we’ll have Friday Afternoon Club and some great deals for our guests.”

Mountain-Top Music 6 Days a Week

All in all, the park features live music six days a week all summer. New this year, the park’s Two for Tuesdays begin June 11. The deal includes buy-one-get-one-free gondola rides, drinks for adults and slushies for kids after 4 p.m., plus live music. The popular Friday Afternoon Club on the Mountain events start June 14 and include free gondola rides with an ad from the Post Independent, live music and food and drink specials in the Lookout Grille. The Harmony Sisters entertain kids with fun and interactive musical performances in the plaza Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 and 2:30. Guitar soloist Rodrigo Arreguin from Mexico plays Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Lookout Grille.

Eleventh Annual Music on the Mountain Kicks off June 15

The eleventh season of Music on the Mountain, Glenwood Springs’ mountaintop benefit concert series, starts Saturday, June 15, at a kick-off party with the Missing Link Band—the only band to have played in all 11 seasons—and the Dance of the Sacred Fire. Guests can ride the gondola free with the donation of at least one canned food item for the Lift-Up community food pantries. For all Saturday concerts, the free gondola rides start at 4 p.m., and the bands play from 6 to 10 p.m. For the two Sunday concerts, free gondola rides begin at 2 p.m., and the bands play from 4 to 8 p.m.

The 2019 Music on the Mountain Lineup

  • Saturday, June 15: The Missing Link Band – This popular local party band appeals to all age groups and tastes by performing the best from all genres of music including classic rock, blues, pop, R & B. They’re joined by Maciej Mrotek and his team who perform the Dance of the Sacred Fire, magical high-energy, fire shows that have captivated audiences around the globe.
  • Saturday, June 29: Brian Grace Band – This rockin’ country band from Colorado Springs performs original and cover songs, from Zac Brown, Jim Croce and George Strait to Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, Matchbox 20 and more.
  • Saturday, July 6: The Goodman Band – Specializing in classic rock and Stevie Ray Vaughn cover tunes, the three-piece Goodman Band plays songs that range from early country, rock and blues to today’s music.
  • Saturday, July 13: A Band Called Alexis – This energetic, talented and entertaining group of professional musicians from the Roaring Fork Valley specializes in country and blues with a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll.
  • Saturday, July 20: Poser – This high-energy, crowd-pleasing, six-piece cover band plays hits from classics like The Beatles, Santana, Springsteen, Clapton and more. The list of rock ‘n’ roll legends goes on and on.
  • Saturday, July 27: Emotional Rescue – Dedicated to playing Rolling Stones tunes in an authentic, high-energy way, Emotional Rescue wows their audiences with a true Rolling Stones show.
  • Saturday, August 3: Whiskey Stomp – This fun-loving, good-times band plays classic songs and energetic originals, ranging from blue grass, funk and Latino rhythms to rock, jazz and country.
  • Saturday, August 10: Fifty50 – Hailing from the Roaring Fork Valley, Fifty50 performs classic, modern and original rock that has awarded them many Locals’ Choice Awards over the years.
  • Saturday, August 17: The Mixx — For the young and young at heart, the dance floor will be grooving with music genres from Top 40s, R&B, classic rock, funk, country, blues and good old rock ‘n’ roll.
  • Sunday, August 18: Latin Night – BJ the DJ will mix Latin night with artists including Selena, Elvis Crespo, Malo, Santana, Chuchito Valdes, Los Mex Pistols Del Norte, Ramon Ayala, Los Lonely Boys, Kumbia Kings, Jennifer Lopez and Mala Mia. Free gondola rides begin at 2 p.m., and the music plays from 4 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 24: Johnny O Band – Originally from the Roaring Fork Valley and going strong for 22 years, the Johnny O Band creates an infectious, freestyle Pop groove that doesn’t let go.
  • Saturday, Sept. 7: Echo Monday – This Roaring Fork Valley cover band draws most of its inspiration from the 90s to modern rock/alternative scene, and occasionally dips into the 80s and beyond.
  • Sunday, Sept. 8: Christian Night with Kings Loyal – This collective of musicians from around the Roaring Fork Valley specializes in Christian music with a modern rock style but also play a variety of covers. Free gondola rides begin at 2 p.m., and the band plays from 4 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 14: Painters Stage Variety Show – The gypsy sound and reggae rhythm of the local Painters Stage trio is joined by entertainers including Jammin’ Jim Pomey and performers from the Legacy Dance Company.
  • Saturday, Sept. 21: The Missing Link Band – Back for the season finale, this popular local party band appeals to all age groups and tastes by performing the best from all genres of music including classic rock, blues, pop, R & B.

Thank you Sponsors!

The Adventure Park thanks its sponsors for supporting this benefit concert series: Bighorn Toyota, Coca-Cola, Glenwood Adventure Company, CUC Construction Co., GlenwoodTV.com, SGM, Young Services, Glenwood Insurance Agency, Leitner Poma, Community Banks of Colorado, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Best Western Antlers Glenwood Springs, Tradesman Electrical Services, Glenwood Springs Post Independent, KSPN and Phil Long Honda.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with longer hours during Saturday Music on the Mountain events.

Celebrate National Caves and Karst Day

King's Row Cave Tour
King's Row Cave Tour

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Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is celebrating National Caves and Karst Day on Saturday, June 8 with activities that include a hands-on educational and interactive display and free cave posters. Kids can earn a Junior Cave Scientist badge as well.

 Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is based around its flagship tours of Glenwood Caverns and the Historic Fairy Cave that started 20 years ago. When the National Caves Association (NCA) decided to designate a National Caves and Karst Day in 2017 to raise awareness of the crucial roles both play in our lives, everyone at the park was on board. For the third year in a row, the park is going all out to celebrate. Although the official NCA event is June 6, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is hosting its event on Saturday, June 8, to allow more people to participate.

“We get pretty excited about caves around here, so National Caves and Karst Day is a big deal,” explained Nancy Heard, general manager for Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. “Every time we give a tour or host a school group, we have the opportunity to teach our guests about cave science and the importance of conservation. On June 8, we’ll get to dive deeper into these topics and have some fun at the same time.”

Have Fun Exploring the Science of Caves

 National Caves and Karst Day activities include a hands-on educational and interactive display at the shade building located across from the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride and free cave posters to the first 120 people to ask for one. Kids can pick up a Junior Cave Scientist booklet there as well. To earn a free badge or sticker, they must complete at least one activity for each year of their age and return the completed booklet to the building to have it checked. The first 20 to do so will receive a free, signed “Cave Critters” coloring book written by Kay Cochran, a tour guide at the park.

Cool Cave Facts

Early June is a good time for families to visit the Adventure Park and to map out their cave visits for the rest of the summer. Here are 10 fun facts to know about caves and karst while planning a cave tour:

  1. A cave is a naturally occurring area or space under the surface of the Earth. Caves are often a system of interconnected passageways created by the weathering of rock.
  2. Most caves form in karst, which is terrain typically characterized by sinkholes, underground rivers and barren, rocky ground. Forty percent of the drinking water in the U.S. comes from karst aquifers.
  3. Icicle-shaped speleothems, or rock formations, form as water drips from the cave roof. Stalagmites, which one might trip over, grow up from the floor, usually from the water that drips off the end of stalactites that cling tight to the cave roof. When these two meet, a column is formed.
  4. Stalactites and stalagmites grow by only a fraction of an inch in a year, and since some are many yards in length, one can appreciate the time it takes for these speleothems to develop. In arid areas with little humidity, it can take a thousand years for a formation to grow one cubic inch.
  5. We learn a lot from caves. Researchers collect broken formations to track historical weather trends dating back hundreds of thousands of years. Universities partner with privately owned caves to learn how bacteria can play a role in cancer treatment and the development of new antibiotics.
  6. No two caves are alike. They can be found in glaciers, on mountaintops, in cliffs by the sea, in molten lava, in the desert and in hillsides.
  7. Caves are living things. Seepage from groundwater causes water to drip, which keeps formations growing and changing. A drop that falls onto a caver is called a cave kiss and is considered to be good luck.
  8. Caves are known to have provided shelter to mankind’s earliest ancestors. Cliff dwellings, such as those found in the Four Corners region of the Southwest, were inhabited by Ancestral Puebloans as early as 550 A.D. Fossils dating back to the Ice Age have been found inside caves as well.
  9. Caves are home to many forms of life that do not exist elsewhere. Troglobites, or cave-inhabiting creatures, are only found in caves and include certain species of shrimp, fish, blind salamanders, pseudoscorpions, spiders, millipedes and beetles.
  10. There are many ways to experience the subterranean world. Guided walking and wild tours are the most common, but there are caves that offer kayaking, floating or boating on underground rivers; cave diving; wildlife spotting; campouts; concerts; rappelling and more.

Heard added, “A lot of good things happen when you spend time in a cave. Many studies report that spending time in nature can boost mental and physical well-being, improve concentration, increase energy, reduce stress and lower blood pressure and heart rates. Pair that with exercise, such as descending and then climbing the 120 steps inside King’s Row, and the results are even better. It’s quality time that a family can spend together, focusing on nature instead of looking at screens.”

Park Admission & Hours

Regular admission rates apply for this event. A ride on the Glenwood Gondola costs $19 for adults and $14 for kids 3 to 12. The Gondola/Cave Tour combination is $32 for adults and $27 for kids. An inclusive Funday Pass is $58 for adults, $53 for kids, and includes the gondola ride, two walking cave tours and unlimited access to all rides. Annual Gondola and Thrill Pass holders can attend free. Those who have vouchers for the Locals’ Gondola Pass from earlier this year are encouraged to redeem them prior to this event, preferably on weekdays prior to 7 p.m.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Beginning Saturday, June 8, it will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with longer hours during Music on the Mountain events.

Glenwood Springs Moves to 100 Percent Renewable Electricity

Starting June 1, 2019, the historic resort town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, will be powered by 100% renewable energy. The announcement was made at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the mountaintop theme park overlooking Glenwood Springs, which becomes one of the first amusement parks in the country to be powered by 100% renewable energy.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado, joins an elite group June 1, 2019, as it becomes the second city in Colorado and the seventh in the U.S. to be powered by all renewable energy.

Energy buzz

“We are very excited to announce that Glenwood Springs will soon be operated on 100% renewable electricity, making us the second municipality in Colorado to do so. Many cities and towns across the country have set aggressive targets, and we are doing our part today—our future is now,” said Mayor Jonathan Godes.

Members of the community joined local dignitaries, director of the Colorado Tourism Office Cathy Ritter and officials from the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) for the signing of the contract at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. CLEER, Clean Energy Economy for the Region, which implements programs for the City, provided free LED lightbulbs for attendees.

This contract makes Glenwood Springs Electric 100% renewable electricity; MEAN is bringing the equivalent wind power onto its grid to provide for all of the electricity in Glenwood Springs. As other communities follow in Glenwood’s path, MEAN will increase the total renewables on the grid, benefiting all the members.

Clean energy makes a difference

Long a leader in sustainable energy, Glenwood Springs has been offering and promoting energy efficiency with residents and businesses by offering rebates since 2009. Glenwood Springs has been 35% renewable on the electric grid since 2013. According to MEAN, switching to 100% wind saves the environment 77,156 tons of CO2 emission that the City of Glenwood Springs would have “created” using MEAN fossil fuel plants to generate power.

Adventure Park guided by sustainable ideals

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, well-known for its cave tours and over-the-top extreme thrill rides, was one the first businesses in Glenwood Springs to take advantage of Garfield Clean Energy and City of Glenwood efficiency rebates and install LED lighting within the cave. In addition to cost effectiveness and sustainability, the LED bulbs put off less heat, which makes it easier to keep the 54 unique species residing in the cave alive.

The City’s switch to all renewable makes Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park one of the first amusement parks in the nation to use 100% renewable electricity, a move that makes owner Steve Beckley proud.

“Our business is centered on nature-based adventure, so protecting the environment and natural resources has been our primary goal since we gave our first cave tour in May 1999,” explained Steve Beckley, who owns Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park with his wife Jeanne. “We are really pleased to be one of the first theme parks in the U.S. to have all of its electricity provided from renewable sources. Sustainable tourism is an important issue these days, and this move is a huge step in the right direction for Glenwood Springs as a whole.”

Eco-friendly practices help protect Glenwood’s future

Glenwood Springs has been a wellness destination since the 1880s, with travelers from around the world visiting to soak in the healing benefits of its mineral hot springs. Prior to that, Nomadic Ute Indian tribes inhabited the area and frequently bathed and soaked in the hot mineral waters. Today, visitors also come to fish, raft and kayak the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers; hike, bike and ride the trails; camp and hunt in the White River National Forest; and ski, ride, snowshoe and snowmobile at Sunlight Mountain Resort. Providing clean energy to protect the area’s natural resources is a major accomplishment.

Angie Anderson, president and CEO of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, said, “We are thrilled that Glenwood Springs is on the cutting-edge utilizing 100 percent renewable energy. Our community has proven that clean energy is an important part of our local economy. This commitment to sustainability makes our community shine in a positive way.”

Learn more and plan your visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park today.

Top off your Adventure Park Visit with Special Events

In addition to thrill rides and caves tours, pile on fun and entertainment by planning your visit to coincide with one of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s upcoming special events.

Caves & Karst Day.  Though National Caves & Karst Day is officially June 6, we’re celebrating this special event on Saturday, June 8 to give everyone a chance to join us for a day of cave-centric fun.  Highlights include giving away free National Caves Association posters while supplies last, a hands-on, educational and interactive cave display in the shade building next to the Soaring Eagle Zip ride and a squeeze box where kids can test their caving skills. To make learning about caves and karst extra fun, we’ll be giving away Junior Cave Scientist booklets. Kay Cochran, our very own cave tour guide and coloring book creator, will also be available to sign her book “Cave Critters.” The first 20 youngsters who complete their cave science booklet will receive a complimentary signed “Cave Critters” book!

Two for Tuesdays. The BOGO goes big at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. On Tuesdays starting June 11 through August 6, after 4 p.m., guests get a buy-one-get-one special on Glenwood Gondola rides, draft beer for adults and slushie drinks for kids at the Lookout Grille, on homemade fudge at the General Store and on ice cream cones at the Snack Shack! Not only that, but local talent extraordinaire—Rodrigo—plays for mountaintop guests weekly Monday through Thursdays.

One of our favorite special events, the 2019 season kickoff concert takes place on Saturday, June 15 at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park—America’s only mountaintop theme park. The series opener features musical favorite the Missing Link Band and the acrobatic fire and dance show performed by Dance of the Sacred Fire. The series continues on Saturdays and some Sundays through Sept 21. Guests can ride the gondola for free with the donation of a canned food item for the Lift-Up community food pantry starting at 4 p.m. Shows run from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday gondola-for-a-can begins at 2 p.m., with shows from 4 to 8 p.m.

June 29—The Missing Link Band

July 6—The Goodman Band

July 13—A Band Called Alexis

July 20—Poser

July 27—Emotional Rescue

Aug. 3—Whiskey Stomp

Aug. 10—Fifty50

Aug. 17—The Mixx

Aug. 18—BJ the DJ

Sept. 7—Johnny O Band

Sept 8—The Kings Loyal

Sept. 14—Painters Stage

Sept. 21—The Missing Link Band

Friday Afternoon Club. For a smaller, more intimate entertainment setting at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for special events, meet at the Lookout Grille for the best end-of-the-workweek music, delicious food, and drink specials, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, June 14 to Aug. 9.

June 14—Chasing Avalon

June 21—Gerry Goodman

June 28—Suzzanne Paris

July 5—The Leonard Curry Band

July 12—Charley Wagner

July 19—Natalie & Lizzy

July 26—Frank Martin

Aug. 2 —Guilty Pleasure

Aug. 9—Feeding Giants

Strawberry Days

This annual event is a Glenwood Springs tradition and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is proud to be an event sponsor. This year marks the122nd Annual Strawberry Days festival which takes place June 21-23 at Sayre (Strawberry) Park in Glenwood Springs. The event features an arts and crafts fair; food booths; live music and entertainment and a FamilyFest area with interactive, entertaining and creative experiences for the whole family.  The traditional parade down Grand Avenue Saturday morning is followed by free strawberries and ice cream at Sayre Park. Enjoy all the festival activities and remember to save some time for a visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park—America’s only mountaintop theme park.

Learn more about Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and make your summer plans to visit today!

Summer’s Here! It’s Time to Buy Your Annual Thrill Pass

Ride the Glenwood Canyon Flyer
Ride the Glenwood Canyon Flyer

For Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park annual pass holders, the season ahead is filled with thrilling rides, cave tours and a full schedule of musical entertainment! Even though passes are valid for one year, make the most of your annual pass by purchasing now—in time to make the most of upcoming summer fun!

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is getting ready to kick high-flying fun up a notch for summer. We recently launched our new Glenwood Gondola, celebrated the 20th anniversary of opening the caves to tours, hosted a Prince tribute band and we’re just getting started! In addition to the all the thrill rides and attractions you’ve come to love, we’ve got a big summer planned. Music on the Mountain kicks off on Saturday, June 15; Friday Afternoon Club makes its weekly reappearance beginning on June 14. Scattered throughout the year are special events that include Cave & Karst Day on June 9, Octoberfest in the fall and later in the year—Winter on the Mountain. An Annual Thrill Pass in your pocket means you never have to pass up the fun!

Unlimited Admission on Thrill Rides & Attractions

With your 2019 Annual Thrill Pass, you can hop aboard the new Glenwood Gondola and all your favorite Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park thrill rides as often as you like including the Giant Canyon Swing, the Alpine Coaster, the Cliffhanger Roller Coaster, the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride and the Canyon Flyer. Your thrill pass also gains you admission to both cave tours and attractions like the park’s 4-D movies and laser tag arena.

No Black-out Dates

Your pass is valid anytime the park is open. Come for special events like the Friday Afternoon Club, Music on the Mountain, Harmony Sisters sing-along and the new Two for Tuesdays with buy-one-get-one specials after 4 p.m. It doesn’t matter if it happens to be spring break, the Christmas holiday or the height of summer, your Annual Thrill Pass gives you access to entertainment and adventures that span the seasons.

An Outstanding Value

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Annual Thrill Pass is a crazy good deal. Consider that a one-time Funday Pass costs $58 for adults (13 and older) and $53 for children (3-12), while a Thrill Pass runs $128 and $116 respectively. In just a little over two visits, your pass pays for itself!

Bonus Discounts

Your Annual Thrill Pass also entitles you to discounts at any of the park’s restaurants and in the gift shop. Save ten percent on whatever tickles your taste buds. It could be a meal at the Lookout Grille, a slice of pizza at the Snack Shack or sweet treats at the Popcorn Wagon. Take home souvenirs or shop for gifts at the General Store, all while trimming a cool ten percent off the top just by showing your Thrill Pass.

A Gondola-only Option

If you’d prefer to skip the rides and just come to the park to enjoy the views, the music, or a meal out, consider purchasing the Glenwood Gondola Annual Pass. Like the Annual Thrill Pass, it’s valid for one year, and at just $38, it’s a bargain.

Give the Most Thrilling Gift

An Annual Thrill Pass makes a great gift for just about anyone in your life. Give a gift of smiles, wonder and lasting memories to all the special people in your life. An Annual Thrill Pass is just the thing for kids on summer break; it makes an ideal present for high school and college graduates; and is also perfect for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.

Purchase Your Thrill Pass Today

Annual Thrill Passes are just $128 for adults (13 and older) and $116 for children (3 – 12) and are available for purchase at www.glenwoodcaverns or by calling 970-945-4228. If you already have a Glenwood Gondola Local’s Pass, you can upgrade to an Annual Thrill Pass and the cost of your Local’s Pass will be pro-rated and deducted from the cost of your Annual Thrill Pass.

Solutions for Adventure Park Visitors with Pets

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers a little something for everyone—cave tours, thrill rides, dining, music, views—everyone that is, except Fido. Thanks to nearby dog-sitting services; it’s easy to safely leave your furry friends for a few hours while you enjoy the humans-only attractions at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

We love dogs, just not at the Park

Unless your pooch is a certified service dog, it’s just not practical to bring him or her to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. As pet owners ourselves, we appreciate that some of our visitors travel with their animals, and truth be told, sometimes pets make the best road trip companions—never complaining about the music selection or asking how much longer until we get there.

While welcomed at public parks in Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Caverns is one park poochies will have to skip. There are some places that just don’t suit canines including aboard the Glenwood Gondola and on cave tours and thrill rides.

Rather than skip a trip to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park however, why not leave your pet where he’ll have almost as much fun as you? Glenwood Springs has several reputable, reasonably priced doggie daycare centers that can give him plenty of exercise and social interaction while you’re away for a few hours.

Pet Sitting Services in Glenwood Springs

Dog Hollidays Pet Resort, owned and operated by two veterinarians, provides half-day and full-day pet sitting options. You can even pamper you pet by scheduling a brushing—the equivalent of a doggie blowout—or a bath should he or she be in need of a little extra grooming. 970-930-6292.

High Tails Dog & Cat Outfitters is another great choice that provides doggie daycare every day of the week except Sundays. It’s run by a trio of local ladies who monitor play sessions. If the energy of the group is running too high, they may utilize aromatherapy and soothing music to induce calm. 970-947-0014.

The Shaggy Dog is another always reliable option, also locally-owned. Drop your furry pal off for a few hours of no-worry downtime for both of you. The full-service “salon” includes menu items like shampoo and condition, nail trimming, brushing and de-shedding, pet bathing and haircuts with a hand scissor finish. 970-945-0264.

When it comes to your pet, it’s safety first

If you’re traveling with your pet this summer we’d love for you to come visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, just be sure to take care of your precious fur baby first. Never leave your pet in your vehicle or tethered while you sightsee. Instead, allow these pet-friendly businesses to keep your pet safe and engaged while you visit America’s only mountaintop theme park.

Plan your adventure getaway today; visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park on your next trip to Glenwood Springs.

Showcaves of the Midwest

From the Black Hills to the Ozarks and the Wisconsin Dells to the Texas Hill Country, Cavern.com identifies 32 showcaves. They include the longest underground navigable river, the ultra-rare black alabaster, species of sightless cave-dwelling creatures and breathtaking formations of size and beauty. Here are some highlights:
  • Rushmore Cave near Keystone, S.D., is in a limestone formation encircling the granite core of the Black Hills. Its four rooms are the Post Office, where early visitors carved their initials; the Image Room, with face-shaped formations; the Floral Room, with helictites on stalactites in leaf and floral design; and the Big Room, with numerous stalactites, flowstone, and cave bacon.
  • Cave of the Mounds near Blue Mounds, Wis., discovered in 1939, is considered the most significant cave in the upper Midwest by the Chicago Academy of Sciences. It has a high number of colorful crystal formations on paved lighted pathways.
  • Bluespring Caverns in Lawrence County, Ind., contains 21 miles of surveyed passages and the longest U.S. subterranean river with 3 navigable miles. It is home to crayfish, salamanders, crickets, spiders, beetles, bats and the rare sightless Northern Cavefish.
  • Sights on the Kings Row Cave TourMarengo Cave in Crawford County, Ind., discovered in 1883 and open to the public from the beginning, has almost five miles of known passageway.
  • Spook Cave near McGregor, Iowa, opened in 1955, is explored entirely by boat on the underground water.
  • Crystal Lake Cave near Dubuque, Iowa, was discovered in 1868 and contains crystals including aragonite, travertine, satin stalagmite, stalactite and calcareous spar.
  • Alabaster Caverns near Freedom, Okla., has the largest natural gypsum cave in the world, including, pink, white and rare black alabaster, otherwise found only in China and Italy.
  • Mark Twain Cave near Hannibal, Mo., was discovered by hunters about 1820 and contains tools of earlier Native Americans who used the cave. Mark Twain visited the cave and based a scene in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer on his experience.
  • Meramec Caverns near Stanton, Mo., is the largest commercial cave in the state that has more than 6,000 surveyed caves. The system is 4.6 miles long.
  • Bluff Dwellers Cave near Noel, Mo., was used by the ancient peoples known as Bluff Dwellers. It was open to the public in 1927.
  • Talking Rocks Cavern in Stone County, Missouri, was named Fairy Cave by its early developer for its glittering crystals. (Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs also has a cave with the same name and offers tours of the Historic Fairy Caves)
  • War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake near Rogers, Ark., contains unusual domes, rimstone dams, and underground streams and waterfalls. It was used by moonshiners before the lake was built in the 1960s.
  • Exploring caves in a fun family activityMystic Cavern and Crystal Dome Cavern are less than 400 feet apart near Harrison, Ark. Mystic has a Pipe Organ calcite formation 30 feet tall and 12 feet thick as well as helictites, shields and spherical stalactites. Crystal has a 70-foot dome and other dripstone formations of pure while calcite.
  • Cave Without A Name near Boerne, Tex., has six rooms with formations of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, cave drapery, flowstones and rimstone dams. Concerts are held in the Cave Throne Room.
  • Caverns of Sorona near Sorona, Tex., is in a limestone formation at the frontier of the Hill Country and the Chihuahuan Dessert. It was discovered in the early 1920s and opened to the public in 1960.
  • Inner Space Cavern near Georgetown, Tex., was discovered in 1963 and opened to the public in 1966. Mammoth and saber-tooth cat bones have been discovered in the ancient cave.
  • Natural Bridge Cavern near San Antonio, Tex., has a 60-foot limestone bridge. It was discovered in 1960 and opened in 1964.
  • Longhorn Cavern in Burnet County, Tex., was used by Native Americans, Confederate soldiers, outlaws, and, during Prohibition, as a speakeasy with musical performances. It was explored, cleaned and improved by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Musicians started performing in the cavern again in 2006.
Learn more about our nation’s show caves and plan to explore some of them soon, including Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado which, in addition to its spectacular show caves, is home to America’s only mountaintop theme park.

Planned Your 2019 Vacation Yet?

The Giant Canyon Swing at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
The Giant Canyon Swing at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
It’s not too late—Tuesday, January 29 is National Plan Your Vacation Day. For the ultimate Colorado adventure, plan a trip to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park today.

If you’re thinking, I’ve got all year to plan a vacation, you might be wrong. The first month of twelve has almost slipped away in the blink of an eye. The fact is every year more than half of Americans (52%) fail to use all their time off, creating a stock pile of 705 million unused vacation days, up from 662 million days the year before. There are a few more days left in January, the month for new beginnings. Stop forfeiting your hard-earned vacation days and start enjoying them instead.

Vacation planners are happier

As in most endeavors in life, those who plan ahead are more likely to succeed. That includes planning for and taking time off for vacations. According to a press release by the U.S. Travel Association (USTA), “The most effective remedy for American workers who want to use more vacation days is better planning. Yet just over half of households set aside time to plan the use of their vacation time each year.” According to the USTA research, planners have a distinct advantage over non-planners: They use more of their time, take longer vacations and are happier.

This video featuring Samantha Brown, travel expert and television host of Places to Love, sums why National Plan Your Vacation Day on Jan. 29th is the best way to jump start your 2019 vacation plans.

Vacation planners are doers

There are also other benefits of setting aside a specific day to plan your annual vacation. First, by penciling in a getaway on your calendar, you instantly have a task list you can tackle that helps to bring your vacation from blurry idea to focused reality. Such a list might include letting the boss know months in advance when you’ll be out of the office, shopping for the best flight deals, booking lodging reservations and pre-planning your in-destination activities.

Vacation planners have more fun

Secondly, anticipation is delicious. Looking forward to something in the future creates powerful, positive emotions. Planning a vacation to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for example, you might anticipate riding the Giant Canyon Swing or two adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. You might look forward to taking cave tours that delve deep under Iron Mountain to showcase a stunning underground landscape. Perhaps you want to dance under the stars? You can do that too with a regular schedule of musical performances kicking off in summer 2019.

In addition to visiting Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, your vacation dreams might also expand to include other things-to-do in Glenwood Springs like geothermal soaking at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, hiking to Hanging Lake, sampling award-winning beers at area pubs and breweries or rafting through scenic Glenwood Canyon. Planning ahead allows you to take in all the possibilities.

Plan your visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park today

Please note Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is temporarily closed until March while we install our new, high-capacity gondola. Look for more details and information about this exciting new addition on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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.

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.