Check off America’s newest National Natural Landmark from your Colorado vacation bucket list with discounted admission to both Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Iron Mountain Hot Springs!
The U.S. Department of the Interior has designated Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Iron Mountain Hot Springs as its newest National Natural Landmark (NNL). This prestigious designation makes them must-visit destinations for both nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Introducing NNL Combo Tickets
To celebrate this recognition, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Iron Mountain Hot Springs are offering special NNL Combo Tickets. Available for purchase online, beginning March 15th, the combo tickets provide visitors with discounted admission to explore both NNL sites, with a generous 20-percent discount.
NNL Combo Tickets include riding the signature Glenwood Gondola to the mountaintop Adventure Park, caves tours that include both King’s Row and the Historic Fairy Caves, as well as a relaxing and rejuvenating soak in the Legacy Pools at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. NNL Combo Tickets can also be used over two different days.
Becoming a National Treasure
In December, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, named Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Iron Mountain Hot Springs a National Natural Landmark. According to the press release, both properties “feature significant natural features and the landowner’s commitment to stewardship of these national treasures.”
Glenwood Caverns was hailed for its underground processes that formed the caverns millions of years ago and are still active today. The caves not only showcase beautiful formations, they also host rare and diverse ecosystems. Visitors to Glenwood Caverns can explore the underground topography on tours of King’s Row and the Fairy Caves and view stunning formations millions of years in the making.
A place of relaxation and serenity, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, home of the newly-opened WorldSprings, was also included as part of the NNL designation. Located along the Colorado River on the canyon floor, the prolific geothermal springs that supply the soaking pools at the resort are part of ongoing geologic processes that have their source deep within the earth.
More Honors & Accolades
During an address at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs, Colorado Governor Jared Polis personally congratulated the Glenwood Caverns and the Iron Mountain team and presented them with a plaque to memorialize the NNL Designation. Accepting the award was Glenwood Caverns General Manager Nancy Heard and Iron Mountain Hot Springs General Manager Aaron McCallister.
Recognizing Stewardship
The NNL designation also acknowledges the stewardship of Steve and Jeanne Beckley, the founding owners of both properties. Monitoring environmental conditions in the Caverns has been a critical mission of the Beckley’s from the beginning. To protect the fragile ecosystem from damage, the owners installed airtight doors and evaporimeters to gauge the rate of evaporation within the caves. Their efforts have paid off; even with thousands of people visiting the caves annually, the relative humidity within has not changed.
“We are honored by the National Natural Landmark designation and so happy to continue to offer guests the opportunity to experience these natural wonders,” said Beckley. “We will continue to preserve the integrity of the cave ecosystem; it’s a responsibility we take seriously.”
Put the Newest NNL on your Colorado Vacation Itinerary
The introduction of NNL Combo Tickets makes it easier than ever for visitors to experience the splendor of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Iron Mountain Hot Springs together. Make plans to visit, explore, and relax at the nation’s newly designated National Natural Landmark in Glenwood Springs today!
NNL Combo Tickets may be purchased beginning March 15, for visitation dates from April 1 to Nov. 3, 2024.
