Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds, is a wonder that can be explored by people young and old, a hidden jewel within the Colorado Natural Attractions located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Come find geology and adventure rolled into one — a Geo-Venture! This spectacular Colorado Natural Attraction has amazed people for over a century. In the late 1800′s, two young brothers named George and John Pickett, were out with a group of friends for a day of exploration. What they found that day, quite by accident, was the magnificent natural rock formation and cave that would later be known as Cave of the Winds. The name is likely taken from the early legends of the Jicarilla Apaches, who migrated through the Pikes Peak region around 1000 AD, telling of a cave in this area where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided.

If you love geology and aren’t bothered by claustrophobia, then touring this underground world may be just what you’re looking for. The adventure began long ago, when warm shallow seas covered the Pikes Peak region of Colorado. “In those ancient seas, abundant shell life thrived. As the sea creatures died, their shells fell to the sea floor and were broken up. Layer upon layer of seashells accumulated and the weight of the overlying layers squeezed, compacted, and cemented together the underlying layers into a solid rock called limestone. The process is similar to squeezing snow into ice.” When the seas that covered most of Colorado receded and the remaining limestone was uplifted, part of the Rocky Mountain region was formed.

The Cave of the Winds’ system of rooms and passages began to form “when the limestone was below the water table. Rainwater mixed with carbon dioxide and formed a weak carbonic acid. The acid solution dissolved away portions of the limestone, leaving behind small passageways that filled with water. As more limestone dissolved over thousands of years, the passageways grew larger and the rooms were formed. After the water table dropped below the level of the cave system, the passageways and rooms filled with air, and beautiful speleothems, or cave decorations, began to form.” It is awe inspiring to see the rock formations, many of which resemble a waterfall in rock (Flowstone) and other features which may be familiar to some people. Stalactites and Stalagmites are both prominently featured in the Caves. The tour guides point out interesting things to know, and one thing a tour guide told our family stuck with us. “You can remember which is which by this simple trick…. Stalactites are growing down from the ceiling of the cave. They need to hold ‘tite’ or they’ll fall. Stalagmites are on the floor of the cave growing up, be careful or you ‘mite’ fall over them.” Now, it’s easy to remember which one is which!

Stalactites form when calcium carbonate-rich water reached the ceiling of a room and started to drip. Each time a water droplet collected on the ceiling, a small amount of calcium carbonate crystallized into a calcite ring around the outside of the water droplet. Just like a water icicle drips off a roof line, over thousand of years, icicle-shaped stalactites formed. As they dripped to the floor beneath, stalagmites formed as the calcium carbonate crystallized and built up on the cave floor. Another beautiful and amazing feature of the caves is the Flowstone, which resembles a waterfall made up of rock. They can be seen along the side of a cave room or passage. Flowstone forms when mineral-rich water flows down along the walls of the cave leaving the calcite behind. This is also known as Travertine. Another example of natural Travertine rock in Colorado is in the Hanging Lake area, where natural formations can be seen (but not touched as they are delicate in nature).

Taking your family to see the wonders of Cave of the Winds will be a fun adventure for all. There is truly something for everyone. From the budding geologist in the family who is fascinated by the formations and history of the area, to the artist who appreciates the colors and shape of magnificent natural stone structures, and for everyone in between there is something to appreciate. Some people enjoy the vast caverns that open up in front of you – giant rooms made of stone that seem impossibly large. Some who aren’t burdened by claustrophobia like to take the lantern tours or the most rugged of all, the belly crawl through dark and mysterious tunnels and small spaces until they emerge into a wonderland of crystal caverns and pools lit by fissures in the surface rock. Guides are provided for all tours and will help you discover what is the best Geo-Venture for you.

Some Important Cave Terminology to Know

Calcite—Calcium carbonate that crystallizes in hexagonal (six-sided) forms.
Column—The name given to a formation once a stalactite and stalagmite grow together.
Flowstone—A sheet-like deposit of calcium carbonate on the wall of a limestone cave, also referred to as travertine.
Geology—The scientific study of the earth.
Speleology—The scientific study or exploration of caves.
Speleothem—A cave formation.
Stalactite—An icicle-shaped deposit of calcium carbonate hanging from the roof of a limestone cave.
Stalagmite—A stump-like deposit of calcium carbonate rising from the floor of a limestone cave.
Batholith—A great irregular mass of coarse-grained igneous rock with an exposed surface of more than 100 square kilometers, which has either intruded the country rock or been derived from it through metamorphism.
Dolomite—A calcium-magnesium carbonate that is more resistant to chemical weathering than limestone.
Limestone—A sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate. Some 10% to 15% of all sedimentary rocks are limestone.
Metamorphic rocks—Those rocks with an alteration of minerals, textures, and composition caused by exposure to heat, pressure, and chemical actions.
Shale—A sedimentary rock formed from very fine-grained particles of mud and silt; will often contain oil deposits.

Now that you are more conversant with the Cave and Geology terms, here are some interesting facts. Eons ago, the Pikes Peak area was covered by a vast, shallow sea where sediments accumulated to a height of 40,000 feet. Over time, the composition of the minerals under pressure formed sedimentary rock. During a geologic period of mountain-building, metamorphic rocks were formed. These rocks are called the Idaho Springs Formation and are located nearby in Idaho Springs, Colorado. In another period of changing topography, a giant igneous rock from closer to the core of the earth was forced up. It is called the Pikes Peak batholith and the rock is granite, and now can be seen over an area of hundreds of square miles.

The Manitou Formation consisting of nearly 200 feet of dolomite and limestone has a red or buff-gray color and contains fossils, such as trilobites. This is geologic evidence of the land being covered to a significant depth with sea water. As the sea retreated and moved over the rock, it resulted in the sandstone and shale Harding Formation and the carbonates of the Fremont Limestone, which can be seen to the south near Cañon City, Colorado. “In a fairly humid climate with abundant rainfall and carbonate surface rock, the rainwater dissolved the rock and formed many sinkholes, caverns, and tunnels in the land. Clay, silts, shales, and carbonates accumulated the most extensive and famous formation of the Rocky Mountain area—the Morrison Formation. Many dinosaurs lived in this area and the fossil remains of the Stegosaurus came from the shales of the Morrison Formation north of Cañon City. In the Garden of the Gods, a layer of gypsum is located at the base of the Morrison Formation. The Mesa gravels, which form the flat topped hills around Colorado Springs, represent the outwash from melting glaciers.”

Colorado Cave Essential Information

These Colorado Caves have some narrow, short passageways and over 200 stairs throughout the tours, so strollers and baby backpacks are not allowed. However, baby backpacks worn on the front may be used.
Pets are not allowed in this Colorado Attraction.
The cave itself is not wheelchair accessible because there are narrow passageways and over 200 stairs throughout the tour, but wheelchair access is available in the visitor center, gift shop, and restrooms.
The Cave of the Winds is an exciting Colorado Natural Attraction that can be enjoyed by everyone in your family, from tykes to grandparents. However, a caution to certain folks….
Tours are not recommended for persons with heart and/or respiratory problems or who might be/are pregnant. Those people may, though, enjoy the visitor center and gift shop.