DENVER – It’s National Day of Caves and Colorado is home to several breathtaking caverns that are worth celebrating and exploring.
But before you dig out your spelunking gear from the closet, there are some important safety concerns you need to know.
For national forests and grasslands in the Rocky Mountain Region, most caves are open to the public but come with some important requirements.
Some caves will require a permit due to concerns over white-nose syndrome. The disease affects hibernating bats and can spread quickly.
Also, check with the Forest Serviceto see an up-to-date list of the specific requirements and to see the status of a particular cave.
Here are some of the top caves in Colorado you need to explore:
Glenwood Caverns (Fairy Cave)
Discovered in the 19th century, the Fairy Caves above Glenwood Springs spans more than three miles with rooms as high as 50 feet high. The Fairy Cave offers a guided tour and requires an admission fee. The caverns are part of the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. More info: http://bit.ly/2qUqHbI
Cave of the Winds
Discovered in the 1880’s, the Cave of the Winds is one of the most-visited network of caves in the state. Some rooms reach a height of 89 feet. Cave of the Winds is located west of Colorado Springs on U.S. 24. The cave can only be explored by guided tours. An admission fee applies. More info: http://bit.ly/2aDPSZR
Fulford Cave
The cave is located southeast of Eagle and is open to the public. No guided tours are offered, so cavers are on their own. Fulford is about a mile in length and is considered an easy cave to explore. There are at least three entrance to the cave with the culvert entrance being the most popular. More info: http://bit.ly/2r2Y2k3
Fault Cave
Like its name implies, this cave was created after fault line in the mountains. The cave is described as dry and dusty with several entrances. The cave is located west of Golden along U.S. 6.
Spring Cave
This cave is located in the White River National Forest. The cave has an underground river running through it, so it is often wet. Some rooms are only accessible by underwater diving. More info: http://bit.ly/2rIXgui