Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
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4.6(1.1K)yelp
CanyonCaveFamilyGuided TourThrilling
Overview
Wind Cave National Park is a national park of the United States located 10 miles (16 km) north of the town of Hot Springs in western South Dakota. Established on January 3, 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it was the sixth national park in the U.S. and the first cave to be designated a national park anywhere in the world. The cave has calcite formations known as boxwork, as well as frostwork.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeYear-round appeal, as the subterranean caverns maintain a constant 54°F (12°C). Summertime (June-August) from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM is ideal. This timing allows you to complete the underground tour comfortably and experience the outdoor canyon cliff swings (Terror-dactyl) before long afternoon lines form.
Getting ThereExtremely straightforward by car. Drive west from Colorado Springs on US-24 W toward Manitou Springs for about 6 miles. Watch for large prominent billboards on the right, turn right onto Cave of the Winds Rd, and drive up the steep but fully paved access mountain road for 1 mile to the ticket plaza.
Travel Tips
- Both the standard Discovery Tour and the historical Lantern Tour operate via strict online timed-entry mandates. During the peak summer window from June through August, daily allocations regularly sell out 3 to 5 days in advance; same-day walk-up ticket sales at the venue are unavailable.
- Regardless of external surface extremes, the subterranean cavern maintaining a constant 54°F (12°C) year-round. Bringing a thermal long-sleeve jacket or fleece layer is non-negotiable, and because the limestone passages feature slick moisture films, smooth-soled sandals or high heels are banned.
- The exclusive access route through Williams Canyon Road is a high-grade, twisting mountain switchback that strictly bars any vehicle configuration exceeding 24 feet in total length. Oversized RVs and trailers must park at Manitou Springs municipal lots and utilize rideshares to reach the gates.
Reviews
Positive
- The stalactites and cave formations are magical under the lights, and the guides tell engaging, humorous historical stories.
- The cave stays a constant, cool 54°F year-round, making it a perfect escape from Colorado's scorching summer sun.
- The park outside features edge-of-the-cliff thrill rides like a giant canyon swing, blending nature exploration with thrill.
- Signs are very clear and the ticketing system is well-organized, saving reserved visitors lots of time standing in line.
Heads up
- Some cave passages are extremely narrow and low, requiring constant ducking, which can trigger claustrophobia.
- The basic cave tour is expensive, and every single outdoor thrill ride requires an extra ticket, driving up the total cost.
- The cave interior is not accessible at all, filled with wet, slippery stairs and steep slopes that block strollers and wheelchairs.
- The entrance sits on a steep mountain switchback; entering and exiting during heavy peak traffic can be quite nerve-wracking.