History of The Fairy Caves

Our History

The Historic Fairy Caves, an attraction within Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, was a thriving tourist destination in the 1890s, thanks to Charles W. Darrow, a pioneering Glenwood Springs attorney. Darrow and his family homesteaded the top of Iron Mountain, including the cave entrance. Today, you can tour Historic Fairy Caves as a part of the Cave Tour.

Darrow opened Fairy Caves to visitors in 1895. At that time the known extent of the cave was about 800 feet. Today Glenwood Caverns, including the Historic Fairy Caves, has more than 16,000 known feet. When the Fairy Caves opened to the public, visitors could get to the caves by walking up a trail, by riding a horse or burro, or by being transported in style in a horse-drawn carriage. Today, you travel to the Historic Fairy Caves in a gondola on the Iron Mountain Tramway.

Wild tours scheduling:

Reservations are required for Wild Cave Tours. This tour is not included in the Funday  Pass. Call 970-945-4228 or 1-800-530-1635, ext. 0 Learn more about Cave Science and History >

NEW Gondola & Alpine Coaster Package

Valid Jan & Feb 2025 for $50

Discover mountaintop adventure with our unbeatable gondola and alpine coaster package! Enjoy the scenic gondola ride and UNLIMITED rides on America’s first Alpine Coaster! It’s an unforgettable experience that combines the majestic beauty of the mountains with the thrills of our Alpine Coaster.

King’s Row

The most highly decorated cave room in Colorado! This is a 40 minute walking tour.

Fairy Caves 

40 min guided walking tour suitable for most fitness levels.

Wild Tour

For those seeking an authentic cave adventure.

Cave History

Learn more about the rich history of our caves!

Tickets

Save with a Combo Ticket

Gondola

$35

(online price $30)

Gondola/
Caves

$55

(online price $50)

Funday

$61

(online price $56)