Colorado’s rocky terrain offers a thrilling adventure for adventure seekers, with its majestic mountains and hidden caves waiting to be explored. While there are many famous caves in the state that attract visitors every year, there are also some lesser-known ones that offer an equally unforgettable experience.
In this article, we will take a closer look at 15 unexplored caves in Colorado that are waiting to be discovered. Each cave has its unique features and offers a unique adventure to visitors. We’ll provide detailed information on how to access each cave, what to expect, and what gear you’ll need.
So, if you’re ready to embark on an underground adventure that you’ll never forget, let’s dive into our table of contents:
Cave 1: Lost Man Cave
Lost Man Cave is a fascinating cave system located near the ghost town of Independence Pass. This cave is not only one of the lesser-known caves in Colorado but also one of the most challenging ones to access.
To reach Lost Man Cave, you will need to hike through rugged terrain and navigate steep cliffs. Once you reach the cave’s entrance, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and crystal-clear waterfalls. The cave is known for its beautiful formations, including stalagmites and stalactites.
Cave 2: Wee Kirk Cave
Wee Kirk Cave is a small but unique cave located in Manitou Springs. It was discovered in 1874 by Reverend Richard Cordley and has since become a popular tourist attraction.
The cave’s entrance is hidden in a rock face, and visitors will need to crawl through a narrow tunnel to reach the main chamber. Inside, you’ll find beautiful crystal formations and a serene atmosphere that will make you forget you’re just a few miles away from the bustling city.
Cave 3: Mystery Cave
As the name suggests, Mystery Cave is a mysterious cave located near the town of Durango. This cave has not been fully explored, and its exact size and shape remain a mystery.
To reach the cave, visitors will need to hike through a beautiful forest and climb a steep hill. The cave’s entrance is hidden in a rocky cliff face, and once inside, visitors will be greeted by a beautiful waterfall and an otherworldly atmosphere.
Cave 4: Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is a stunning cave located near Glenwood Springs. This cave is known for its beautiful crystal formations, including quartz, calcite, and aragonite.
To reach the cave, visitors will need to hike through a steep trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located near the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, and visitors can take a guided tour of the cave.
Inside the cave, visitors will be awed by the stunning crystal formations that line the walls and ceilings. The cave is also home to unique wildlife, including bats and cave crickets. Visitors should bring a flashlight and wear sturdy hiking boots, as the terrain inside the cave can be slippery.
Cave 5: Fulford Cave
Fulford Cave is a hidden gem located near Eagle. This cave is not well-known and offers a unique adventure for those looking to escape the crowds.
To reach the cave, visitors will need to hike through a steep trail that follows a small stream. Once inside the cave, visitors will be amazed by the beautiful formations, including flowstone and stalactites.
Visitors should be aware that this cave is not well-maintained and may be challenging to navigate. It is recommended that visitors bring a map, compass, and flashlight and wear sturdy hiking boots.
Cave 6: South Brush Creek Cave
South Brush Creek Cave is a unique cave located near Crested Butte. This cave is known for its beautiful formations, including stalagmites and helictites.
To reach the cave, visitors will need to hike through a beautiful forest and cross a small creek. The entrance to the cave is hidden in a rocky cliff face, and visitors will need to navigate a small crawl space to enter.
Inside the cave, visitors will be amazed by the unique formations that line the walls and ceilings. Visitors should bring a flashlight and wear sturdy hiking boots, as the terrain inside the cave can be slippery.
Cave 7: Iron Mountain Cave
Iron Mountain Cave is a fascinating cave located near Salida. This cave is known for its unique formations, including rare cave pearls and cave bacon.
To reach the cave, visitors will need to hike through a steep trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The entrance to the cave is hidden in a rocky cliff face, and visitors will need to navigate a small crawl space to enter.
Inside the cave, visitors will be awed by the beautiful formations that line the walls and ceilings. Visitors should bring a flashlight and wear sturdy hiking boots, as the terrain inside the cave can be slippery.
Cave 8: Manhole Cave
Manhole Cave is a unique cave located near Boulder. This cave is not well-known and offers a unique adventure for those looking to escape the crowds.
To reach the cave, visitors will need to hike through a beautiful forest and cross a small stream. The entrance to the cave is hidden in a rocky cliff face, and visitors will need to navigate a small crawl space to enter.
Inside the cave, visitors will be amazed by the beautiful formations that line the walls and ceilings. Visitors should bring a flashlight and wear sturdy hiking boots, as the terrain inside the cave can be slippery.
Cave 9: McIntyre Bluff Cave
McIntyre Bluff Cave is a unique cave located near Grand Junction. This cave is known for its stunning formations, including flowstone and stalactites.
To reach the cave, visitors will need to hike through a steep trail that follows a small stream. The entrance to the cave is hidden in a rocky cliff face, and visitors will need to navigate a small crawl space to enter.
Inside the cave, visitors will be awed by the unique formations that line the walls and ceilings. These formations have been created over millions of years through the slow process of mineral deposition. From delicate stalactites and stalagmites to massive columns and curtains, each cave has its own unique collection of formations that make it a wonder to explore.
The sound of dripping water and the echoing of footsteps create a peaceful and eerie atmosphere that can only be experienced inside these natural wonders. Exploring unexplored caves in Colorado is a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be missed by adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Cave 10: Cactus Hill Cave
Cactus Hill Cave is a fascinating cave located near Walsenburg. This cave is known for its unique formations, including cave popcorn and helictites.
To reach the cave, visitors will need to hike through a steep trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The entrance to the cave is hidden in a rocky cliff face, and visitors will need to navigate a small crawl space to enter.
Inside the cave, visitors will be amazed by the beautiful formations that line the walls and ceilings. Visitors should bring a flashlight and wear sturdy hiking boots, as the terrain inside the cave can be slippery.
Cave 11: The Balcony Cave
The Balcony Cave is located in Mesa Verde National Park and is one of the park’s most fascinating caves. Visitors to the park can take a guided tour of the cave, which includes a steep climb up a ladder to reach the entrance.
Inside the cave, visitors will find a series of narrow passageways and rooms, as well as unique formations such as cave bacon and soda straws.
Cave 12: Buckhorn Canyon Cave
Buckhorn Canyon Cave is located near Fort Collins and is known for its impressive size. The cave is approximately 2 miles long and features several large rooms that are filled with unique formations such as helictites and cave popcorn.
Visitors to the cave will need to obtain a permit before exploring, and should be prepared for a challenging hike to reach the entrance.
Cave 13: The Crestone Caves
The Crestone Caves are located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and are a series of small, interconnected caves that are known for their stunning beauty. Visitors to the caves will need to hike through rugged terrain to reach the entrance, but the effort is well worth it.
Inside the caves, visitors will find delicate formations such as rimstone dams and cave pearls, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Cave 14: West Spanish Peak Cave
West Spanish Peak Cave is located near La Veta and is one of the largest and most challenging caves in Colorado to explore.
The cave is approximately 12 miles long and features a variety of unique formations such as flowstone and gypsum flowers. Visitors to the cave will need to obtain a permit before exploring, and should be prepared for a difficult hike to reach the entrance.
Cave 15: Four Mile Cave
Four Mile Cave is located near Canon City and is known for its impressive size and stunning formations. Visitors to the cave will need to navigate a steep trail to reach the entrance, but the effort is well worth it. Inside the cave, visitors will find unique formations such as cave bacon and helictites, as well as a small underground river.
Cave 16: Ophir Pass Cave
Ophir Pass Cave is located near Ophir Pass and is a small, unexplored cave that is waiting to be discovered. Visitors to the cave will need to hike through rugged terrain to reach the entrance, but the effort is well worth it.
Inside the cave, visitors will find unique formations such as cave popcorn and stalactites, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Related: Caving In Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are the unexplored caves in Colorado safe to explore?
While these caves can be exciting to explore, they can also be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Visitors should always bring a flashlight, wear sturdy hiking boots, and be aware of the potential risks associated with exploring caves.
- Can visitors explore these caves on their own, or do they need a guide?
Some of these caves can be explored on your own, but others require a guide. Visitors should research each cave before visiting to determine if a guide is necessary.
- Are there any age restrictions for exploring these caves?
Some caves may have age restrictions due to the potential risks associated with exploring them. Visitors should research each cave before visiting to determine if there are any age restrictions in place.
- What should visitors bring when exploring these caves?
Visitors should always bring a flashlight, wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring plenty of water and snacks. They should also bring a map and compass, and be aware of the potential risks associated with exploring caves.
- Are there any fees associated with visiting these caves?
Some caves may have fees associated with visiting them. Visitors should research each cave before visiting to determine if there are any fees in place.
Final Thoughts
Colorado is home to many unexplored caves that offer a unique adventure for those willing to venture off the beaten path. While exploring these caves can be exciting, visitors should always take proper precautions to ensure their safety.
By researching each cave before visiting and being aware of the potential risks associated with exploring caves, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable experience while discovering the hidden beauty that lies beneath Colorado’s mountains.