Entry No. 82 — the Colorado Springs file — filed under: after-dark
Haunted Lantern Tour at Cave of the Winds
A 90-minute walk through the Manitou Grand Caverns lit only by a hand-carried flame lantern, down narrow tunnels and low passages while a guide tells ghost stories and unexplained-phenomena tales of the cave. It runs year-round (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), with daily tours available from late morning into the evening (last slots around 8 p.m. in summer). Every October it expands into a longer, darker Director's Cut starting at 6 p.m. for ages 13 and up. Reservations are essential because weekend and holiday tours sell out.
The story
In 1881, stone mason George W. Snider followed a plume of steam escaping a crevice in Williams Canyon and discovered Manitou Grand Caverns. While the main chambers of Cave of the Winds were later outfitted with electric lighting, paved concrete paths, and handrails for casual day-trippers, the Grand Caverns were left unpaved and completely dark—which suits the guides just fine.
You didn't hear it from us, but the iron gate at the cave entrance isn't just for security; local lore holds that iron keeps subterranean spirits from wandering out into the canyon. Once you cross under it, your only illumination comes from a handheld metal bucket lantern housing a single flickering flame, casting barely enough light to navigate the wet limestone beneath your feet.
Rather than lecturing on stalactites or geological strata, guides lead you down raw passages while sharing mountain folklore, reports of unexplained cave phenomena, and stories of early cave figures like George and Nelly Snider. Every October, the cavern expands into a longer 'Director's Cut' starting at 6 p.m. for ages 13 and up, stripping away whatever surface twilight remains.
What it's like
Expect to spend a good portion of the 90 minutes stooping low. You'll duck through a 250-foot passage with ceilings dipping between 42 and 48 inches high, shuffling over unpaved limestone that stays slick and slightly muddy. Bring a warm jacket to handle the cave's constant subterranean chill, and wear closed-toe shoes with solid traction—between the dim candle glow and the guide's jump-scares, your footing will be tested. Reserve online well before you drive up Williams Canyon, as weekend and holiday slots sell out early.
The move: Share one lantern between you and pick your way through pitch-black cave passages as your guide spins ghost stories, jumping at every echo.
📍 Before you go Advance reservations essential; tours sell out on weekends/holidays. Ages 8+ for the standard tour; the October Director's Cut is 13+. Bring a jacket, the cave stays cool.
- 📍 Manitou Springs
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Penny Arcade — Trade the dark, quiet underground caverns for the buzzing clatter of over 400 antique coin-operated games just down the mountain.
- Miramont Castle — Follow up the cold subterranean passage walk with a trip to this 1895 Victorian mansion built directly into the Manitou hillside.
- Crystal Valley Cemetery — Pair the ghostly tales spun inside the cavern with a stroll through Manitou's 1882 hillside graveyard down in the valley.
Good to know
What are the age restrictions for the tour?
The standard Haunted Lantern Tour is open to ages 8 and up. The October Director's Cut tour requires participants to be at least 13.
What should I wear inside the cave?
Wear a warm jacket or layers, as the cave stays cool year-round. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots with good tread are required to navigate the uneven, damp limestone paths.
How physically demanding is the walk?
The tour covers nearly a mile of unpaved, slippery terrain with stairs and includes a 250-foot-long passage with low ceilings under four feet high that requires crouching and shuffling.
How dark is it during the tour?
Manitou Grand Caverns has no electric lights. Your group's handheld flame lanterns provide the only light in the cavern, illuminating only a couple of feet around your feet.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Yelp · historycolorado.org · sanjuanrecord.com · Reddit
last checked: 2026-06-23