Cave of the Winds, Cave system at Manitou Cliffs, Colorado, United States
Cave of the Winds is a limestone cave system in the Manitou Cliffs area of Colorado. The passages run through multiple levels and contain stalactites, stalagmites, and underground chambers formed by natural processes over long periods.
Brothers John and George Pickett discovered the cave in 1880 when they heard strange sounds while climbing in the cliffs. Afterward, the cave was opened to the public and additional chambers were explored in the following decades.
The name refers to air currents that early visitors felt inside, which seemed like strong winds moving through the passages. These air movements occur because of temperature differences between the outside air and the underground chambers, and visitors can still notice them today.
The temperature stays around 54 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so bringing a jacket is a good idea. Tours last between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the route, and booking ahead is recommended.
The Silent Splendor chamber was not discovered until 1984 and contains rare crystal formations that developed over thousands of years in complete darkness. These structures remained undisturbed because access to this section stayed hidden for so long.
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