Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
By Janet Benoir | June 30, 2025
Nestled high above Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park delivers heart-racing fun with a breathtaking alpine backdrop. It’s America’s only mountaintop theme park, where adrenaline-pumping rides meet ancient natural wonders, and every visit feels like a celebration of both geology and gravity. This summer, the park amps up the excitement with unbeatable combo packages, fresh events, and scenic thrills you won’t find anywhere else.
A Scenic Ride to Start the Day
The journey begins with the Glenwood Gondola, gliding visitors from the valley floor to the summit of Iron Mountain. The short ride quickly sets the tone for what’s ahead, revealing steep slopes and wide expanses of the Colorado landscape. As you ascend, anticipation builds. At the top, the park opens up like an alpine fairground, alive with laughter, squeals from thrill rides, and families soaking up the fresh mountain air.
Double the Fun with Combo Tickets
Summer 2025 welcomes visitors with smart ticketing options that bundle value and experience:
- Double Access Package: Includes a round-trip gondola ride, two guided cave tours, unlimited access to thrill rides, and a five-hour soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. At 20 percent off, it’s a full day of adventure and relaxation.
- 2-Day Summer Funday Ticket: For $25 more, extend the fun with a second day of unlimited rides and cave tours.
- Funday Pass: Offers full access to all rides, cave tours, and the gondola in one streamlined ticket.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in the peak summer season, to secure preferred times and skip potential wait lines.
Explore the Underground World of Glenwood Caverns
Below the mountain’s surface lies a world millions of years in the making. The park’s signature cave tours uncover this underground realm, where formations like stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and flowstone tell stories older than humanity itself.
One highlight is King’s Row, the most elaborately decorated cave room in Colorado. Lit for dramatic effect, it feels like stepping into a cathedral of natural sculpture. The 40-minute walking tours run throughout the day and are appropriate for most age groups. No reservations are necessary, but it’s best to check tour schedules upon arrival.
Adrenaline Meets Altitude: Rides Worth the Wait
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park isn’t just about subterranean beauty. On the surface, thrill seekers find a collection of rides that make the most of the park’s elevation.
Top rides include:
- Defiance Coaster: A gravity-defying roller coaster that twists and dives along the mountainside.
- Cliffhanger Roller Coaster: One of the highest-elevation coasters in North America, perched on the edge of a cliff.
- Giant Canyon Swing: Launches guests out over the canyon for an unforgettable thrill.
- Alpine Coaster: A gravity-powered ride weaving through the pine-studded slopes.
- Soaring Eagle Zip Ride: A smooth yet high-flying descent offering spectacular panoramic views.
- Glenwood Canyon Flyer: Spins riders above the treetops, delivering a mix of fun and fright.
- Wild West Express and Troll Halvor Flowstone: Great choices for younger visitors or those looking for milder fun.
Each ride is subject to weather and maintenance, so it’s best to check ride availability at the base or on the park’s website before heading up.
Entertainment and Events All Season Long
Summer is the prime season for mountaintop entertainment, and Glenwood Caverns doesn’t hold back. The Music on the Mountain series features themed concerts with live music, costume contests, and drink specials. Festive summer weekends are packed with performers and entertainers, and the annual Octoberfest returns with even more flair, now extended across two weekends.
Guests with Annual Thrill Passes or Annual Gondola Passes receive unlimited access to all events and park attractions throughout the year, offering excellent value for locals and return visitors.
Family Fun and Comforts
Though known for its thrills, the park also caters beautifully to families and casual visitors. Open spaces, scenic lookouts, and shaded picnic areas make it easy to relax between attractions. The Lookout Grille serves satisfying meals with a view, while gift shops offer souvenirs and themed merchandise. The all-day digital photo package ensures memories are captured at every turn.
Group bookings are available and well-suited for reunions, school trips, and birthdays. In fact, the park was voted Best Family Entertainment and Best Place for Kids Birthday in Glenwood Springs’s 2025 Locals Choice Awards, cementing its reputation as a top-tier destination for all ages.
Planning Your Visit
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is open year-round, though many rides operate seasonally. Summer typically brings dry weather and highs in the 70s, perfect for outdoor adventures. Always check the calendar for operating hours and event listings. With so much to do above and below ground, a little planning goes a long way.
Located at 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, the park is easy to access and well-marked. For questions or assistance, visitors can call 800-530-1635 or visit the official website.
Final Thoughts
There’s no place quite like Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. With its mix of jaw-dropping rides, ancient cave tours, and high-elevation fun, it delivers one of Colorado’s most unique and exhilarating experiences. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the mountaintop invites you to rise above the ordinary and make memories that reach new heights.