COOL RECESS

Get down to earth with a tour of the Cave of the Winds. Descending underground on a guided tour gives visitors a brief history of the cave systems, an up-close view of ancient geological processes, tales of folklore and perhaps a glimpse of cave critters.

Our favorite part: The geological beauty of the Cave of the Winds -- its twisting tunnels, aged rock formations and transparent pools of water -- leaves visitors with vivid memories.

Geological oddities including stalactites, stalagmites and "cave bacon" adorn dim passages and tunnels. Lifelines -- areas where water seeps through the ground and drips into the cave -- give birth to hollow stalactites. Popcorn-like rock structures, also formed by seeping water, cling to cave walls.

Cave "coral" adorns the cave's ceiling and walls. And cave pearls are formed by dripping or flowing water that agitates particles in still pools of water.

Just don't touch these bizarre forms. Oil from human hands can stunt thousand of years of growth.

Exploration: The Discovery Tour, a guided, 45-minute casual walk through several cave rooms, offers a glance at underground wonders with minimal exertion. The Lantern Tour takes 90 minutes and travels deep underground; it's a more strenuous journey. Tour guides offer a detailed history of the cave system and share stories about unexplained phenomena and frightening folklore. It might scare young children.

Kids will love: The darkness, the dirt, the sense of adventure.

Special occasions: The Cave of the Winds presents a laser show, Laser Canyon, nightly at 9 p.m. through the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.

Dress right: The temperature in the cave hovers at about 54 degrees, so dress accordingly. Shoes or boots with good traction are recommended since some areas of the floor can be slick. Cameras and recording equipment are allowed in the cave.

Busiest days: You'll run into underground traffic jams on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends. The Cave is busiest on summer weekends and in the afternoon.

Mind your health: The cave should be avoided by those with heart and respiratory problems, those who are pregnant, anyone who has difficulty stooping for a few moments and anyone whose mobility is impaired.

Souvenirs and snacks: The gift shop has an array of souvenirs. But the snack bar keeps peculiar hours, so don't count on being able to find a meal there during your visit.

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THE CAVE OF THE WINDS

Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. through Labor Day weekend

Cost: The Discovery Tour costs $16 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 through 15; children 5 and younger are admitted free. The Lantern Tour is $20 for adults and $12 for ages 6-15. Children younger than 6 are not allowed on the Lantern Tour.

Phone: 685-5444

Web site: www.caveofthewinds.com

Reservations: The Cave of the Winds offers reservations only to groups of 15 or more. Call for details.

Location: From downtown Colorado Springs, head west on U.S. Highway 24 (Cimarron Street) for six miles. Take a right on Cave of the Winds Drive and follow the curving road up to the cave entrance. The cave is fairly difficult to miss, considering that signs highlight the route.

Parking: Spots are readily available, even for RVs and buses. Parking is free.

Coupons and discounts: Coupons can be found on the Web site and vary from month to month. Admission is free for National Caves Association members. Military and group discounts are available; contact the Cave of the Winds for details.

Pet-friendly: No

Handicapped-Friendly: No. Mobility is paramount inside the cave.

Copyright 2005
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.