Enter Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park via a 5 minute scenic gondola ride overlooking Glenwood Springs. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll exit the gondola to a unique amusement park at 7,100 feet. In this post you’ll learn why Glenwood Caverns is amazing for families, we’ll share 10 tips for when you visit, and have your frequently asked questions answered.
Why is Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Perfect for Families?
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is an affordable experience that provides fun opportunities for everyone in the family. Here are 4 reasons why Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is perfect for Families.
An Affordable Experience
One of the coolest aspects of Glenwood Springs Adventure Park is that it is not a one price fits all. You pay based on what activities you plan on doing once you’re in!
This is perfect for the grandparents who aren’t interested in thrill rides but want to spend the day with their family. It’s a great opportunity for each individual family member to build their best day.
For $25 guests can ride the gondola to the summit and enjoy park views, food and beverages, and live music! This is perfect for the family member who wants to hang out but isn’t interested in riding any rides.
A ticket for the gondola, to experience the cave tours, and ride the rides costs $67. There are also a few different options in between and children 2 and under are free. Check out the different ticket options and plan the perfect affordable Glenwood Springs Adventure Park trip for your family.
Options For Everybody
There are so many things to do once you enter the park! With amazing thrill rides, a variety of family friendly attractions, and food and drink opportunities.
From swing that throw you over the edge of a cliff to five minute 4D movie shorts, there is truly something for everyone.
We highly recommend the cave tours! Not only are they an amazing reprieve from the summer sun, but they’re incredibly informational and a ton of fun.
Enjoy a meal and a beverage on the go, or sit down at the Lookout Grille with amazing views of the valley below. There are also food and beverage options, alcohol included, at the Smokehouse located right inside the park.
Fun Themes
Not only does Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park have amazing attractions, but the wild west theme is incredibly fun and well done.
The western theme includes cowboy motif shop fronts, interactive statues and sculptures, and so many western themed activities. The young and the young at heart will love the themed activities and decor throughout the park.
The 14-foot trolls are so neat, everyone will love them! Additionally, you can snag a really neat family photo with Halvor. It’s sent straight to your phone, for free! The little details make a difference and won’t go unnoticed.
Open All Year Round
Although some attractions are seasonal, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a year-round attraction! This is perfect for families looking for year-round fun in Colorado.
Thrill rides are only open in the late spring and summer months, but the winter months are filled with Holiday joy! Join Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for winter on the mountain for half a million holiday lights, a musical Christmas tree, and live music. You can also take the gondola ride up to visit Santa with a view.
10 Tips for Visiting Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
- Save the 4D movies and laser tag for the afternoon rain
- Hop in line for the Canyon Swing just before the afternoon rain stops
- Enjoy a cave tour at the hottest part of the day
- Bring a chest mount for your Go Pro if you want to film on any of the rides
- Wear a hat and have sun protection, you’re hanging out on the summit of Iron Mountain all day
- Get a free family photo with Halvor, the 14-foot defender of rock, sent straight to your phone
- Bring a water bottle and fill it up at the gift shop water fountain throughout the day
- Watch the sunset from the terrace with an alcoholic icee
- Group Discounts for parties of 25 or more including admission price and a meal!
- Stay at a participating local hotel and receive 10% off your admission
Glenwood Caverns FAQs
Let us help you better plan your visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
When is the Best Time to Visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park was made with the summer months in mind. With all the thrill rides up and running, this is the best time to visit the park.
What Should I Wear to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park?
In the summer months, I suggest comfortable footwear, shorts, and a breathable long sleeve to keep the sun off your arms and shoulder. Accessorize with sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sunshine! A packable rain jacket wouldn’t be a bad idea for that afternoon rain either.
If you’re visiting in the winter, layer up! Wear a baselayer under your jeans or fleece-lined water-resistant pants. I would suggest a wool baselayer on top paired with a fleece and a puffy jacket. Exterior layers should be waterproof, or at the very least resistant, to help you stay dry and warm.
What Are The Best Rides at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park?
There are a handful of amazing attractions, but these were my five favorite rides at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. If you’re a thrill seeker, these will be your favorites too!
- Defiance Coaster
Glenwood Springs Adventure Park’s newest ride, the Defiance Coaster is the highest-looping rollercoaster in the United States. The view from the 102.3-degree free fall is to die for (literally).
- Canyon Swing
Okay, the line for this one might deter you but don’t let it! The Giant Canyon Swing is an adrenaline rush for all who ride, but especially those who sit in the seats facing the park. As the lever swings, you will be looking straight down into Glenwood Canyon.
- Glenwood Canyon Flyer
Perched perfectly on the edge of Iron Mountain, the Glenwood Canyon Flyer flings you off the edge with every rotation. The views are breathtaking and you won’t regret riding multiple times.
- Alpine Coaster
Named one of the top 10 roller coaster rides of your life by USA Today and Park World Magazine, this is definitely one of the park’s fastest rides. The best part is that you get to control your speed and adult can ride with their little ones who are 38” or taller.
- Cliffhanger Roller Coaster
The Cliffhanger is the highest-elevation roller coaster in North America. Enjoy cliff-side curves, abrupt drops, and stunning views of the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon.
Are There Children Rides at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park?
There sure are! Glenwood Caverns offers 5 rides designed specifically for the little ones.
- Giddy-Up Ride
The giddy-up ride bounces kiddos as if they are riding a pony! Kiddos 36” tall, and mom and dad if they please, are lifted up into the air and dropped back down on a mild ride.
- Mine Wheel
A mini Ferris Wheel ride that provides fun for the whole family. Guests under 51” must ride with a supervising companion 16 years or older.
- Wild West Express
Guests 36” or taller can ride with a companion on this steel coaster designed for mini thrills.
- Climbing Wall
Kiddos weighing at least 25 pounds can enjoy the Climbing Wall at Glenwood Caverns.
- Alpine Coaster
The Mountain Coaster is both a kiddie ride and a thrill ride. Since you control the breaks and kiddos under 54” (but above 38”) have to ride with an adult, it can really cater to all levels.
Can I Bring Food to Glenwood Caverns?
Yes, you can bring food such as snacks and sandwiches up the gondola to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. You cannot bring alcoholic beverages into the park, but you can purchase them! There’s also food available for purchase.
How Do the Cave Tours Work at Glenwood Caverns?
The Fairy Caves and Kings Row are truly magical and the tour is a must-do while visiting Glenwood Caverns. They are included in the Funday Pass, but admission to the caves can be purchased separately.
Photos and videos can be taken inside the cave, however, tripods, backpacks, and strollers are not allowed inside the cave.
Fun Weekend Adventures in Colorado
Colorado is full of amazing weekend adventures for visitors near and far. You can spend a weekend in Glenwood Springs exploring one of the most unique Amusement Parks in the country and soaking in the hot springs.
You can also spend a weekend exploring one of these amazing places:
There are so many great places to visit in Colorado, but these are some of our favorites!
