Colossal Caves Guided Tour - Thursday 08/20/2026

Colossal Caves Guided Tour - Thursday 08/20/2026

Trip Cost: $27

THIS TOUR WILL INVOLVE WALKING IN A DIMLY LIT CAVE FOR ½ MILE AND TAKES 45-60 MINUTES TO COMPLETE. If you are claustrophobic or have mobility issues, this is not the field trip for you.

Colossal Cave is one of the largest dry caves in north America and was recognized in Tripadvisor's® Travelers' Choice® Awards for 2026 as one of the top 10% of places in the world to travel. On this guided tour, you’ll learn about the Cave’s history, its legends (like train robbers and ghosts), and its unique geology. As you gradually descend approximately six stories deep (363 stair steps) you’ll see some amazing cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, box work, and helictites that were sculpted by millions of years of geological activity.

The guided tour of Colossal Cave begins at 10:00 AM. No special gear is needed on this tour, just wear comfortable walking shoes. Regardless of the temperature outside, the temperature in the cave is a constant 70°. There are three sets of stairs that are steep with about 20 steps each. Some of the steps are narrow so you'll need to navigate carefully.

You may take photographs inside the cave; however, NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALLOWED. While the tour is dimly lit, there is enough light to navigate and take photographs, just make sure you set a high ISO on your camera, or set your ISO on automatic.

Following the tour, participants are invited to a no-host lunch at Montgomery's Grill and Saloon located at 13190 E Colossal Cave Road, Suite #190 in Vail.

We’ll meet at the Photography Club at 8:15 AM for carpooling, departing at 8:30 AM. Please wear your GVR Photography Club or Camera Club badge, if available. For those carpooling, $10.00 is an appropriate contribution to the driver.

The last date to cancel for a refund is August 13, 2026. If you need to cancel, please contact the Field Trip Co-Chair Lynn Rozema at 719-351-5193 or email lrozema51@gmail.com.  We may have people on the wait list to take your place. 

If you have to cancel on the day of the trip, please call Danny as soon as you know you cannot make the trip. 

NOTICE:

All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.

Be sure to have your GVR card with you for each and every field trip. Without it, you won't be allowed to go on the trip. No refunds will be granted for failure to comply with this requirement.  To protect GVR and club member benefits, GVR has implemented a new process that requires each field trip participant to come into the club and scan his/her GVR card to confirm eligibility. We no longer have the option of typing in your name or GVR number – only the physical GVR card will do.

We will no longer meet in the parking lot. We will meet in the GVR Photography Club where you will scan your GVR card confirming your eligibility to go on the trip. We’ll also review important/late-breaking information, pair up drivers and riders, provide driving directions, and give participants a chance to visit the restrooms prior to departure. Again, be sure to have your GVR card with you.

In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.