Cave of the Winds offers new rock climbing adventure

You can now experience views while scaling the side of a mountain in Manitou Springs. It’s all part of Via Ferrata Canyon Tours, a rock climbing adventure at Cave of the Winds.

It’s built and designed for inexperienced climbers like Lily Potarf.

“I was a little nervous going into it, but it was just the right amount of challenging and helpful to learn how to manage the rocks,” she said.

The tour takes you a few feet off the ground, while giving you views from thousands of feet above the canyon floor.

“It makes you feel so alive,” said another climber Judy Browne. “You’re thinking about nothing but just getting to that next rung or the next spot.”

Outdoor Attractions Manager, Chris Obert, spent eight months designing and building the track.

Six of those months were dedicated to clearing the cliffs, making it safe for climbers.

“We started about halfway through October of 2017, then the other two months was building the rungs, the bolts and the cables,” he said.

Harnesses help keep climbers on course. It’s enough fun, that climbers are hooked.

“My favorite parts were the scariest parts, where it didn’t seem like there was anything to hold on to,” said Browne.

Some celebrating their milestones, by climbing on these Limestones.

“It’s actually my 18th birthday today and so I thought something fun to do would be just to kind of go on a little adventure,” Potarf said.

Depending on its success, new lines will open up around Williams Canyon.

Tickets are $45 per person with the tour lasting about 2 hours. To find out more, visit their website HERE .