Cave of the Winds, near Colorado Springs in the Pikes Peak region, has operated as a tourist cave since 1881, making it one of Colorado’s oldest continuously operating attractions. Although Apache and Ute people were believed to have known it earlier, its first documented discovery came in 1880 when John and George Pickett found an opening in Williams Canyon during a hike led by Rev. Roselle T. Cross. George Washington Snider soon excavated and developed the cave for tours. Formed in Manitou Limestone from ancient marine deposits, the cave is known for chambers such as Canopy Hall and Silent Splendor, whose rare helictites are carefully protected.