photos by Stephen Eginoire

Theres no shortage of pristine areas in Colorado. Our mountain ranges, rivers and canyons rank high among the very best of wilderness destinations. Perhaps the most spectacular, untouched, mind-bending wilderness of all, however, lies under our very feet. It is an unspoiled wilderness saturated in lore, secret passwords and gate-keepers. Welcome to the underground world, literally and figuratively, of Colorado caves.

Pete Tschannen, keeper of privileged information, leads the way to a locked entrance gate. Cave pearls growing in a small pool. These aragonite crystals have formed into a prismatic 7-foot tall bush. Pete Tschannen, of Durango, illuminates a beautiful formation. Aragonite, left, and gypsum, right, are some of the more common minerals found in caves. Mariah Eldrid, of Durango, sneaks past an ancient pillar. Caves are in a perpetual state of growth. The room seen here is literally alive with marmalade flowstone and stalactites.

 

In this week's issue...

January 25, 2024
Bagging it

State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies

January 26, 2024
Paper chase

The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.

January 11, 2024
High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows