Cliffhanger, the tallest roller coaster in the world, opened this summer at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in the Rocky Mountains. The aptly-named Cliffhanger sits on the edge of the 6,890 foot high Iron Mountain. (At least the name of the mountain should give comfort to some scaredy-cat riders. Sure sounds sturdy.) But that’s not all this park has to offer, risk-takers! If crawling on your belly through dark caves, plunging from a bungee cord, or soaring above the Colorado River at 1300 ft. and 50 mph makes you feel alive, then this is the place for you. Open year round. Waivers required.
In 2012, caves across the country have been shut down by the US Forest Service due to presence of a fungus that’s affecting the bat population. Colorado is home to 18 different kinds of bats, but according to Glenwood’s cave tour guide, seasoned spelunker Jerry “Mad Max” Begley, the Caverns have just a single bat. “He likes to sleep by the light in the cave. I think he’s afraid of the dark.” You better not be.