Located in the South Fork River Valley, Spring Cave is a large and somewhat unexplored cave system cut by an underground river. It is open from mid April to mid August to experienced spelunkers who are brave enough to tread its endless caverns.
Sometimes, the river still rises within the cave, even the level of the cave entrance, so be ready to get a little bit wet when exploring its various passageways. Be aware before you enter if storms and flash floods are likely, as this can make Spring Cave unsafe to explore–a good reason to never go caving alone.
Like several others in the state, Spring Cave is home to a species of bats whose environments are easily contaminated by White Nose Syndrome, so the Forest Service requires both a permit as well as an understanding decontamination procedures to enter the cave. In 2016, the Forest Service installed a set of gates to help keep visitors out during bat hibernation season (August to April) to try to protect this delicate species.
A popular spot in the South Fork River Valley, Spring Cave is a sprawling cave that’s perfect for spelunkers who don’t mind getting their feet wet.
Camping
South Fork Campground – Located at 13999 Co Rd 10, Meeker, CO 81641, follow directions below. This campground opens in May and receives medium to heavy use. It lies 31 miles southeast of Meeker, nearly an hour’s drive. It provides access to Spring Cave Trail #1834 and South Fork Trail #1827.
Getting There
From Meeker, take Colorado Highway 13 east to Rio Blanco County Road 8, where you’ll make a right. Follow this road for 18 miles, then make a right onto County Road 10 and continue another 12 miles to the South Fork Campground. From there, there is a small trail that leads to the entrance of the cave.
Details
Address: Meeker, CO 81641
Season: April 16 to August 14
Website: fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=40825