FAQ

Send an email request to Ken Headrick including your proposed trip date, number of people in your group, and planned activities. You must complete and submit appropriate waivers before your visit.

Access is free, though donations to support preservation and restoration work are gratefully accepted.

No. All visits must be scheduled in advance with the preserve owners. This helps protect the caves and ensures visitor safety.

Park in the dirt parking area north of Interstate Highway 70, just east of the twin tunnels and west of the No Name exit. This is not an official rest area, so use caution entering and exiting the highway. Park along the western/northern side as Colorado Department of Highways equipment is often stored there.

Experienced hikers who stay on the established trail should find it relatively easy. There are numerous areas with a potential for falling twenty or more feet, rockfall and other hazards. It is not recommended for children under 12 and minors should be strictly monitored the entire trip.

The cave is probably not ideal for very young children under 7 or 8. If you include children, carefully supervise them on the trail and within the cave.

Essential gear includes:

• Three independent sources of light
• Helmet with securely attached headlamp
• Gloves and sturdy footwear
• Warm clothing
• Small cave pack with extra gear, snacks, and water
• First aid supplies

Yes, cellular service is available at the cave entrance and on the trail.

NO. It is highly recommended to bring disposable human waste bags and carry them off the property. Due to the rocky nature of the property, it is impossible to bury waste. If this rule is not respected and human waste and toilet paper accumulates, it will result in the property being closed to visitation. Please prepare for this scenario.

No. Always have at least two or three people on your trip for safety. Always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Call 911 from the cave entrance or trail. Advise the dispatcher of the emergency nature and location. Garfield County Search & Rescue will likely coordinate the rescue, with potential involvement from the Colorado Cave Rescue Network.

Even broken speleothems should not be touched. The walls have historic signatures from the 19th and early 20th centuries that can be damaged. Touching formations, even with gloves, leaves oils and residue that damages them and prevents future growth.

It’s a deadly disease affecting hibernating bats, caused by a pathogenic fungus. You must follow US Fish and Wildlife decontamination protocols before and after visiting to prevent spreading this disease.

Don’t shine lights at roosting bats, talk quietly, and don’t disturb them. The cave hosts a seasonal colony of Townsend’s Big-Eared bats and other species that must be protected.

No overnight camping, campfires, or hunting is allowed on the property.

Carry out all personal trash from the property and cave. Do not litter. Do not leave human waste within the cave—carry it out in a plastic bag for disposal.

Yes, but remember not to shine lights directly at bats if they’re present.

Do not ascend the rope without proper vertical gear and training. The dome leads to a dead-end passage.

The Puoux area offers limestone routes rated from 5.7 to 5.13d.

Yes, climbers must complete a climbing waiver separate from the caving waiver.

Yes, but you must complete both waivers and indicate both activities in your access request.

The preserve welcomes volunteers for restoration projects, trail maintenance, and conservation work. Contact the owners to learn about current volunteer opportunities.

Contact the preserve owners for information about supporting ongoing preservation and restoration efforts.

Scientists and students interested in research should contact the owners to discuss proposals. Serious scientific inquiry that contributes to understanding and protection of the caves is welcomed.