April 1886
Discovery
E.R. Alexander, a Burlington & Missouri Railroad surveyor from Denver, discovered the cave while working as part of a team surveying a proposed rail line on the north bank of the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon.
Historical Context: This occurred during an era of rapid western expansion,
when railroads were opening up previously remote areas of Colorado.
April 1887
Public Opening
Alexander and his brother opened the cave to the public as Alexander's Cave. Visitors traveled from the growing resort community of Glenwood Springs by foot, mule, or horseback.
The cave was already being compared favorably to the nation's finest caverns, with its profuse decorations of large stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.
The Yarwood Era
Summer 1887
New Ownership & Improvements
M.S. Yarwood, an entrepreneur from southwestern Colorado, purchased the cave and immediately improved access:
- Constructed a trail following Cascade Creek
- Created switchbacks onto the ridge
- Built a wooden wall with locked door at entrance
Unique Position: At this time, west of the Continental Divide, Alexander's
Cave was the only commercial cave open to public examination.
The Golden Moment
April 1893
The Mason Era Begins
Frank Mason became manager and launched significant improvements:
- Arranged regular daily horseback trips
- Improved trails for horse access
- Introduced Rochester Lamps for better illumination
Late April 1893
Cave of the Clouds
Mason held a contest to rename the cave. New York socialite Mrs. J.J. Reilly won with the name "Stalactite Cave of the Clouds." A gala christening ceremony celebrated what was hoped to be a new era of prosperity.
Economic Collapse
June-August 1893
The Panic of 1893
The national economy slipped into deep depression. With silver prices plummeting, Colorado mines closed abruptly, along with many businesses and banks.
July 1893
Manager Resignation
Mason, feeling uneasy about launching a new visitor attraction during economic collapse, resigned. Owner Charley Brown of No Name took over management himself.
July 1895
New Competition
Attorney Charles Washington Darrow discovered the Cave of the Fairies on Iron Mountain. This proved fatal to Cave of the Clouds' commercial viability.
Darrow's Advantages: Superior financing, more accessible location,
easy trail from Hotel Colorado, and electrical illumination.
1896-1897
Abandonment
Charley Brown finally gave up on the business. Cave of the Clouds ceased operations as a commercial attraction after just nine or ten years of guided tours.
The Dark Years
1897-1951
Decades of Damage
After guided tours ceased, visitors broke the entrance lock. With no protection, the cave suffered decades of thoughtless vandalism.
- Graffiti covered walls
- Formations broken as souvenirs
- Once-pristine decorations destroyed
- Popular destination for unsupervised schoolchildren
1951
First Damage Documentation
Members of the Colorado Grotto of the National Speleological Society visited Cave of the Clouds. The Denver cavers found the cave dusty and heavily damaged through vandalism.
A Glimmer of Hope
1961
Proof of Concept
Colorado Grotto cavers purchased and protected Fairy Cave, beginning its restoration. Today it operates as the successful Glenwood Caverns attraction—proof that damaged caves can be brought back from the brink.
However, Cave of the Clouds would wait nearly six more decades for similar salvation.
Protection at Last
2010s
The Preserve is Born
After nearly 120 years since its abandonment, Mike and Donna Frazier, SoCoMoGro members, purchased Cave of the Clouds from its Glenwood Springs owners and established the Defiance Cave Preserve.
- 3,000 pounds of cement and steel hiked to the cave location to build a secure but bat-friendly gate
- Beginning of restoration efforts
- Managed access program implemented
- Protection of historic signatures
Today
A New Chapter
Through the dedication of the caving community and responsible visitors, Cave of the Clouds is writing a new chapter—one of protection, restoration, and hope for the future.
The historic pencil signatures from the 19th and early 20th centuries connect us directly to those early visitors who traveled by horseback to see this wonder. The cave's story is Colorado's story: boom and bust, discovery and loss, neglect and renewal.
Today and Tomorrow
Defiance Cave Preserve now stands as both a cautionary tale and a story of redemption. It reminds us how quickly natural wonders can be destroyed when left unprotected, and how dedicated conservationists can work to repair even extensive damage.
The cave’s story is Colorado’s story: boom and bust, discovery and loss, neglect and renewal. Through the dedication of the caving community and the commitment of responsible visitors, Cave of the Clouds is writing a new chapter—one of protection, restoration, and hope for the future.