Colorado Cave Survey
Groaning Cave Administration


NOTE: By order of the United States Forest Service, ALL caves on in National Forest land in Region 2 (including all of Colorado) are closed until 27 July 2011.  This closure includes Groaning Cave; consequently, Groaning Cave is not open for visitation until further notice.  Please refer to the Colorado Cave Survey Closed Cave webpage for more information.


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General Information

The longest cave in Colorado, and at a surveyed length of nearly 12 miles, one of the 60 longest caves in the United States, Groaning Cave represents a unique and fragile treasure. Perched atop a spectacular sub-alpine limestone canyon, Groaning's network of crawls, fissures, domes and caverns has drawn cavers to marvel at its wonders and explore its depths for more than 40 years after discovery in 1968.

Although not technicaly difficult, Groaning is a very complex, cold, strenuous high-altitude maze cave which can pose serious challenges and dangers to the inexperienced or unwary caver. Additionally, the cave is well-decorated in many places and thus susceptible to irreparable damage from careless cavers. Consequently, Groaning Cave is secured by a locked gate, for the protection of both the cave and unprepared cavers. The lock combination is changed on a semi-weekly basis. Qualified cavers may, upon approval, receive the current lock combination from any of the Groaning Cave Contacts.

Please note that Groaning Cave is not closed, but visitors must be able to demonstrate appropriate qualifications. A complete description of the necessary requirement is provided below; in brief, cavers must sign a liability waiver, be appropriately equipped, and (perhaps most importantly) must have been on at least one previous trip to the cave with a qualified caver.

Groaning Cave is cooporatively managed by the Colorado Cave Survey and the Eagle District Ranger Office of the United States Forest Service, acting under a Memorandum of Understanding. While the goals of the Groaning Cave management plan include the enjoyment of the cave through recreation and exploration, long-term preservation of this unique natural wonder remains its foremost objective.

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Trip Regulations and Requirements

Cavers wishing to visit Groaning are required to fulfill the following:
  1. Sign a liability waiver which details many of the hazards which may be experienced in the cave, and which emphasizes the delicate nature of the cave. The waiver also describes the necessary equipment required, prescribes limits on the size of any groups visiting the cave (no less than 2, no greater than 6), and defines prohibited activities. Groaning Cave waivers may be obtained by contacting one of the Contacts , listed below, or downloaded here. (48 kB PDF). Signed waivers should be mailed to:
    Jim Wilson
    2944 Colgate Dr.
    Longmont, CO 80503-220
  2. Be equipped with the appropriate caving equipment, as detailed in the 1985 Groaning Cave management plan. Basically, this means a helmet, three sources of light, and suitable clothing.
  3. Be accompanied to the cave on your first visit by a qualified caver, and demonstrate proper caving ability and etiquette. This requirement is intended to provide protection to both the cave and the caver. Cavers who exhibit a disregard for the cave environment may have their access privileges revoked.

Increased levels of degradation have been noted over the past couple years, including instances of blatant vandalism and graffiti. Due to this abuse of the cave, the Colorado Cave Survey has, under the explicit direction of the U.S. Forest Service, decided to implement a more rigorous screening of cave visitors. Be aware that requests for the Groaning combination may lead to much more detailed questioning than has been customary over the last several years. Callers may be asked about their caving experience, their personal experience in Groaning, their trip objectives and destinations ... and may be asked to provide references known to the Groaning Cave representative.

Please cave softly! Continued access to this Colorado gem depends on each one of us doing our best to minimize our impact on this irreplacible resource.

Please note that previous announcements on this site regarding an update/purge of the Groaning Cave waiver list are not longer valid. The current waiver list will remain active, and there is no need to sign a new waiver.

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Groaning Cave Contacts, 2009

Please contact the following individuals for access to Groaning Cave:
Please inform the webmaster of any updates to this information!
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Groaning Cave Visitation, 1980-2000

Larry Fish has published a detailed study of Groaning Cave visitation for the period 1980-2000. This is a fascinating work, and shows that although interest in the cave has surged in the last few years, the total number of people entering the cave has remained relatively stable over the past fifteen years.

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Groaning Cave Management Plan



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