Cave of the Winds is a tourist attraction/trap located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The attraction consists of a large building perched upon a red-rock cliff, in which guests can enter a man-made tunnel that leads to a natural cave system in the mountain.

The cave, originally accessible by a series of ladders and small passageways lower in the mountain, has been a popular tourist attraction since the late 1800's. Due to the long history of daily tours, much of the cave system is now dead. Natural water no longer flows in the main part of the cave due to damage done by so many individuals moving through the cave system.

Many features of the cave have been given catchy names and dramatic lighting. The geological feature above, named something along the lines of "bleeding heart," was doused in red lighting. There are also reports online stating that many of the formations are actually man made. An optional tour of the cave, called the "Lantern Tour," offers a longer tour lit only by lantern.

Though some natural formations have survived the constant rumble of tour groups, it saddens me to see such a grand spectacle of mother nature treated in such a manner. I'm not at all against the promotion of easily accessible ways to view natural wonders, but hyping them up and turning them into tourist traps seems to defile the beauty of the place.

We were greeted by a thunderstorm at the end of our tour, which gave me some unique photography opportunities. At the end of this excursion, my desire to become an adventure photographer was solidified and strengthened. Nevertheless, it was sad to see such a beautiful sight stained by the conquest of capitalism.