Book at least two weeks ahead for summer weekends.

Two weeks is the minimum. If you want a morning slot or a weekend close to July 4th or Labor Day, go for three to four weeks out. Cave of the Winds (Colorado) sells out on summer weekends because it’s a popular stop in Colorado Springs, and they cap tours for safety and experience.

The website shows availability in real time, and you’ll see the best times vanish first. I’ve seen Fridays and Saturdays sell out a full week before. If you wait until the week of, you’ll probably find afternoon slots or nothing at all. The cave tour is the main draw; the lantern tour and the Haunted tour sell out even faster.

Don’t assume you can walk up. That worked in 2010. Not anymore. Book online, pay upfront, and lock it in.

Future you will thank you.