Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1899-10-18
COLORADO SCENERY.
THE UTE PASS G RAN D
CAVERNS.
Williams Canon - The Garden
of The GodS-Cave of The
Winds.

Special Correspondent to the Evening Capital.
In the neighborhood OF Manitou ma
turc is in her most majestic mood. A
series OF grand perspectlves attract and
charm the tourist. Driving up Ute Pass
we visit Grand Caverns. and they have
their proper names. for they are indeed
grand. The Caverns are located up
Agate Mountain in Ute Pass. near the
heart of Manitou.
They have been opened to the public
since 1885. during which time 10000
visitors have passed the portal to inspect
the weird and wonderful creations of ma
ture. Following short passage way we
were taken over road hewn through
massive boulders, into the rotunda or
vestibule, where we get first glimpse OF
the subterranean wonders, while from
this chamber radiate the various avenues
to the mystic chambers beyond.
In the vestibule are to be found forms
of rare and curious workmanship. statis-
tics and stalagmites of alabaster, and
other translucent compositions. Leav-
ing the vestibule passage is followed
through Canopy avenue, in which are
found the remains OF the prehistoric oc-
cupants OF the Caverns. Albaster Hall,
radiant with sparkling fountains and
marvellous adornments. is paradise of
splendor. In Slotaclite Hall. which ad-
joins this, as its farm implies, is made up
of figures of diversified shapes. which
hang from the ceiling with correspond
ing gIowths from below. many of these
meeting in marble embrace, the compile
ton OF which must have occupied count
less ages.
The NarrCws, short and sinuous pas
sage way. leads on to the Opera House.
where attractions are repleted in daz-
cling array. Concert Hall presents var
led attractions which dazzle and mystify
the beholder. The ceiling is high and
majestic, the walls and arches being
S, minetrical as though fashioned by a
master hand. Pcrched on natural bal
cony on one side is the organ, marvel
ously wrought. and composed of thin
stalac,ilcs, turned to an almost perfect
gamut. Here musician regales the
visitor with selections on this natural in
strument. rhe impression one receives
OF Grand Caverns is OF something mighty
unreal and supernatural. Leaving Grand
Caverns we proceed TO Williams Canon,
the drive TO which is a miracle among
mountain roads. Temple Drive TO this
canon is carved and blasted from the
corrugated and impossible side OF the
mountains. 1t now presents with its
solid stone-walled sides. railing OF heavy
timber, and even, easy grade as located
by the engineers. the safest and most in
ieresting drive in the mountains OF Colo
RADIO.
Williams Canon, located as it is amid
scenic grandeur and panoramic picures-
queness, is indeed beautiful. II is under
the cap OF the mountains, every knob
and peak Of which possesses peculiar
charm for the traveller. Here there are
castles and Notifications chisseled out in
by gone ages. The side walls of the
canon are several hundIed feet high, and
almost perpendicular. The rock has
been washed and eroded in every con-
ceivable form and shape. Through
beautiful Williams Canon and TerAple
Drive we approach the Cave of the
Winds, this wonder of wonden, whose
revelations OF natures freaks and fan
ClcS Is ocy Onu tiiS htB hCSt possiDiS (On-
ception, or most extravagant expecta-
tions. The Cave OF the Winds was dis
covered by two boys. aged eleven and
fourteen. respectively. who played in the
mountains about Williams Canon. saw
the opening and ventured into it. They
told their exploits and further investiga-
ton followed. The result was the land
was purchased by two men, who devel-
oped and improved the roadway leading
to the Cave. and explored the mystery
Of this underground palace. The origi-
nal owners are now numbered with those
who sleep the sleep that knows no wax
ing. and their wives are possessors Of
this veritable gold mine. The guide
told US the records this season showed
an enormous amount of visitors, those oI
a single day on one occasion numbering
7so When the admission fee is 81. YOU
can appreciate what it means to take in
$3.50 per day.