Down a Culvert and Into Colorado’s Fulford Cave

My idea of caving is taking a nice, guided, lighted tour complete with steps, and rails, and in the absence of bats. Real caving offers none of those features, which is what makes this adventure completely intriguing.

What do you think about entering a dark cave by going down a ladder in a culvert?

Welcome to Fulford Cave. Fulford Cave is located southeast of Eagle and is about a mile long. It's considered a moderate hike for those that brave the darkness.

The culvert, pictured above is one of three entrances to Fulford Cave, but apparently is the most popular one.  You don't have to use the culvert entrance, but there are some things you need to know before you go.

The first thing you need to know is there are no guided tours through Fulton Cave. You are on your own. That means bring your own light.

Secondly, you need to register with the forest service before you go. The forest service will review your registration and if approved, will email confirmation.

Finally, your equipment and clothing will need to be decontaminated upon leaving the cave. The forest service offers a complete how-to guide on their website. Fulford Cave is closed October 15- April 15 each out of respect to the bats' hibernation processes

The purpose of decontamination has to do with White Nose Syndrome (WNS) which has killed more than 5 million bats in eastern North America.

You may surmise from that information that you are likely to encounter bats on this excursion beneath the surface. That fact right there disqualifies me from this particular adventure. I don't want to run across a bat - dead or alive - hanging or flying under any circumstances.

But, if you have a sense of adventure, Fulford Cave might be worth checking out.