Discover Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas

Explore the largest cavern in Texas at Natural Bridge Caverns. Explore180 feet below the surface and see majestic formations. Marvel over the towering cave columns that have been naturally sculpted over a million-year process. Visit Texas’ largest system of caverns with several different tour options. Read below to learn more about the other excursions also available on property.

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Where to Stay and Finding Natural Bridge Caverns

Use this map and the information below to start planning your trip to Natural Bridge Caverns.

My Recommendations on Where to Stay:

• Spacious & Luxurious House: Dog-Friendly, 3 Beds & 4 Baths, Pool, Fireplace, Ping Pong Table
• House: Dog-Friendly, 3 Beds & 2 Baths, Big Backyard, On Site Electric Car Charger
• Tru Hotel by Hilton: Dog-Friendly, Fitness & Business Center, Snack Bar/ Deli
• JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa: Adults Only, Golf Course, 4 Swimming Pools, Restaurants, Spa, Views of the Hill Country

Click the image below for a tour of the Caverns and Wildlife Ranch on YouTube.

The History of Natural Bridge Caverns

Map of Natural Bridge Caverns provide by Texas Speleological Survey

Learn about the amazing history of these caves in Texas, and how even today researchers continue to explore deeper into the cave to understand the natural history of it and its complexity.

The Formation of the Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns is a wonderous creation that started forming millions of years ago during the Cretaceous period. At the time when most of Texas was under water, geologists believe that different materials would have collected on the bottom of the ocean. This process created several layers of limestone that visitors to several caves in New Braunfels, TX and outside San Antonio can see today.

The Balcones Fault Zone formed close to 20 million years ago, creating drastic changes to the landscape above and below the surface. Underground rivers slowly flowed through cracks in the rocks, created by these newly active faults, and eventually started forming tunnels to these new underground caves in Texas.

The caverns also started taking shape through a remarkable process of acidic groundwater dissolving the limestone bedrock. The underground river slowly drained from the caverns eventually leading to a collapse in the several layers of bedrock and created large passages and cave rooms.

Formations Found in the Cavern

While touring the caverns, visitors will see many formations such as stalagmites on the cave floor and stalactites on the ceiling. Highly concentrated minerals in the water drip through the limestone over the same location for thousands of years, creating these formations. Here are a few of some of the typical formations found in the cave system.

• Stalactites: Starting as a soda straw, it’s a structure that forms tight to the ceiling of the cave. Calcite, which is a mineral from limestone, drips high mineral water from the ceiling and slowly builds up a formation over time. It can take a stalactite a hundred years to form a quarter of an inch to 1 inch.
• Stalagmites: Forming from the ground of the cave, stalagmites are almost the opposite of a stalactite. Water that has a high concentration of minerals slow being to form a shape when water drips in the same location on the floor for thousands of years.
• Soda Straws: Similar to stalactites, soda straws are short, hollow and hang from the ceiling. Water visibly drips through the tube, so it’s easy to see where the name came from.
• Cave Bacon: Water containing high amounts of minerals form from the ceiling of the cave and creates a thin drapery that also contains calcite.
• Cave Columns/ Pillars: Formations that touch the ceiling and floor of the cave. This typically happens when a stalactite and stalagmite combine and begin to grow together.

Click here for a more detailed list.

Discovering the Caverns

In 1960, the private property of Natural Bridge Caverns belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Heidemann at the time of the discovery. While they were aware of some small caves on their property, they remained unaware of the hidden depths beneath the surface.

After being approached by four students from St. Mary’s University—Orion Knox Jr., Preston Knodell, Al Brandt, and Joe Cantu—the owners granted them permission to explore more extensively into their underground caves in Texas, surpassing previous explorations.

A sinkhole on the property forming a natural rock bridge gave the students the confidence that more caves could be below the surface. The men started crawling through the tight spaces leading to the known caves. After making several decisions to explore different crawl spaces, they soon found more sections leading further down into the cave past where other explorers had not ventured to or knew about.

During their fourth expedition into the caverns, spanning over 2 miles of crawling, they ultimately uncovered what we now recognize as Sherwood Forest. To watch the full story told by 2 of the students, click here.

Artifacts Found Inside the Cave

Photo credit to Chris Higgins and special thanks to John A. Moretti.

The entrance of the caves in Texas led to several exciting discoveries dating as far back as the Ice Age. Explorers uncovered fossils of species extinct for 12,000 years. They also discovered the jawbone of an American Black Bear dating back 8,000 years, within the cavern. Some of these fossils are on display near the giftshop in the Welcome Center of Natural Bridge Caverns.

Humans also used and explored parts of the cavern as far back as 5,000 BC. Uncovering items such as stone tools, arrowheads, human teeth, knifes and more sparked an interest in archeologists. They continue to explore inside the cave for more findings.

PhD Candidate, John A. Moretti, works with Natural Bridge Caverns as a paleontologist to understand more about the different species that would have used the cave. He recently found fossils of a wild cat inside one of the chambers of the cave. To receive updates as he explores more local caverns, follow along on his Instagram.

What to Know Before Your Tour

To fully enjoy your experience while touring the caverns, it’s advisable to come prepared.

• Wear loose and active clothing. The caverns stay in the mid 70’s° year-round and is very humid.
• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The path can become steep and with puddles of water.
• Charge up the phone or camera– Taking pictures during your tour is encouraged. Consider adjusting the exposure of your camera due to areas in the cave being dark.
• Respect the Animals– You many come across animals such as bats or insects that are known to live or visit the cave. If you do come across any living species in the cave, do not use flash photography. Seeing bats in the cave is very uncommon.
• Do not bring strollers or wheelchairs. Due to the natural environment of the cave, strollers and wheelchairs cannot enter the cave.
• Use the restroom before your tour. Depending on the tour you choose you may not have access to a restroom for an hour or more. Be prepared.
• Eat and hydrate an hour before your tour. Each tour requires a decent amount of walking. Consider preparing for your tour by eating and drinking plenty of water before entering into the cave.
• Bring as little as possible with you. To create a more comfortable experience, try to bring as little as possible on your tour. Leave items like backpacks and jackets in the car.
• No Smoking, No Eating– Bringing water is acceptable but remember you will have to carry it the entire tour. There are no trashcans inside.
• Meeting your guide– There are meeting stations where your tour will begin. Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes before your tour starts.
• Do not touch the walls or the formations– It is considered a FELONY to damage the cave, so keep your hands to yourself while on the tour.
• Buy ahead of time– These caves are one of the biggest attractions in Texas. To save money, purchase your ticket online ahead of time and choose a morning tour to avoid large crowds.

Different Cave Tours at Natural Bridge Caverns

While touring the largest show caves in Texas, visitors can expect a distinctive and memorable experience as they explore the different parts of the caverns. Walk through tunnels that took millions of years to form and gaze at cave columns over a hundred feet tall.

Observe underground caves in Texas larger than a football field or watch a cavern come to life in a light and sound show. Natural Bridge Caverns also has the only available conveyer belt system in a cave in the world that allows for an easier exit. There’s also the option for a tour where visitors crawl through tight spaces and repel down into deeper parts of the cave. No matter the tour you book, Natural Bridge Caverns will be like no other cavern you’ve ever seen before.

Discovery Tour

Visitors have marveled over these amazing underground caves in Texas since it opened to the public in 1964. The first option to see the cavern started with the Discovery Tour.

The guided tour displays several large cave rooms that are lit up with stunning and newly installed LED lighting. Cathedral ceilings and captivating views of amazing formations leave visitors peaked with curiosity and in awe of this hidden wonder. The exceptional lighting really allows the guests to fully see and appreciate the caverns’ beauty. It also tremendously helps when taking pictures in the cave.

While making your descent into these caves in Texas, those who are tall be mindful of where the ceiling is. In most parts of the cave, you’ll have plenty of headspace, but as you’re making your beginning descent there are some tunnels with shorter ceilings. Also, close to the start of your tour, visitors will see the small crawl space that led the spelunkers to discovering these caverns.

The first cave room you’ll see is called Pluto’s Anteroom. It’s here that the guide will point out a strange discolor in the ceiling. These dark markings show proof of a colony of bats that once used the cave, and the impression they made over time from rubbing against the rock.

Cathedral Cave Rooms Inside Natural Bridge Caverns

The astonishing Sherwood Forest is located 180 feet underground and is the deepest part of the tour. Visitors will have the opportunity to see it from above and around it as they descend to its base. Take the time to study the formations and remember that it took thousands of years for these to grow. Typically, it can take 100 years for a stalagmite to grow 1 cm in these underground caves in Texas.

Next, you’ll walk across a long bridge that suspends over a part of the cave. I’ve toured many caves, and I thought this was a very unique feature.

One of the most talked about and remarkable part of the tour is the Castle of the White Giants. Exhibiting the most intricate formations found within the caverns, guests are astonished at its size and beauty.

The colossal formations seem to sparkle as the calcite crystals inside the rock reflect the light around them. This is the second largest room in the cave system at 250 feet long and 50 feet high, but has the largest formations found anywhere in Natural Bridge Caverns.

Look for the cave column, “Watch Tower” and another formation that resembles the shape of a mushroom. When the area has received a significant amount of rainfall, a beautiful crystal-clear natural pool glistens at the base of these formations.

There will be little water if the area is experiencing a drought, but when the pool is full, you’ll see beautiful reflections of the formations in the water.

While traveling to the next cathedral room, visitors will see the enchanting “Emerald Lake.”

The last, but not least, grand cathedral room on the tour is the Hall of the Mountain King. The largest room measures at an impressive 350 feet long, 100 feet wide, and featuring a towering ceiling reaching 100 feet in height—almost comparable to the size of a football field! Visitors will have the privilege to see different perspectives of this room as they climb up and around the columns to the upper part of the cave.

Discovery Tour Ticket Prices

Hidden Wonders Tour

Photo provided by Natural Bridge Caverns

This newly revealed cavern opened in the summer of 2022. With 3 new chambers offered for guests to explore, it’s an exciting addition to the largest underground caves in Texas. Guests will meet before the start of the tour to learn from their very knowledgeable tour guide how these hidden passages were discovered.

Photo provided by Natural Bridge Caverns

The tour begins with the Jeremy Room that displays a large cave room that visitors will see from above. The deepest part of the cavern reaches 160 feet below the surface. Visitors will make their way down several flights of stairs as they view formations up close. Watch your step as large puddles of water can be found on the path. There are handrails to assist you as you slowly make your way down.

One of the most fascinating features the guide will point out are fossils that are still embedded in the rock. Keep a sharp eye to see bones from species thousands of years old. Visitors will see amazing formations like cave drapery, soda straws, stalactites, stalagmites and more. The ability to see details of the caverns comes from the incredibly displayed state-of-the-art LED lighting.

Photo provided by Natural Bridge Caverns.

The newly developed natural ballroom is a spacious cave room now available for hosting special events.

At the end of the tour, you’ll experience The Box Canyon. This large and lengthy cave room faces across an amphitheater styled seating area. It is here that visitors watch an amazing Light and Sound Show. Gaze deep across the room as light and color dances around the cave. With synchronized instrumental music, it tells the story of how this amazing cave came to be. It’s an experience like no other that you’ll find in Texas.

Photo provided by Natural Bridge Caverns.

On your way out of the cave, ride the first and only B.A.T, a conveyer belt that assists visitors to exit the deep cave of 700 feet without having to strain themselves.

Hidden Wonders Ticket Prices

Adventure Cave Tours

Visitors that want to experience the cave in its natural state like a true spelunker, and are looking for a true challenge, should sign up for the Discovery Adventure Tour or St. Mary’s Tour. Explore off the path of the typical cave tour where you’ll crawl, hike, climb and repel your way down to real out of sight wonders of the cave.

Explore 230 feet below the surface into cave rooms in their natural state. The biggest difference between the two tours is how long you’ll be down in the cave and on St. Mary’s Tour there will be no crawling.

Tips for Preparing for your Tour

• The following gear will be provided: Helmets, gloves, headlamp and a harness if necessary.
• Wear thick jeans and breathable long-sleeved shirt. You will get muddy so choose wisely.
• Wear boots or reliable tennis shoes.
• Consider purchasing arm sleeves for tours that involve crawling.
• Bring a change of clothes and a towel for after your tour.
• Showers are available on property.
• There are no refunds, but you can reschedule for a fee.
• Tours will contain no less than 2 guests, and no more than 6 guests.
• Guests must sign a waiver, and minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
• Like any tour eat, hydrate and use the restroom before meeting with your guide.

Ticket Prices

If you love to explore caves, learn more about all the Caves Near Austin!

More Fun Things to Do on Property

There is a surprising number of things to do above the surface at Natural Bridge Caverns. Take the time before or after your tour to shop, gem mine, eat and be physically challenged with other attractions.

Twisted Trails

Get geared up for the 4-story tall adventure course at Twisted Trails. Test your balance as you walk across challenging and suspending rope courses. Find your way across lily pads, double beams and more until you reach the several different zip lines. Try to get a running start to build up momentum as you fly through the air. Fun for kids and adults.

You’ll be hooked in the entire time, so it is completely safe. Guides will be available in stations spread across the platforms in case you need help. Requirements for using the course include a height requirement of 48 inches without a chaperone or 42 inches with a chaperone. The weight limit is 300 lbs.

For smaller children, consider the TYKES Zip Rail and Rope Course along with a Climbing Wall.

Buy online ahead of time to get the best deal!

Gem Mining

Purchase a bag of precious gems or fossils and pan for some amazing keepsakes at Natural Bridge Mining Co. Sift through the dirt to find anything from arrowheads, rose quartz, amethyst or small fossils. With a large sluice, there’s plenty of room to set up and find some amazing treasures.

Gift Shop

There’s plenty to find in the many giftshops on property. Start at the giftshop in the Welcome Center near where tickets can be purchased. Find t-shirts, stuffed animals, small souvenirs and more to purchase and help remember your amazing trip.

There’s also a Trading Post to find more fun things to purchase. Consider shopping after any tour you plan to take so that you have less to carry around.

Find Your Way Out of a Maze

Test your memory at the fun AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup. Get lost and then find your way out in this maze fun for adults and kids. While running through the twists and turns, you’ll also make your way on bridges and platforms to help you on your way to finding the path out.

Purchase Tickets Online and in Advance to Save

Get a Bite to Eat

Needing a snack or a meal before or after one of the many adventures on property? Grab food without having to leave Natural Bridge Caverns. Big Daddy’s, Eats Sweets and Drinks have options like pizza, brisket nachos, fudge, beer, wine and more.

There’s also the Cavern Café inside the Welcome Center that offers burgers, chicken wraps, salads and much more.

Personal Review

I really had no idea what to expect when visiting Natural Bridge Caverns. I’ve been to many caves in the United States, and some start to become repetitive overtime, but not these caverns. I was incredibly impressed with the Discovery Tour. It’s absolutely my favorite because of the cathedral rooms and large formations.

These caverns could not be fully appreciated however if it wasn’t for the incredible installed lighting that allows visitors to see the true details of the cave. It really sets it apart from the many other caves I’ve explored.

Hidden Wonders is a great option to see formations very close to you. The Light and Sound show was beautifully done, and I really appreciated the conveyer belt to help assist you out of the cave.

To save money, schedule your trip in advance and purchase a package to see all of the caves.

More Things to Do Close By

While exploring more nearby attractions, visit Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch next to the caverns. This amazing property has a drive-thru safari with giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs and more. They value the importance of conservation and have one of the largest giraffe herds in the United States.

Also near Natural Bridge Caverns is Bracken Bat Flight. In the warmer months of the year, the cave on this property is home to the LARGEST BAT COLONY IN THE WORLD! When looking to buy your ticket to visit Natural Bridge Caverns, consider purchasing a package to also see Braken Bat Flight. It’s an experience that should be on every Texan and traveler’s bucket list!