Cofran's Texas . . .
Hill Country Portal

The Texas Hill Country has some well known caves and caverns that are well worth seeing. Some are privately operated, and some are operated by the state or county. Most can be toured inside, but some are not accessible except for viewing of bats.

Cave tours area a nice change of pace and a way to get outside and still be able to beat the heat, but it will be humid so dress accordingly. Wear good traction shoes to help on the wet, slippery inclines. And wear a hat to absorb the occasional water drips.

Note, many of these caves are part of the Texas Parks & Wildlife system and are profiled, along with all other State parks in the Hill Country, in more detail at Parks & Lakes.

Also see our related Portal profile for Bats & Caves.

Click some images to enlarge.












BLOWOUT BAT CAVE: Johnson City Area, NW Blanco County.

This cave is a historically significant site located in the rural Northwest corner of Blanco County, near the boundary of the former ghost town of Blowout. The cave once housed a significant bat colony and lay on private ranch land that formed the core of the historic Blowout community, which settled along Comanche Creek near Comanche Spring. The community and the cave were named after a reported dramatic incident. Local legend holds that a lightning strike ignited the highly flammable methane gas produced by the accumulated bat guano in the cave, causing a massive underground explosion or "Blowout."

The settlement of Blowout was established in the mid-1800s. Although a school and a store were built in the late 1800s, the community ultimately declined and is now considered a ghost town. This cave lies on private ranch land. There is no public access to the cave or the immediate historical site. Located approximately 15 mi NW of Johnson City, and NE of Willow City, near RR-3347 (Althaus-Davis Rd) at the intersection of A Davis Ranch Rd. The site is a point of historical reference only.

Map. TSHA History. Hill Country Profile. Lat: 30.44694; Long: -98.57722. Elevation: 1271





CASCADE CAVERNS: Boerne, Kendall County. 830-755-8080 (Current Phone); 226 Cascade Cavern, Boerne, TX 78015.

This is a unique, privately owned, 105-acre park and "living" cave featuring one of Texas' most distinctive subterranean attractions: the state's only cavern with a natural 100-foot underground waterfall.

Guided tours are offered year-round, leading visitors through huge cavern rooms, soaring walls, and underground pathways. The temperature remains a constant, comfortable 68°F (20°C). The cave is famous for its dramatic formations, including spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and the natural "Cascade" water feature, which flows into a small lake deep inside the cave.

The 105-ac park offers a variety of above-ground facilities, making it a great family destination. Includes: Nature Trails for hiking and wildlife viewing. Picnic Areas. Campground (tent and RV sites available). Gemstone Sluice for mining fun.

Map. Official Web


CAVE WITHOUT A NAME: Boerne, Kendall County. 830-537-4212; 325 Kreutzberg Rd, Boerne, TX 78006.

This is a privately owned and operated natural wonder, federally designated as a National Natural Landmark for its exceptional geological features. Located in the Texas Hill Country, this "living" cavern is famous for its abundance of beautiful, actively growing formations.

Guided tours take visitors through six magnificent rooms filled with spectacular formations, including impressive stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and delicate flowstones.

Facts: The cavern maintains a constant and comfortable temperature of 66°F (19°C) year-round, making it a perfect destination in any weather. The Queen's Throne Room, known for its excellent natural acoustics, serves as a unique subterranean venue for regularly scheduled concerts and musical performances. This site offers standard guided tours daily, as well as seasonal adventure programs for a deeper cave experience. The above-ground property includes hiking trails and picnic areas.

Map. Official Web




LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK: Burnet, Burnet County. 512-715-9000; 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611.

This cavern is a 646-ac State Park and a National Natural Landmark, recognized as the "National Cave of Texas." Unlike many Texas caves, it was formed by the corrosive action of an ancient underground river cutting through 500-million-year-old limestone, resulting in smooth, sculpted walls.

Facts: The cavern maintains a constant, comfortable temperature of 68°F year-round. The cavern has a storied past, serving as a refuge for Comanche peoples, a hideout for outlaws like Sam Bass, a Civil War gunpowder factory (using bat guano), and even a Prohibition-era speakeasy and dance hall in the 1920s. The park was formally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from 1934 to 1942, who cleared tons of debris, built Park Road 4, and constructed the historic stone buildings that house the visitor center and CCC Museum today. Colony History: The massive colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats that once lived here are gone. Today, the cave hosts a smaller number of Tri-colored bats (formerly Eastern Pipistrelle), that are typically solitary hibernators seen only during the winter months. Details on the current bat inhabitants can be found at the Gift Shop.

The popular Cavern Walking Tour is a 1.25-mi, 90-minute round trip that delves into the history and geology of the cavern. Tours are offered daily and require an admission fee. Privately Guided Tours are available by reservation (call 512-809-8057). Options include a 2-hour program or a 4.5-hour group program (min $200 fee). The park is open for day-use only and offers 2 mi of hiking trails, geology programs, a full-service deli/snack counter, a gift shop, and picnic area.

Location: 6 mi W of US-281, on Park Road 4. Near Kingsland and Lake Buchanan Area.

Map. Park Web. TPWD Web. Portal Photo Gallery: Longhorn Cavern SP




FRIO BAT CAVE: Concan, Uvalde County. 888-502-9387.

This cave is one of the largest bat populations in the world that is open to public viewing. This massive maternity cave hosts a seasonal colony of 10–12 million Mexican free-tailed bats that return each spring to mate and give birth to their pups. The bats inhabit the cave from mid-March through Sept before migrating south for the winter. Visitors witness the spectacular dusk emergence of the bats (often referred to as a "bat tornado") and their return at dawn. This event attracts natural predators, including several species of raptors that dive into the exiting swirl, and ground predators like the Ring-tailed Cat and Skunk. Look for native birds like the Cave Swallow, Rock Wren, and Canyon Wren near the entrance.

A significant past: the abundant bat guano was mined during the Civil War and used by the Confederacy to manufacture black powder. The rocked furnace pipe used in drying the guano can still be seen at the cave entrance.

The cave is located near Concan. Guided tours are mandatory to access the site. Tours meet at the first gate S of the Frio River on FM-2690, followed by a 2-mi drive on the ranch to the cave location.

Map. Guided Tours Web




JACOB'S WELL NATURAL AREA: Wimberley, Hays County. Managed by Hays County Parks & Recreation, this is an historic artesian spring and a vital source of water for the region, forming the headwaters of Cypress Creek. The well is the exit point of a massive, cold-water flow from the Trinity Aquifer. The Cave System: The well is an inclined shaft that descends 140 feet and connects to a submerged cave system nearly one mile long, making it Texas’ second-largest fully submerged cave. The clear, turquoise water flows year-round, though flow rates have diminished due to environmental factors.

Due to safety concerns (the well has claimed multiple lives), the site is now permanently closed to scuba diving. Swimming is permitted seasonally, typically May 1-Sept 30. Reservations are mandatory for swimming and must be made online in advance, often booking up weeks ahead of time. Free Guided Nature Tours are offered on Sat at 10a and by appointment (access is restricted to tour hours). The 81-acre natural area offers hiking and observation year-round, which does not require a reservation. Cultural Note: The well was featured in Stephen Harrigan's 1984 novel Jacob's Well and remains a celebrated ecological and historical landmark.

Hays County Web. Map. See details in our Portal Profile at Parks & Lakes.




ECKERT JAMES RIVER BAT CAVE PRESERVE: Mason, Mason County. 325-347-5970 (Information Line); 512-263-8878 (Off-Season).

This is an 8-ac preserve owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, is one of the largest bat nurseries in the US and home to 4–6 million Mexican free-tailed bats. It is one of the largest concentrations of warm-blooded animals in the world. From mid-May to early October, pregnant female bats arrive to form a maternity colony, where they each give birth to a single pup, typically in June or July. The young bats begin flying at five weeks and migrate with their mothers to Mexico in October. Each night, the colony consumes an estimated 10 to 20 tons of insects, including crop pests.

The preserve is open mid-May to early October for public viewing of the spectacular evening emergence, often described as a "bat tornado". Interpretive tours are generally offered Thursday through Sunday from 6-9p. (until dusk). Sunrise tours are also offered seasonally. Fees: $5 per person; children 5 and under are free. Reservations are not typically taken, except for special groups.

Important Access Note: The preserve is located about 17 mi SW of Mason. Access to the preserve requires traveling on an unpaved road and involves a low-water crossing of the James River. Visitors are strongly advised to call the information line (325-347-5970) for current river conditions before visiting, as the crossing may be impassable during wet weather or flooding.
Summary Map: Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve Location Pin
Detailed Driving Route: Driving Directions from Mason Town Square to Preserve Entrance

This is a true wilderness area; electricity, restrooms, water, food, pets, and smoking are NOT available or allowed on the grounds. Benches are provided for seating near the cave entrance.

Nature Conservancy Web. TPWD Web.

The history of the guano mine at the Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve is significant, as it was the original use and source of commerce for the property before it became a preserve. Historical guano mining at Eckert James River Bat Cave. The cave contains deep deposits of guano (accumulated bat droppings), which is a valuable, nutrient-rich natural fertilizer.

In the early 1900s the property containing the cave was acquired by the Eckert family in 1907. The patriarch, W. Phillip Eckert, recognized the commercial value of the guano. He began actively mining the vast deposits within the cave and sold it to local farmers. This operation ran successfully for decades as a local, profitable enterprise. Mining continued under his son, Lee Eckert, who managed the operation while simultaneously becoming an advocate for the bats' protection. After Lee Eckert's passing in 1967, the family made the decision to ensure the long-term protection of the colony. In 1990, the Eckert family donated the cave and the surrounding 8 acres to The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which manages it today as a bat sanctuary and educational preserve. The commercial mining operation was instrumental in the cave's history, securing the family's interest in the property for generations, which ultimately led to its current status as one of the nation's premier bat sanctuaries.




NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS: 210-651-6101; 26495 Natural Bridge Cavern Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78266, Comal County. Just 8 mi W of IH-35 (Exit 175) in New Bruanfels. This is the largest known commercial cavern in Texas, discovered in 1960 and named for the 60-foot natural limestone bridge arching over its entrance. The cave is known for its spectacular formations, including the world’s largest known flowstone, and remains a constant 70°F with 99% humidity.

The Caverns offer multiple subterranean geological guided tours, ranging from easy walking tours to strenuous adventure expedition. Discovery Tour: The most popular tour follows over a mile of paved trail through the enormous chambers, showcasing majestic stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, chandeliers, and the mysterious "Hidden Formations". Lantern Tour: A more intimate, historically accurate exploration experience that uses only lantern light. Adventure Tours: Ranging from the Discovery Adventure Tour (requiring light climbing and crawling) to the challenging Wild Cave Tour (extreme caving for experts).

This location also features a robust above-ground adventure Pprk designed for family fun and challenges, providing a great complement to the subterranean tours. Canopy Challenge: Multiple high-flying attractions including a four-story Ropes Course and the thrilling Canopy Zip Line course (up to 60 feet high). Mining & Maze: The Natural Bridge Mining Co. allows visitors to pan for fossils and gemstones. The AMAZEn' Ranch Round-Up is a 5,000 sq. ft. outdoor maze. Surface Exploration: The Watchtower Challenge is a free-fall drop experience (Belay station required) and the Twisted Trails Zip Rails offer a unique, fixed-rail zip course.

Open daily, all year. Reservations for the most popular tours and adventure attractions are highly recommended. Map. Caverns Web




DEVIL'S SINKHOLE STATE NATURAL AREA BAT CAVE: Rocksprings, Edwards County. 830-683-2287; tours@devilssinkhole.org. This 1,860-acre preserve, situated at 2,450 ft elevation, is a designated wildlife sanctuary and the seasonal home to a spectacular colony of 1–4 million Mexican free-tailed bats. The main attraction is Texas' largest one-chamber cave and 4th deepest cavern. The vertical shaft measures approximately 40x60 ft across, plunging 140 ft into the main chamber, which reaches a total depth of 350–400 ft.

Access is by Reservation Only: The site is managed by the Devil's Sinkhole Society. Public access is strictly limited to guided tours booked in advance. Bat Flight Tours: Evening Bat Flight Tours are the most popular offering, typically running from May through October. These tours meet at the Visitors Center, 101 N Sweeten St, Rocksprings, TX 78880.

Scheduled Tours (no advance notice required): Guided Nature Hikes: Offered on the 1st & 3rd Sat of each month (excluding the duration of annual Texas hunting seasons, typically late fall through winter). Tours Available by Request (reservations required): Day Tours: Available, but require a minimum of 3 days advance notice for scheduling. Specialty Tours: Birding, Nature Walks, and Motorcycle Outings can be arranged by contacting the Devil's Sinkhole Society directly. Picnic sites and trails are available; no camping is permitted.

Located approximately 6 mi NE of Rocksprings on US-377, 1 mi SW of the US-377 & TX-41 intersection. The property does not front a public roadway, making reserved access essential.

Map. Devil's Sinkhole Society. TPWD Web. See: Bats. Portal Photo Gallery: Devil's Sinkhole SNA Park




WONDER WORLD CAVE & ADVENTURE PARK: San Marcos, Hays County. 512-392-6711; 1000 Prospect St, San Marcos, TX 78666. This is a unique, one-of-a-kind theme park centered around a natural wonder. Visitors have enjoyed touring the Balcones Fault Line Cave for over 105 years. The main attraction is a guided tour through the nation's only true example of an earthquake-formed cave, allowing visitors to see the devastation of a major quake deep underground.

The Stratavator & Tower: The tour exits via the "Stratavator," which ascends 190 feet to the Tejas Observation Tower, offering panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country. The park has many other family-friendly attractions, including: Anti-gravity House (Topsy-Turvy World, an unusual structure where visual illusions make things appear to defy gravity), and Mystery Mountain (a train ride that splashes through waterfalls on the way to the Texas Wildlife Petting Park).

Educational and fun for all ages. The park is open daily, all weather (hours vary seasonally). Free picnic grounds, shops, and a restaurant are on-site. Located just off IH-35 (Exit 202 Wonder World Dr), providing easy access. Park Web. Map




DEAD MAN'S HOLE: Located in Burnet County, near Marble Falls & Spicewood. This infamous limestone sinkhole, a 155-foot deep vertical fissure, earned its grim name during and after the Civil War when it became a notorious dumping ground for the bodies of those, particularly Union sympathizers, killed by Confederate vigilantes ("Fire-Eaters"). Its depth and remote location led to the common belief that people who disappeared in the area often ended up at the bottom of the sinkhole.

Historical Significance: The site, now a 6.5-ac Burnet County park, is marked by a Texas Historical Commission marker detailing the grim history, including the story of Burnet County Judge John R. Scott. Historical accounts suggest the bodies of anywhere from 5 to over 30 individuals were disposed of in the hole. An oak tree once stood over the hole, reportedly used for hangings before bodies were dropped into the pit. Geology: The cave was formed by the dissolution of limestone. The entrance is approximately 5x6 feet wide. Exploration was difficult due to gaseous air until the 1950s.

Visitor Access: The site is a free, self-guided historical stop and is considered "always open" as a public county park. The hole itself is now sealed with a heavy metal door/grate for safety. Visitors typically spend only a short time reading the historical marker. The land was deeded to Burnet County in 1999.

Located SE of Marble Falls, nearer Spicewood, on CR-401 between TX-71 and FM-2147 E. Map




WESTCAVE OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER: Round Mountain, SW Travis County (Blanco County address). 830-825-3442; info@westcave.org. 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd (FM-3238), Round Mountain, TX 78663.

This privately operated (non-profit), 76-acre preserve, established in 1976 and partnered with LCRA, is dedicated to conservation and education. Westcave features a dramatic transition from an arid savanna to a lush, sheltered canyon and grotto. The later is the centerpiece - - a stunning, limestone-walled canyon featuring a 40-foot waterfall cascading over fern-covered travertine into an emerald pool. Visitors can walk behind the waterfall and enter a small limestone cave. The temperature on the canyon floor can be significantly cooler than the uplands.

Access to the Canyon, Cave, and Grotto is BY GUIDED TOUR ONLY, and reservations are mandatory. The popular Guided Canyon Tour is a moderate to difficult 1-mile round-trip hike (1.5–2 hours long) that descends approximately 125 feet via a staircase. The Uplands is an additional 45 acres (76 acres total) of restored savanna is available for unguided hiking, which is a shorter, flatter trail. Programs and specialty events include adult and school educational programs, Star Parties (astronomy), Night Hikes, and Birding (it is a habitat for the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler). Tours are generally offered Wed through Sun, from 9a-3p.

Location: Approx. 15 mi N of Dripping Springs, W of Bee Cave, and near Hamilton Pool Preserve. Map

Westcave Web. TPWD Web. Portal Photo Gallery: Westcave Preserve






INNER SPACE CAVERN: Georgetown, Williamson County. 877-931-2283; 4200 IH-35 S, Georgetown, TX 78626. Hidden for over 10,000 years and discovered during the construction of I-35 in 1963, Inner Space Cavern is one of Texas’ best-preserved caves. Formed in the Edwards Limestone, this natural wonder remains a constant 72°F year-round. It features stunning geological formations (stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and drapery) and a rich Ice Age fossil record, including bones from a baby mammoth, giant sloth, and saber-toothed cat.

Tour Options: Multiple guided tours are available, ranging from the easily accessible Adventure Tour on paved and lit trails (approx. 1 hour 15 min) to the more strenuous Hidden Passages Tour and the physically challenging Wild Cave Tour (reservations required). An Ice Age Tour is also offered seasonally.

Accessibility: The Adventure Tour path is generally smooth but has steep and uneven slopes and is not wheelchair/stroller accessible.

Amenities: The site includes a gift shop, snack bar, and a Saber Tooth Zip Ride for an above-ground adventure.

Hours (Vary Seasonally): Winter (Sep-May): Mon–Fri 9a–4p; Sat–Sun 10a–5p. Summer (May-Sept): Open Daily 9a–5p.

Location: Located directly off I-35 S, near Exit 259 in Georgetown (NE area of the Hill Country). Map. Cavern Web

CAVERNS OF SONORA: 325-387-3105; 1711 PR-4468, Sonora, TX 76950. Located just outside and to the W of the Hill Country boundary in Sutton County, this cave is internationally recognized for its stunning calcite crystal formations. Discovered in the early 1900s and opened to the public in 1960, the cave features rare helictites, soda straws, and drapery formations. Offers guided tours including the Crystal Palace Tour, Discovery Challenge, and rappelling. Also includes camping, RV sites, picnic areas, and gemstone panning. Open daily. cavernsofsonora.com; Map. Portal Photo Gallery: Caverns of Sonora






HANDBOOK OF TEXAS: Profile

NATIONAL CAVE ASSOCIATION: cavern.com

TEXAS CAVE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION: tcmacaves.org; Nonprofit managing cave access, conservation, and education in Texas.

TEXAS SPELEOLOGICAL SURVEY: txspeleologicalsurvey.org; Archival maps, cave data, and karst research across Texas.

Back To >> TOP OF PAGE & MAIN INDEX or BEGINNING OF DIRECTORY LISTINGS THIS PAGE

Texas Walks . .
What's Raised Here,
Stays Here! 100% local!!

5 locations in
Central Texas
September and October.
Corporate sponsorship
& team/individual
registrations now available.