5 Texas-Sized Caverns to Cool You Off This Summer

From the gorgeous Natural Bridge Caverns to the mysterious Cave Without a Name, these five impressive caverns can provide a timely and invigorating escape from that infamous Texas heat.

Story and cover photo of Natural Bridge Caverns by John Martin

Let’s face it, folks. Summer in Texas is hot. Every one of us has felt the short-lived relief of a cloud covering up that red-hot sun, only for it to pass and remind you what living in the South is all about.

Take a break from the heat this summer while fueling your inner adventurer by visiting one of Texas’ many beautiful underground caverns. We’ve put together a list to get you started!

Natural Bridge Caverns

Photo by John Martin

Natural Bridge Caverns of San Antonio, Texas, features 0.75 miles of paved trails 180 feet below the ground, which visitors traverse over the course of an hour. If you’re looking for more activity, you can sign up for their adventure tour to climb mud-covered hills and crawl through narrow passages. There are also surface attractions perfect for grandkids, including a ropes course, maze and more.

Learn more at NaturalBridgeCaverns.com.

Kickapoo Cavern State Park

Photo courtesy of Kickapoo Cavern State Park

This Bracketville, Texas, state park has 20 known caves, the largest being Kickapoo Cavern and Stuart Bat Cave. It is one of the more lightly developed caverns on this list, and three-hour tours are offered once a week. The bat flights can be viewed every evening while in season, and park-goers have access to mountain biking trails, camping grounds and more.

Get the details on the state park’s website.

Caverns of Sonora

The Caverns of Sonora  is known for its “cave bacon”. 

Located in Sonora, Texas, the Caverns of Sonora features beautiful crystal corridors and is decorated with unique formations 155 feet underground. Their Crystal Palace Tour is just under two hours along two miles. They also offer a Discovery Challenge Tour, providing equipment to rappel fifty feet down and explore off-trail with an experienced caver.

Find out how to visit at CavernsOfSonora.com.

Longhorn Caverns State Park

Cavern entrance. Photo courtesy of Longhorn Caverns State Park

Shaped by running water, Longhorn Caverns State Park in Burnet, Texas, features a 90-minute walking tour 130 feet below-ground or a 2–3-hour adventurous Wild Cave Tour. The park also features historical sites, such as the Falkenstein Castle and original Texas buildings constructed in the 1930s.

For more information, visit the state park’s website.

Cave Without a Name

Photo courtesy of Cave Without a Name

This lesser-known cave in Boerne, Texas, was named in 1939 by a young boy who suggested it was “too beautiful to have a name.” It resides 80 feet below the ground’s surface and features six major rooms of unique formations. Check out their event calendar to attend musical events in “The Queen’s Throne Room,” one of their featured destinations.

Visit CaveWithoutAName.com to learn more.

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