Without even stepping into one of the main attractions of this facility, we were already impressed. If you are making your way to Natural Bridge Caverns from San Antonio, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the route that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sponsored by: Revitalize Web
Upon arrival, we found ample parking, and despite it being a regular weekday, the place was bustling with visitors. We snapped some photos and headed to the reception, where we were guided to an area where our dog, Fluffy, was kenneled and watched. They kept him in the shade and provided a nice bowl of water to keep him cool in the Texan summer heat, which is a phenomenon of its own.
Flying through the Texas Hill Country on Twisted Trails Ropes and Zip Rails Course at Natural Bridge Caverns | Source: Natural Bridge Caverns
On the surface, there is plenty to do if you don’t wish to participate in a cavern tour. However, we must warn that the tours can be challenging in terms of accessibility and require sturdy shoes, as some areas can be slippery.
We were then given an introduction and shown a video about the caverns before embarking on the Hidden Wonders Tour. Upon entering were immediately greeted by a puff of humid air and rare visuals that made our journey worthwhile. The guides led us through the caverns, showcasing once-in-a-lifetime sights that would otherwise go unnoticed in the busy city life.
Hidden Wonders features a first ever sound and light show in a massive box canyon | Source: Natural Bridge Caverns
We took videos and listened to stories about the cavern’s discovery, ensuring we absorbed as much as possible from our guides and group. Then, we were given a rare gift: a few seconds of pitch-black darkness. The guides instructed us to sit down and turned off the lights, providing a unique experience of true darkness, something we hadn’t experienced in years due to constant artificial lighting.
Check it Out: Airbnb Near the Pearl San Antonio
As we exited, we reached a new expansion of the cavern where we experienced a mesmerizing light and music show.
If you’re considering visiting Natural Bridge Caverns and wondering if it’s worth it, I’d say yes. Is it memorable? Absolutely.
Searching for Cave Critters during biological survey work deep in Natural Bridge Caverns | Source: Natural Bridge Caverns
Other Tours Natural Bridge Caverns Offers:
Discovery Tour
Embark on the Discovery Tour at Natural Bridge Caverns, where stunning views await around every corner. As you traverse the chambers originally discovered at the site, our expert guides provide fascinating insights at various stops. You’ll be mesmerized by the incredible natural formations such as soda straws, flowstone, stalagmites, and stalactites. This tour is an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature’s underground masterpiece.
Adventure Tours
St. Mary’s Adventure Tour
The St. Mary’s Adventure Tour offers a unique caving experience through a beautiful, untouched area of the Discovery Cavern. As you navigate these passages, you’ll encounter rare formations like black calcite, intricate calcite box work, and even bell-like formations that resonate with a gentle ring. This tour provides an opportunity to learn and apply professional rope techniques used by experienced cavers, allowing you to traverse, ascend, and descend within the cave, just like a real member of an expedition team.
Discovery Adventure Tour
The Discovery Adventure Tour takes you back to the early 1960s, echoing the experiences of the original explorers. Led by experienced staff, this tour guides you through a wild cave journey filled with climbing, hiking, and exploring caverns that have been forming for thousands of years. After completing the standard Discovery Tour, you venture off the beaten path into areas without commercial lighting, paved paths, or handrails, immersing yourself in a truly raw and exhilarating adventure.
Daughter and mom find gems at Natural Bridge Caverns | Source: Natural Bridge Caverns
If you’d rather have an adventure without going underground, here are some activities you can enjoy at Natural Bridge Caverns:
Twisted Trails
Enjoy a 60-foot rope course for both adults and kids. There are zip rails for the young ones, and climbing is also an option.
Gem and Fossil Mining
Water from a wooden tower flows through sluices where you pour mining “rough” into a screen tray and immerse it. As you sift, the water reveals amethyst, rose quartz, emeralds, arrowheads, or fossils.
Maze
The AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup is a unique Texas attraction for all ages. This maze honors five generations of ranch ownership in the Natural Bridge Caverns family. Navigate through the maze, timing yourself, and use the three towers and a bridge if you get lost.
Dining and Shopping
Explore dining and shopping at Natural Bridge Caverns! After your adventures, unwind at our eateries and shops. Enjoy fresh-made pizza, brisket nachos, and lemonade at Big Daddy’s, Eats Sweets and Drinks, or savor a brisket grilled cheese or Buffalo chicken wrap at the Cavern Café. Browse the Discovery Village Trading Post for one of Texas’ finest collections of rocks and minerals, including jewelry, decorative stones, and fossils. The Visitor Center offers unique gifts like T-shirts, games, and holiday souvenirs year-round. Quench your thirst, satisfy your appetite, and discover unique finds at every turn.
Ready to get your tickets to Natural Bridge Caverns near San Antonio? Go here.
