A Hidden Treasure in the Texas Hill Country
Written: Feb 22 '00 (Updated Feb 22 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Amazing formations, well-designed tours
Cons: On a rare occasion some rooms may be flooded
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| saprswife's Full Review: Texas Hill Country |
One of the most awe-inspiring treasures nestled in the Texas Hill Country is not easily visible. You see, it lies beneath the rolling hills, live oaks, brush, and wildflowers that dominate this rustic area. It is catacomb of caverns that contains what can only be described as some of Mother Nature’s finest work in progress.
Natural Bridge Caverns lies between San Antonio and New Braunfels on I-35. Don’t worry about getting lost, as billboards will guide your way. They open at 9AM daily (except for major holidays) and run tours about every 30 minutes that last about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Call ahead for closing time as it varies with season.
While waiting for your tour to begin you can browse through the gift shop, grab a quick bite to eat in the snack bar, study the cavern information posted throughout the visitor’s center, or relax on the covered patio and enjoy the Texas Hill Country.
Each tour is lead by a very knowledgeable guide. Throughout the tour he will tell the story of the caverns’ history and explain the various geological formations; the guides are also very eager to answer questions. If at all possible try to be at the front of the tour group. Each guide carries a microphone, but if your group is large and becomes spread out it can be very difficult to hear. It is also a good idea, if you have very young ones, to leave strollers behind and opt for a backpack. At times the pathways are narrow and there are also steps that need to be negotiated. This can be difficult anywhere especially in the small confines of the caverns.
As your tour begins you will see the namesake of these caverns, a 60-foot natural stone bridge formation that spans above its entrance. The tour group enters the caverns through glass doors which keeps the cavern at 70 degrees F year round, but it feels warmer due to the very high humidity. Once inside, the tour is approximately 3/4 mile long and will take you to a depth of over 180 feet. For the most part the pathways are excellent. The paths are usually not very steep and switchbacks are used throughout; stairs, as stated before, can be found at various locations. The floor is damp and can be slick in some spots, but there are railings throughout the entire cavern system.
As soon as you enter the first rooms you will be amazed. Lights are strategically placed to highlight the various geological structures. Stalactites, stalagmite, unique fried egg stalagmites, and other incredibly fascinating formations can be found. Each room in the cavern system has its own name that is derived from the various formations that are found in the room. For example, Sherwood Forest is aptly named for the large stalagmites that resembled tree trunks. Purgatory Creek is the deepest portion of the caverns which at its deepest is 211 feet below the surface. Hall of the Mountain King is the largest room which is almost the size of a football field, and its ceiling rises over 100 feet above the floor in different areas.
Because of the incredible depths there are times when visiting all the rooms is virtually impossible. One spring, central Texas had an unusually high rainfall which caused the lower rooms to flood. On this tour we simply walked as deep into the caverns as possible, backtracked, and then visited the remainder of the caverns via the exit.
My husband and I have visited a few other caves in Colorado and Texas but none have come close to the beauty and grandness of Natural Bridge Caverns. It is truly something that shouldn’t be missed.
If you have the chance, take time to explore this hidden gem of Texas.
For more information visit the Natural Bridge Caverns' website
http://www.tourtexas.com/caverns/
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
saprswife
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Location: Washington State
Reviews written: 75
Trusted by: 104 members
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