The largest known commercial caverns in Texas, featuring remarkable stalactite and stalagmite formations. Named for the 60-foot natural limestone bridge at the entrance. Multiple cave tours plus outdoor zip-lining and mining activities.
Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest known commercial cave system in Texas, located 26 miles north of downtown San Antonio near New Braunfels. The caverns were discovered in 1960 by a group of St. Mary's University students who rappelled into an opening and found a pristine underground world of calcite formations. The cave's name comes from a 60-foot natural limestone bridge that spans the original entrance—the longest natural bridge in Texas.
The Discovery Tour, lasting approximately 75 minutes, is the most popular experience and follows a half-mile paved trail through two interconnected chambers at a depth of 180 feet underground. The cave maintains a year-round temperature of approximately 70°F with high humidity—a welcome respite from Texas summer heat. Formation highlights include the Hall of the Mountain Giants, where stalactites and stalagmites reach enormous dimensions, and the Watchtower—a single stalagmite standing more than 40 feet tall. The cave is lit to highlight the translucent white and amber formations, many of which are still actively growing, depositing calcium carbonate from dripping water at a rate of roughly one cubic inch per century.
Beyond the Discovery Tour, the Hidden Wonder Tour explores deeper, undeveloped sections accessible only via crawling and tight passages—a caving adventure suitable for adventurous visitors age eight and older. Outdoors, the property includes a Discovery Village with zip-line courses, a climbing wall, and a gem-mining activity popular with children. A cafe and gift shop complete the visitor experience.
Advance online booking is recommended from May through August when group tours fill available time slots quickly. The caverns are open daily with extended summer hours.
Good to know
- Hours
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (extended summer hours)
- Best time
- any time (cave maintains 70°F year-round)
- Best for
- families, geology enthusiasts, kids, hot summer days
Location
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, Natural Bridge Caverns, TX 78266
29.6919, -98.3419 View on map
Highlights
- Discovery Tour: half-mile paved trail through massive calcite chambers at 180 feet underground
- Watchtower: a 40-foot-tall active stalagmite, one of the most impressive formations in Texas cave systems
- 60-foot natural limestone bridge spanning the historic cave entrance—the longest natural bridge in Texas
- Hall of the Mountain Giants with some of the largest stalactite and stalagmite formations in the state
- Hidden Wonder adventure tour through undeveloped cave sections for families willing to crawl
Tips for visiting
- Wear closed-toe shoes
- Book tickets in advance for summer
- Discovery Tour is best for first-timers
When to visit
The cave is appealing year-round due to its constant 70°F temperature. Summer visits are especially popular as an escape from Texas heat. Weekday visits avoid the largest tour group crowds. Arriving at opening provides the shortest wait times for cave tour departures.
Accessibility
The Discovery Tour follows a paved pathway with handrails throughout and is accessible for visitors using wheelchairs or with mobility limitations. The cave entrance and pathway are well lit. The outdoor zip-line and climbing wall have age and weight restrictions. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour take?
The Discovery Tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and covers about half a mile inside the cave. Combining a cave tour with outdoor activities (zip-line, gem mining) typically fills a half-day at the property.
Is it worth visiting Natural Bridge Caverns in summer?
Yes—the cave's constant 70°F temperature makes it one of the most appealing summer destinations in Texas when outdoor temperatures exceed 100°F. The caverns function as natural air conditioning. Book tickets in advance as summer slots fill quickly.
Are Natural Bridge Caverns suitable for young children?
Yes. The Discovery Tour is fully paved and well-lit, accessible for most children. The gem-mining activity is very popular with younger visitors. The Hidden Wonder Tour requires crawling and is recommended for ages 8 and up.