Natural Bridge Caverns Tour in San Antonio
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Discovered in 1960 by a group of college students on what was then vast ranch land, Natural Bridge Caverns has grown to become one of the premiere natural attractions in Texas.
Not only is it the largest cavern by volume in the state, but it’s also the 7th longest and the most explored cavern. New chambers are being discovered, the most recent in 2022.
In addition to the caverns, the land also features several surface attractions such as a rope course, a series of zip lines, concert venue, gift shop and more.
If you’re planing a visit to San Antonio, taking a tour of the caverns is a must. In the post below, I will discuss tour pricing, options, what’s included, parking, and more. Let’s get into it!
Natural Bridge Caverns Ticket Prices, Tours and Parking
There are several tour options at Natural Bridge Caverns. The Discovery Tour, which is the most common, takes visitors through a series of chambers in the caverns. You’ll see several types of rock formations, including flowstone, soda straws, stalagmites, and more.
For the more adventurous, you can opt for the Hidden Wonders Tour. This tour takes you through newly discovered chambers not accessible on the Discovery Tour, a natural ballroom, and a captivating sound and light show.
In addition, you can opt for the combo ticket, which includes both the Discovery and Hidden Wonders Tour at a discount. Additional options include a lantern tour and an Adventure Tour for those who want to experience real-life caving.
Current pricing of the two main tours is:
Discovery or Hidden Wonders Tour: Starting at $37 per adult / $24 for children ages 3-11
Combo Ticket: Starting at $63.50 per adult / $41.25 for children ages 3-11
Do note that the surface attractions are not included with your cavern tour admission. These are priced individually or in a combo ticket. You can view further information for cavern tours and surface attraction pricing here.
Parking is free and abundant. There’s a large, paved lot right in front of the entrance of the property. This entrance is also where you’ll find the gift shop and the various food options available.
Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour
When my wife and I went to Natural Bridge Caverns, we opted for the Discovery Tour. After purchasing your tickets, you’ll make your way from the main entrance and over to the cavern entrance under the namesake natural rock bridge.
Your tour guide will make their introduction and explain to the history of the caverns, the natural bridge, the people involved in its discovery and more. As you make your way into the cavern’s narrow entrance, you’ll almost immediately notice the temperature change.
Regardless of when you visit, the caverns remain at a comfortable 70 degrees year-round. However, the humidity hovers around 99%, making a walk through the caverns a sweaty endeavor.
Your tour guide will, well, guide you through several rooms (or, chambers) in the caverns. Your group will be stopped in each one and be given information on what you’re looking at.
The tour takes about one hour and guides you through a well-maintained pathways. Initially, you’ll descend 180-feet into the cavern. After which, you’ll slowly ascend and descend again as you make your way through the varying chambers.
Each chamber has its own name, which is fitting because they’re totally unique in their own right. Some of these chamber names include:
Discovery Passages
Jaremy Room
Pluto’s Anteroom
Sherwood Forest
Emerald Lake
Grendal’s Canyon
As stated above, the pathways are well maintained but you’ll still need to watch your step and head. You are in a natural cavern, after-all. The chambers are well-lit, so there’s no need to bring a flashlight.
I’ve been to a number of caves but this one was easily one of the best. The cave formations are insane and often difficult for your eyes to process just how large they are.
As you reach the final chamber, you’ll be presented with dozens of soda straw formations, many of which exceed six feet in height. Here is where you’ll begin the final ascent to the surface.
The final ascent begins with a series of switchbacks to the top of the chamber room. After taking in the views from the top, your tour guide will then take you up a slightly steep ascent back to the surface.
Once you’re there, you can opt to check out some of the surface attractions or if you’re like me, head straight to the cafe to replenish the calories you’ll undoubtedly burn.
I highly recommend visiting Natural Bridge Caverns. Sure, it’s a ways away from other San Antonio attractions like the Alamo and River Walk, but it’s worth the effort to get to.
PSALM 32:8
