Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, Texas, United States
4.5 (125 reviews) Monday: Spent Ranking #38 in Austin Nature & Wildlife Areas
Loved the Grotto and Cave, but felt rushed
Prepare yourself - the majestic beauty of our unique Texas Hill Country nature preserve will leave you breathless! Our expert-guided tours take visitors from an arid savannah through a limestone crevice into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life. At the head of the canyon stands Westcave, with a stunning 40-foot waterfall replenishing the emerald pool below. (Canyon Tours offered every Saturday & Sunday - weather permitting). Self Guided Hikes Tuesday - Friday 9:30 - 1:30pm (no Canyon Access weekdays without prior reservation)
Address
24814 Hamilton Pool Rd Dripping Springs/Round Mountain, Austin, TX 78663-8570
Mobile
Website
http://www.westcave.org/
Working hours
Monday :
Tuesday : 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday : 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Thursday : 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Friday : 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday : 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday : 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Current local date and time now
Monday, May 13, 2024, 17:58
User Ratings
4.5 based on (125 reviews)
Reviews
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5therealjenn 5:00 PM Apr 16, 2022
Make Reservations for Grotto Tour
Reservations are a must. Don't drive all the way out there without a reservation. Make your reservation on the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center website before you go. Got it? Cool. The grotto tour was gorgeous! On the hike down to the grotto our knowledgeable and friendly tour guide pointed out fun flora and fauna facts. Our guide also told us some of the history of the area, and how it came to be a preserve. As we rounded a bend and the grotto came into view, I literally gasped and said, "oh, wow." You can walk up behind the waterfall, which was more of a pleasant trickle the dry day we went. You also get to go into the little cave area that connects to the rock shelf of the waterfall area. There are many interesting rock formations to see in the rock notch/cave areas. We also spotted a water moccasin (minding their own business) as they glided through the water pool. I have been to the nearby Hamilton Pool (also beautiful, also need a reservation), but this is different, and worth seeing in addition. Parts of the hike into and out of the area are fairly steep. While the trail is very well maintained, I wouldn't recommend this for toddlers/small children, or anyone with mobility issues. Wear hiking shoes with ankle support and a grippy tread. You'll be glad for proper footwear in the damp cave areas and on the steep trail steps.
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5Canyonite 5:00 PM Jun 26, 2020
A Wonderful Texas Gem
We were able to take our grandsons on this tour this week. It is amazing. To find such an oasis in the middle of the Texas Hill Country is really a treat. Our guide provided a lot of information about the area and the flora and fauna found here. I came to this beautiful site several times in the early 1970's when the property was privately owned. At that time, it became very trashed out and polluted. A group of us would try to haul out all the trash we could but it became over whelming. Thank goodness the Preserve was taken over to save this awesome site for future generations to see. I would highly recommended taking a tour of this property. Be advised that it can be very hot during summer months, especially on the upper part. When you descend down into the grotto area, the temperature does drop some 10 to 15 degrees but it is very humid. Take plenty of water and know your limits in the heat. Best time to visit would definitely be in the spring and fall. But do go see this Texas Gem!
