In 1960, University of Texas students Orion Knox, Preston Knodell, Al Brandt and Joe Cantu explored a cave network beneath the Wuest family ranch in Comal County. The entry shaft is about 160 feet deep and just 22 inches wide. What they found became Natural Bridge Caverns.
What visitors see
The caverns have flowstone pillars and arches, colored crystal, and formations known as cave bacon and soda straws, as well as the Castle of the White Giants. The cave cuts through two limestone formations: the Glen Rose, which contains the Trinity aquifer, and the Edwards group.
Tours
The Hidden Wonders Tour opened in 2023 and follows a lit concrete walkway. Wilder, undeveloped passages include underground lakes, and one passage, Jan’s Long Crawl, is about 200 feet long.
Know before you go
- Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio.
- Check the caverns’ website for tour options, ticket prices and hours.
Natural Bridge Caverns began with a few curious students and a ranch family willing to open their land.