Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

April 21, 2023

came solo (visiting from Galveston) but signed up for a tour and boy, I'm glad I did. It's just a lot to see and with the assistance and knowledge of a skilled guide; it's worth it (I can't remember our guides name but she was awesome -she's in my group photo)

I got some wonderful photos and met a lot of friendly people from all over the state of Texas. This reserve is gorgeous (as you can see) and is a place to go to get your mind right. I hope you enjoy my photo perspective.

Namaste

Stunningly beautiful!!

I was brought up in Texas and can't believe I am just now seeing this. It is a must if you love nature, history, the environment, etc.
The trees and vegetation as well as the cave nestled in the woods is jaw dropping.

recommend

Beautiful and serene place. The two staff members there were great. Our tour guide was really good. The tour itself was just the right length and had just the right amount of content.

A nicely kept secret in the Austin area as Westcave has been privately owned for many years - but is now part of a larger non-proft dedicated to protecting this special place.

A nice description at the vistors center shows illustations of the eons of erosion creating these natural pools which is essentially layers of softer earth carving out to leave behind the harder layers of limestone over-hang which eventually collapses - only to be created again over time higher up the drainage-flow area.

After some steps and path the trail ends at the large cave with a waterfall, natural dripping areas, a limestone overhang with stalagtites and stalagmites, a grotto and many species of lush ferns, plants and trees.

Motivated and interesting guides share history of the area and efforts to conserve this special place.

Highly recommended.

Beautiful area, the guide was very informative, very knowledgeable and was a pleasure to talk with. Definitely well worth the drive.

The preserve was really amazing! If you go, I highly recommend doing the tour as it gives you guided information as you are walking through the preserve. Mara was a really amazing tour guide, she was very knowledgeable in tree species and also bioinformatics on the formation of stalactites. Overall a really great experience you do not want to miss. Bring good hiking shoes as there is some mud and a little bit of water when you get to the cave. It gets pretty hot during the summer, so nice flowy hiking clothes would do you good. Overall a spectacular experience and I can't wait to go again to show other people the beauty of Texas.

Came to the grotto while my best friend was in town this week and it did not disappoint! I actually found out about this place through a TikTok and it's even better in person!

Definitely recommend buying tickets online before coming out as some days it's crazy busy. We had the nicest tour guide named Amber who had more or less grown up around the grotto at westcave and her family has been helping to preserve the grounds for decades. She was super knowledgeable not only as a tour guide but also as a conservationist. She gave us the history of the grounds and it was even a decent hike on the way back up from the grotto!

If you're in Texas and looking to explore nature, check this place out!

Excellent and educated guide! Small group was perfect size to be able to see and hear all that was going on. Was the perfect addition to our mini summer vacation!

We had a great time checking out the grotto / cave. Gaby, the Guide was fun and informative.
The hike wasn't too bad. Probably should wear shoes as some parts could be slippery.

This place, including tour guides and staff must be protected at all cost! We enjoyed our visit last March! We've learned a lot about the preserve and it's history. Our tour guide was Mario and he was very knowledgeable about the surroundings. He answered all our questions politely and professionally and even took our pictures! Nothing like having a tour with someone that takes pride of the preserve!