Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns offers a range of experiences. The Discovery Tour explores large, well-lit rooms with diverse formations. The Hidden Wonders Tour delves into recently developed chambers with upgraded lighting and features a unique "Belt Assisted Transport" system for exiting. For those seeking more adventure, Adventure Tours allow guests to explore undeveloped parts of the cave, often involving climbing, hiking, and getting muddy.

The main tours, such as the Discovery and Hidden Wonders tours, involve walking on paved paths and navigating stairs. For example, the Hidden Passages tour descends 180 feet and includes approximately 185 stairs both down and up. While generally accessible, visitors should be able to handle moderate walking and stair climbing. The Adventure Tours are significantly more strenuous, requiring good physical fitness and a willingness to crawl and climb through tight spaces.

While service animals are permitted, pets are generally not allowed inside the caverns or on the ropes course. However, there are outdoor areas where leashed dogs might be permitted, and the nearby Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a separate attraction that allows pets in vehicles for their drive-through safari.

The guided cave tours, such as the Discovery Tour and Hidden Wonders Tour, typically last between 60 to 75 minutes. This duration does not include time spent on above-ground attractions or waiting for your tour to begin.

To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting during the off-peak seasons, such as late fall or early spring, outside of major holidays and school breaks. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Arriving early in the morning, shortly after opening, can also help you experience the caverns with fewer people, especially during busier times.

Inside the caverns, the temperature remains a consistent 70°F (21°C) with 99% humidity year-round. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential, as paths can be damp. A light jacket or long-sleeved shirt is advisable for comfort, especially if you tend to get chilly. For Adventure Tours, wear old clothes that you don't mind getting muddy.

Natural Bridge Caverns has a few on-site options for snacks and light meals. For more substantial dining, you'll find various restaurants and eateries in the nearby towns of New Braunfels and San Antonio, which are just a short drive away.

Adjacent to the caverns is the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a drive-through safari park. Other nearby attractions include Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, the historic Gruene Hall, and the many attractions of San Antonio, such as the Alamo and the River Walk.

Due to the natural terrain, stairs, and sometimes narrow passages within the caverns, the main guided tours are generally not stroller or wheelchair friendly. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact the caverns directly for specific accessibility information regarding their tours and facilities.

The caverns are renowned for their diverse speleothems, including towering stalactites (hanging from the ceiling), rising stalagmites (from the floor), and where they meet, impressive columns. You'll also see flowing flowstones, delicate soda straws, and unique formations like "waves of cave ribbon" and "welt and turnip shields" in areas like the Hidden Passages Tour. The constant water flow gives many formations a unique waxy luster.

Adventure Tours are designed for more intrepid explorers and typically require participants to be at least 12 years old, in good physical condition, and comfortable with confined spaces. Participants should expect to crawl, climb, and get muddy. Specific gear, such as helmets and headlamps, is provided, but participants must wear appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.