Natural Bridge Caverns

The Basics

Natural Bridge Caverns offers visitors many experiences, the most popular being a 75-minute walking tour that travels 180 feet (55 meters) underground through the hallways and various speleothems (formations) made by mineral deposits. Aboveground activities include ziplines, a “canopy explorer course,” and the opportunity to mine for gems, minerals, and fossils.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The temperature inside the cave is a constant 70°F (21°C), and the humidity is steady at 99 percent. Consider bringing a light jacket, as it can feel chilly underground.

• Four caverns tours are available: the standard Discovery Tour, the Hidden Passages Tour, the Lantern Tour, and the Adventure Tour.

• The on-site maze is sure to entertain the whole family.

• While the visitor center is wheelchair-accessible, the caverns are not due to narrow, steep passageways.

How to Get There

Natural Bridge Caverns is about a 30-minute drive north of downtown San Antonio, eight miles (13 kilometers) west of I-35.

When to Get There

The Natural Bridge Caverns are open year-round except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. During the holiday season, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate select passages, performers sing Christmas carols, and there’s a fully decorated Christmas village and “reindeer maze.”

Bracken Bat Flight

Just a few miles from Natural Bridge Caverns lies another amazing natural wonder: The evening emergence of one the world’s largest bat colonies. The Bracken Bat Flight consists of millions of free-tailed bats spiraling out of Bracken Cave and taking to the skies on their nightly hunt for insects. Some tours include access to both sites.

How long does it take to walk through the Natural Bridge Caverns?

A guided walking tour through the Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio, among the largest commercial caves in Texas, takes about 75 minutes. On the tour, visitors head about 180 feet (55 meters) underground and walk about half a mile (.8 kilometers) through the cave.

Is it cold inside the Natural Bridge Caverns?

No, it's seldom cold in the Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio. No matter the temperature outside, the caverns stay at a remarkably constant 70°F (21°C) year-round. The relative humidity of 99 percent makes it feel warmer, with visitors often comfortable wearing shorts and a T-shirt inside.

Are the Natural Bridge Caverns good for kids?

Yes, the Natural Bridge Caverns are among the top places to take kids in San Antonio. The Discovery Tour takes them 180 feet (55 meters) underground, while the Adventure Tour, available to kids 13 and older, is an authentic spelunking experience.

Do I need a reservation for the Natural Bridge Caverns?

No, you don't need reservations for most tours at Natural Bridge Caverns. However, you need them for large groups and the Adventure Tour, a 3–4 hour spelunking experience with cave gear. Also, popular days can fill up months in advance—book a tour online to reserve your time and price.

How does the weather affect my visit to the Natural Bridge Caverns?

The weather won't affect your visit inside the Natural Bridge Caverns—they stay dry and a constant 70°F (21°C) year-round (and feel warmer due to the humidity)—tours depart rain or shine. Above ground, the Twisted Trails and AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup can close during rain. The Picnic areas, however, are covered.

Can I bring my pet to the Natural Bridge Caverns?

Only service animals that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act standards are allowed inside the caverns on guided tours. Leashed pets under their human's control are welcome throughout the park grounds. Visitors with pets can also leave well-behaved pets in the provided outdoor crates for free while touring the caverns.