Cascade Caverns
Explore Texas's ancient underground wonders at Cascade Caverns, featuring stunning formations, Mirror Lake, and family-friendly activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Cascade Caverns
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Texas's ancient underground wonders at Cascade Caverns, featuring stunning formations, Mirror Lake, and family-friendly activities.
"The cave was absolutely gorgeous!! Loved being able to see all the wildlife in there, from the rocks, bats, toads and salamander!"
🎯 Book Special Tours Early
Spelunking tours require advance booking & guide availability. Check their Facebook page!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven terrain inside the cave. Closed-toe shoes are essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mirror Lake
Inside the cave
Crystal-clear water filtered by limestone over seven years, creating a stunning underground oasis.
Remarkable Rock Formations
Throughout the cave
Marvel at active stalagmites and stalactites, a testament to the cave's dynamic geological processes.
Wildlife Encounters
Inside the cave
Keep an eye out for small cave-dwelling bats, toads, and salamanders in their natural habitat.
Mining Sluice Activity
Outdoor area
Pan for treasures in a fun, interactive experience perfect for kids and families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Texas Heat & Cave Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Special Tours Early
Spelunking tours require advance booking & guide availability. Check their Facebook page!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven terrain inside the cave. Closed-toe shoes are essential.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Texas heat is no joke! Drink plenty of water before and after your cave exploration.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your camera, but be mindful of lighting conditions inside the cave.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Special Tours Early
Spelunking tours require advance booking & guide availability. Check their Facebook page!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steps and uneven terrain inside the cave. Closed-toe shoes are essential.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Texas heat is no joke! Drink plenty of water before and after your cave exploration.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your camera, but be mindful of lighting conditions inside the cave.
💰 Value for Money
Many visitors find the tour experience and the rock shop offerings well worth the cost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cascade Caverns for its informative and entertaining guides, who make the cave tours both educational and fun. The stunning natural formations and the refreshing underground atmosphere are major highlights. While the cave involves steps and some crouching, the overall experience is considered well worth the cost and effort, offering a less commercialized feel than some other attractions.
"If you’re looking to go spelunking with the best tour guides in the business, this is your place to be! The guide for our tour was very informative, and answered all questions posed to them by active children and adults. There are, however, several steps going down into the cave, and, of course, coming back up out of the cave. Some people may need to rest a bit on the way up, as going back outside, the heat hits like a wall in Texas. There is an area where you will have to crouch, and you will need to watch where you are going. Stalagmites and stalactites are clearly visible, and sometimes there are small cave-dwelling bats and salamanders."
LaTangela Peel
"Cascade Caverns was a lot of fun! Our tour guide "Stingray" was great; he was funny, well-informed, and genuinely fascinating. He made the tour entertaining and educational from start to finish. The actual cave is breathtaking, with remarkable rock formations and a refreshingly chilly atmosphere. For children of all ages, it is a great hobby and a unique chance to learn about nature. Seeing Cascade Caverns is an absolute must, especially when "Stingray" is your guide!"
Bogdana Butska
"My wife and I absolutely loved our experience!!! We called ahead of time to ask about the experience of the cave tour, pricing and what we might need to bring with us. Jasper is the one who answered the phone, she was so kind and informative! Then we got there and found out she was also going to be our tour guide. We got sooo excited!! She was enthusiastic, informative and funny!! You could tell she loves what she does! The cave was absolutely gorgeous!! Loved being able to see all the wildlife in there, from the rocks, bats, toads and salamander! So much fun and so cool!! We will definitely be back!"
Bianca Loera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cascade Caverns is located in Boerne, Texas. It's accessible by car, and many visitors use ride-sharing services like Lyft if they don't have their own transportation.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at Cascade Caverns.
While possible with ride-sharing services, having your own vehicle offers more flexibility for exploring the surrounding Texas Hill Country.
The most direct route will depend on your starting point, but it's generally well-signposted from Boerne. GPS navigation is recommended.
Cascade Caverns offers an RV & Tent campground on-site. Nearby Boerne also has various hotels and lodging options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour chosen. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing information.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular tours or during peak seasons, to guarantee your spot.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date hours of operation.
Cascade Caverns offers several tours, including the Downunder Tour, Aquifer Tour, and Flashlight Tour. They also sometimes offer special spelunking tours.
The standard tours are generally suitable for all ages, but some specialized tours like spelunking might have age or physical requirements. Inquire directly for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tours are led by informative and engaging guides who share details about the cave's geology and wildlife. Expect to see stunning formations and potentially encounter small creatures.
Yes, Cascade Caverns is very family-friendly. The tours are educational and entertaining for kids, and the mining sluice offers a fun activity.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces and stairs. Light clothing is recommended due to the cooler cave temperature, but be prepared for Texas heat upon exiting.
Photography is generally allowed, but check with your guide. Be mindful of lighting conditions and avoid using flash if it disturbs wildlife.
Restroom facilities are available at the visitor center and near the cave entrance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Cascade Caverns has a gift shop that may offer snacks and drinks. For full meals, consider dining in nearby Boerne.
Picnic areas might be available, but it's best to confirm with the park staff. Outside food and drinks are usually permitted in designated areas.
Yes, the town of Boerne, just a short drive away, offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants.
The gift shop typically sells souvenirs, drinks, and light snacks. Specific offerings can vary.
Park policies on alcohol consumption should be checked directly with Cascade Caverns management.
📸 📸 Photography
Mirror Lake offers stunning reflections, and the various stalactite and stalagmite formations provide dramatic photographic opportunities throughout the cave.
It's generally best to avoid using flash photography inside the cave to protect the delicate ecosystem and any wildlife present. Always ask your guide.
A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens can be beneficial. A tripod might be useful, but check if it's permitted and practical on tours.
Video recording is usually permitted, but again, be mindful of your surroundings and other tour guests.
The sheer scale of the cave ceiling and the intricate details of the formations are highlights. The Mirror Lake area is particularly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cave System
Visitors often praise the guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm. They not only point out geological features but also share insights into the cave's wildlife, which can include bats, toads, and salamanders. The cave's environment is a refreshing escape from the Texas heat, with a consistently cool temperature.
For the more adventurous, Cascade Caverns sometimes offers a special spelunking tour that delves into a less-traveled system, often accessed through a unique entrance. Information on these specialized tours is best found on their social media pages, as they are not always available.
Beyond the Caverns: Activities and Amenities
For those who wish to extend their stay, Cascade Caverns provides an RV & Tent campground, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The site also features scenic nature trails for a leisurely stroll and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Complementing the natural attractions is a gift shop offering a variety of souvenirs, local crafts, and essential items. This provides a chance to take a piece of your Cascade Caverns experience home with you.
A Glimpse into History and Geology
The water that forms Mirror Lake undergoes a remarkable natural purification process. It takes approximately seven years for water to seep through the limestone layers and reach the underground lake, filtering out impurities and resulting in exceptionally clear water. This slow, natural filtration is a key aspect of the cave's unique ecosystem.
Unlike some more commercialized cave attractions, Cascade Caverns is often praised for maintaining a more natural and less commercialized feel, allowing visitors to appreciate the raw beauty of the underground environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit