This morning I ventured out to Westcave Preserve off of Hamilton Pool road in Dripping Springs for a little local sightseeing.
This preserve is 76 acres right off of the Pedernales River and has been restored to its natural beauty since it was purchased in 1974.
I had always heard of this beautiful place, but hadn’t been since it was closed during the pandemic and then it was just SO hot this summer.
After the rain came through a few days ago I knew it would be a good time to go out while the kids were in school and learn more.
You will need to reserve your spot online here. Tickets for the tours to the Grotto are $20/adults, $10/kids and 3 and under are free.
The hike is guided and will last up to 90 minutes and is about a mile round trip and is a moderate hike. It is mostly flat, but has some stairs you’ll need to go up and down- so be prepared!
I learned about how the Golden-cheeked Warbler makes its’ nest from the strips of bark from Ash Junipers (Cedar Trees) and nests in the area on their migration down to Central America, I also learned about many species of edible plants that are native to this area.
My tour guide was a retired Dripping Springs high school administrator and was full of so many great insights and facts about the habitat. I could tell that they care so much about preservation and educating their guests.
There are quite a few restrictions on the hike and I was very pleased that I did the tour without my three rambunctious boys. I was able to really take it all in without having to micromanage them from jumping off cliffs and trying to catch snakes (I kid… mostly). Kids can come though, and they schedule many field trips with schools in the area.
We took a minute to “nature bathe” where we all stood in silence and listened to the sounds of the water dripping off the grotto and heard the birds sing. It was a GLORIOUS way to spend my morning and I highly recommend it to nature lovers, history buffs and science enthusiasts.
You’ll want to wear shoes suitable for hiking, a water bottle and a camera! We explored the cave and learned about the few bats residents and endangered species that live in the cave.
The preserve only allows a maximum of 20 people per tour so you’ll want to make sure that you book it early if you want a specific date. I bet the Cypress trees will be incredible around the first week of November for all of your fall tree lovers!
If you are in the Dripping Springs area and want to learn more about fun things to do then reach out to me! I’d love to give you recommendations of things to do and places to go.
Looking for a home, land or investment property in Dripping Springs? I’m a local Dripping Springs Realtor and would love to help you buy or sell real estate in this area! Just email or call me and we can get started. 512-569-8480 or laurenclark@magnoliarealty.com
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