Scouting Day
27 miles west of Austin, TX
Sat. Oct 18th, 2025 • 9am Hike
A Naturalist Led Hike for Scouting Day in our Beautiful Canyon, Grotto, and Cave Area
Join us at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center on Saturday October 18th for beautiful educational hike for girl scouts, scouts BSA, or any young explore with the opportunity to individually work toward badges in your own organization. All can purchase an exclusive Westcave patch for $10 the day of the event.
"Scouts" and supervising adults will hike along a 1.5-2 hour guided hike through an arid savanna through a limestone crevice down a 100 foot staircase into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life with one of Westcave’s guides. You will reach the head of the canyon where water falls along a stunning 40-foot cliff that stands replenishing the grotto pool below. Your guide will talk about various plants, wildlife, natural history, and geology along the way. This is a one mile round trip moderate to difficult hike.
Other opportunities to explore include, the Uplands trail, our bird blinds, and activities in the environmental learning center. Scouts can purchase an optional exclusive Westcave patch for $10 as a part of this event with the opportunity to individually work toward badges in your own organization.
Limitations
Access to the canyon, cave and grotto is only permitted with a supervising staff member. All events are weather permitting. Pets are not allowed on the property, and may not be left in a vehicle.
Due to the nature of this program, this event requires a minimum number of participants. If the minimum number is not reached within 48 -72 hours before the program start time, the event will be cancelled. Guests will be notified by email and will receive a full refund.
Dates
- Saturday October 18th. 2025
Rate
$20 / Adult (19+)
$10 / Girl Scout (4-18yrs)
$10 / Scout BSA /Cub Scout(4-18yrs)
$10 / Other Scouting Youth (4-18yrs)
Under the age of 4 is free
$10 Optional Westcave Patch Purchase day of event
NOTE: This is not a drop-off event. Each scout must have a supervising adult/parent.
Cancellation Policy:
Customers MUST provide a 24-hour notice via email to request a rebooking or full refund/credit for any reason. If Westcave cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive an email notice and a full refund. To cancel, click the "Cancel Booking" link under the picture of the grotto on your confirmation email. If you have any difficulties, please contact us by phone or send an email to info@westcave.org. No-shows will be charged the full price. Westcave reserves the right to cancel a tour at any time, for any reason.
FAQs
What is your Cancellation Policy:
Customers MUST provide a 24-hour notice via email to request a rebooking or full refund/credit for any reason. If Westcave cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive an email notice and a full refund. To cancel, click the "Cancel Booking" link under the picture of the grotto on your confirmation email. If you have any difficulties, please contact us by sending an email to info@westcave.org. No-shows will be charged the full price. . If your tour is not canceled, you must still provide 24-hours advanced notice to request a refund or rebooking for any reason.
How difficult is the hike?
The experience is a 1-mile, roundtrip, moderate to difficult hike from the parking lot. Visitors hike in and out of the canyon by way of a long, winding, uneven 125 step staircase built into the slope of the canyon. Once in the canyon there are additional steps, rocks and roots to navigate. We encourage visitors to wear sturdy shoes and bring their own walking stick if needed.
Do you allow pets?
No pets are allowed on the premise of Westcave Preserve, even if on a leash, and may not be left in a vehicle. If you are found with a pet on the Preserve or locked in your car, you will kindly be asked to leave.
We recommend visiting Milton Reimers Ranch Park (2 miles away) if you want to spend time outside with your pet.
Can we swim at Westcave?
There is no swimming at Westcave or access to the Pedernales River.
Can I take a ride share to Westcave?
Please DO NOT take a ride share (ex. Uber, lyft) to Westcave. We are outside the service range for pickups and you may become stranded.
Is the hike child-friendly? Can my baby/toddler attend?
Children love to learn and explore the outdoors. Strollers are not allowed in the Canyon, Grotto, or Cave area due to the 100-foot staircase and the nature of the trail. Please be aware the hike is 1.5-2 hours long and you may have to carry your baby/toddler for most of the mile-long hike.
Can I stay longer?
You are welcome to visit our Environmental Learning Center, or the shaded picnic tables before or after your experience, or book access to hike on the Uplands trails.
Do you have restrooms?
Two composting toilets and sinks for hand washing are available for guest usage. Cleaning and disinfecting procedures are in place.