Westcave Uplands
27 miles west of Austin, TX
Open When Preserve Open • 1.5 hour
A relaxing hike and escape into the Texas Hill Country!
Rate
$5 per person
Members:
FREE for members!
Duration
30 minutes - 1.5 hour
About the Westcave Uplands
Your self-guided hike will proceed along a mile and a half of unimproved hiking trails that wind through a dynamic Live Oak and Ashe Juniper savanna. The savanna provides essential habitat to a variety of wildlife. During the spring and fall, the savanna blooms into a painted landscape of wildflowers which then transforms into a sea of tall grasses in the drier seasons. During your visit, you can enjoy bird watching at either of our 2 bird blinds, a relaxing space in the Ahrns grove and pollinator garden, a glimpse into a native prairie, and expansive views of the surrounding Texas Hill Country. There are benches throughout the trail system to enjoy solitude and the sounds of nature.
The portion of the trail system from the Visitor center through the Ahrns Grove past ADA-accessible Leif's Bird Blind to a viewpoint of the prairie restoration area is ADA-friendly.
Please note:
This is a self-guided hike. You CAN NOT access the canyon or cave via this offering on the Uplands Trail. Access to the canyon and cave is available as a public Guided Canyon Tour
History
The Uplands is a 45-acre property that was originally purchased in 2008. Conservation efforts on the Uplands are essential to the overall health and functioning of the entire preserve. The shared efforts and hard work of many volunteers and staff have contributed greatly to conserving the Uplands.
Ticket sales for the Westcave Uplands directly support our Conservation efforts.
FAQs
This is a self-guided hike. You CAN NOT access the canyon or cave via this offering on the Uplands Trail. Access to the canyon and cave is available as a public Guided Canyon Tour
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, and our trails are relatively flat and easy to hike, and are also stroller friendly.
How difficult is the hike?
The Westcave Uplands trail offers a mile and a half of unimproved hiking trails that wind through a dynamic Live Oak and Ashe Juniper savanna. The trails are relatively flat and easy to hike. We encourage visitors to wear sturdy shoes and bring their own walking stick if needed.
Access to our Ahrns grove and Leif's bird blind is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
What is there to do and see on the Uplands?
The Uplands offer opportunities for easy hiking, birding and wildlife watching. These trails have expansive views of the hill country for a peaceful self-guided experience.
Can I stay longer?
You are welcome to enjoy the uplands at your own pace, whether it's a 30 minute walk or a 2 hour stroll. If you would like to bring a picnic lunch, you are welcome to enjoy our shaded picnic areas before or after your uplands hike.
Do you allow pets?
No pets are allowed on the premise of Westcave Preserve, even if on a leash. If you are found with a pet at 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 have a pet with you.
Can we swim at Westcave Preserve?
There is no swimming at Westcave Preserve, and there is no access to the Pedernales River.