Guided Canyon Tour
27 miles west of Austin, TX
Sat, Sun, & Weekdays • 1.5-2 Hours
A Naturalist Led Walk in our Beautiful Canyon
Reservations Required
Reservation dates are opened the first week of the month prior. For example (December 2024 will open the 1st week of November 2024)
Please check back to make reservations for your desired date.
About
Each Guided Canyon Tour has a maximum number 25 guests plus your guide.
Your guide will take visitors 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. You will reach the head of the canyon where water falls along a stunning 40-foot cliff that stands replenishing the grotto pool below. This is a one mile round trip moderate to difficult hike.
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.
If you would like to extend your stay at our preserve, the Uplands is included in your Guided Canyon Tour.
Duration
Approximately 1.5-2 hours
Rate
$20/adult
$10/child (4-15) : 3 and under free
Westcave Members use your member code to reserve for FREE Admission. You'll find your unique Westcave Passcode in the confirmation email you received after you initially purchased the Pass.
Limitations
“Spots” on tours and at Westcave events should not be advertised, marketed, or sold.
Identification may be required on arrival at Westcave regarding any reservation or experience.
Westcave reserves the right to cancel a tour at any time, for any reason.
Our Preserve has limited parking availability. Please limit your group to no more than 2 vehicles in order that we can accommodate all guests.
Important note: 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.
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.
Check also our Relaxing/Meditative Walk Through the Grotto Option for additional hikes to the grotto:
Refresh yourself with an hour-and-a-half long round trip guided relaxing hike into the canyon down to the majestic grotto for a moment of reflection/meditation. Along the way, your guide will pause with prompts to appreciate one's surroundings and take in the beauty of the canyon. You will be left with an experience of a lifetime.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.