Silent/Meditative Hike to the Grotto
27 miles west of Austin, TX
April 26th & November 15th, 2025 5-7pm | $20/adult (13 yrs +) ~ 2 hours
$20 | Adults 13 years old + |
Prices for Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Focus on wellness, meditation, and pure enjoyment of nature in silence.
We offer two times a year a unique opportunity to refresh yourself with an hour-and-a-half long round trip guided relaxing-silent hike into the canyon down to the majestic grotto for a moment of reflection/meditation. Prepare yourself for the beauty of our unique Texas Hill Country nature preserve that will leave you breathless!
Guests will hike down a 100-foot staircase into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life. Along the way, your guide will pause with prompts to appreciate one's surroundings and take in the beauty of the canyon. Afterwards, guests will reach the head of the canyon where there is dripping spring along a stunning 40-foot cliff that stands replenishing an emerald pool below, with a 1-chamber room cave. Refresh yourself, by listening to the sounds in Westcave's majestic grotto area with a moment of silence and reflection. You will be left with an experience of a lifetime.
The experience is a 1-mile, roundtrip, moderate to difficult hike. 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.
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.
Note:
- This is for ages 13 years old and up.
- Guests will be asked to be silent at various points during the hike.
- Access to the canyon and cave is by guided tour only.
- All hikes are weather permitting.
- No pets are allowed even if left in the 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.
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.
Dates
- Saturday April 26th, 2025 (5-7pm)
- Saturday November 15th, 2025 (5-7pm)
Rate
$20 / Adult (13+)
13-year-olds and up only for this event, as guests will be asked to be silent at various points during the hike.
Duration
~1.5-2 hours long (Reservations are required for hike)
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.