Description: Westcave Preserve is a natural treasure of the Texas Hill Country, possessing unique and majestic beauty and ecological diversity. Located adjacent to the Pedernales River in southwestern Travis County about 40 miles from downtown Austin, this 75-acre gem is managed by the non-profit Westcave Preserve Corporation and offers an array of natural science and interdisciplinary educational programs for children and adults from Austin and surrounding communities.

Two distinct ecosystems meet on the Preserve, forming a unique opportunity for students of nature and an unexpected experience for visitors exploring the Hill Country. The Preserve's grasslands are scattered with wildflower meadows, ash junipers, oaks and cactus bordering a sheltered limestone canyon punctuated with rare plants and cypress trees. The highlight of the site is its 40-foot waterfall backed by caves, tumbling over fern-covered travertine columns into an emerald pool.

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History: Westcave Preserve was privately held in the 1960's and 1970's, and was a favorite spot for picnickers and trespassers who damaged the site with heavy foot traffic, littering, and by damaging fragile flora and breaking the cave's stalagmites and stalactites. John Covert Watson established the nonprofit Westcave Preserve Corp. in 1976, which then borrowed funds to purchase the cave and surrounding 29 acres. In 1983 a partnership was formed with the Lower Colorado River Authority, who paid off the note and established a dollar-a-year, 99-year lease agreement for Westcave Preserve Corp. to manage and sustain the Preserve and offer it as an educational resource. Careful restoration and close management has allowed a nearly complete recovery, and the site is now protected through defined land management practices and an emphasis on developing positive relationships with surrounding landowners.

Hours: Weekdays: By Reservation only.
Weekends: Public tours are offered at 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Reservations: weekday- by reservations only

Special notes: Entrance to the Environmental Center is free.

Visitation to the Westcave Preserve canyon trail is by guided tour only to minimize the impact on this beautiful and fragile natural site.

Weekday: Weekday tours for organized groups and school children are $4 per person. Teachers are admitted free for organized weekday tours.
Weekends: Guided Canyon Tours are $5 per adult, $2 per child under 12, or $15 per family. Free tour admission is offered to Westcave Preserve members.

Please no pets. Not even if left in vehicles.