Located in the western portion of Hill Country, the Sonora Caverns aka Cavers of Sonora are located just outside of Sonora, Texas on a working ranch and are privately owned, yet open to the public and are a National Natural Landmark.
We stopped at the Caverns of Sonora as part of our Texas Road Trip 2016 and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Guided tours depart in groups of 12 or less and take about 2 hours to complete. While you’re waiting for your group to depart we suggest trying some of the homemade fudge in the gift shop!
Speaking of the gift shop, bring extra money, you will want to shop!
You start your tour by entering the natural entrance which descends into the cavern. The cavern stays at a temperature of 71 degrees with a humidity of 98% (which makes it feel about 85 degrees). So there is no need for a sweater or hoodie in this cave! The 2-mile tour encompasses handrails and over 350 steps and is a great experience for all ages. Due to the delicate nature of the cave, you are not allowed to take anything in with you, except a camera. All bags, purses, backpacks, fanny packs, drinks, food, & gum must be left in your car.
In addition to the tour, The Caverns of Sonora also offer Special Group Tours, an Underground Classroom, Cave Photography Clinic / Photography Tour, Gemstone Panning, Camping, and a Discovery Challenge where they provide you with caving gear and an experienced caver that will lead you into a maze of passages away from the developed trails.
If you would like to do the Discovery Challenge, you will need to make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance. There is a 2 person minimum and 6 person maximum.
Sonora Caverns Photo Gallery
Fun Facts
- Over 95% of the cave is still active and growing
- The cave has been operated commercially by the Mayfield family since July 16, 1960.
- It is ranked as one of the Top Ten Caverns in the United States
- They were discovered in 1905 when one of the ranch dogs chased a raccoon into a 20 inch opening in the rocks
- It is over seven and a half miles long but only two miles of trails are developed for tours.
Our Tips
Make sure to leave everything (bags, purses, etc..) in the car before your tour starts, you can’t take anything with you into the cave except a camera.
Bring a bagged lunch and have a picnic after your tour.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
If you have an animal with you, they do offer free kenneling while you are on your tour!
Sonora Caverns Info
Ticket Prices: Adult $20, Kids 4-11 $16
Address: 1711 PR 4468 / Sonora, Texas 76950
Phone: (325) 387-3105 or (325) 387-6507
Hours: Open year-round except Christmas Day | Tuesday after Labor Day to Feb. 29th… 9 am to 5 pm
March 1st to Labor Day … 8 am to 6 pm
Website
Camping
The Caverns of Sonora have an R.V. Park and campground located right on the property. There are 48 sites with water and electricity. Several of the RV sites are pull through and the campground has restrooms and showers.
Getting there from Fort Hood Area
Distance: 224 miles
Time: 3 1/2 hours
Directions: Take US-190 West to US-277 South. Once you get to I-10 take a right (west) and merge onto I-10. Take exit 392 and then turn left onto Caverns Road. After 5.5 miles turn left onto Pvt Rd 4468. Follow that down for about 1.5 miles and the entrance of the cavern will be on the left.
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