This Short Texas Hike Takes You To Turquoise Clear Water & A 40-Foot Waterfall

Just a stone's throw away from Austin is a whimsical nature center.

The Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is complete with a short mile and a half hike that leads you through towering limestone caverns, and a 40-foot waterfall with some of the clearest water in Texas.

The 76-acre preserve boasts a lush canyon known as “The Grotto," which takes only 30 to 45 minutes to get to. And did we mention there’s a cave at the end of the hike?

Let's explain the journey.

First, you'll walk a 15-minute descent through a limestone crevice carefully guided by a tour guide down a 100-foot staircase straight through to a green canyon.

Then, after another 15 minutes, you'll finally reach the waterfall and cave where your group will have 30 minutes to bask in Westcave's flourishing surroundings.

"Your guide will rotate the household groups around so each group can enjoy the different views of the waterfall and inside of our 1-chamber room cave, while keeping a physical distance from one another and the guide," the website states.

Right now, you’re only able to experience this magic by reserving a spot online for a guided hike. The Preserve allows only for a maximum number of four people for each group, at the cost of $60 per group.

If you prefer to pilot your own hike, then pay $5 to take a stroll along the Uplands Trail to get a true feel for the Texas Hill Country.

Westcave's other mile and half hike display acres of thick grass through a Live Oak savanna. You can also see Ashe Juniper there. And don't forget to be on the lookout for wildflowers in the spring and fall months!

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.