Caverns of the Sonora
The Caverns of the Sonora National Natural Landmark is an incredible living and currently forming cave (98% actively growing) that rests beneath the landscape just northwest of the Texas Hill Country. I read in the Big Bend and Texas Mountains Travel Guide that it is, “where the Texas Hill Country Kisses the Desert.” It’s actually situated on a working ranch.
The guided tour is less-than 2 miles and under 2 hours but it will pass so very quickly. The cave, since it is living, is a warm, moist, and humid environment with plenty of steps that both descend and ascend so don’t worry about wearing jackets or pants. The cavern also features some of the world’s most rare and fascinating formations known as speleothems. Your guide will tell you all about ‘em.
There are a bunch of other special tours that include photography, rappelling, crawling, and slithering but my wife and I only completed the simple guided tour. The Visitor Center is filled with beautiful stones, gems, minerals, goodies, and fudge. Camping is also possible at the Park.