The Texas Cave Tour In Kickapoo Cavern State Park That Belongs On Your Bucket List
By Katie Lawrence|Published June 12, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Even if you think you’ve exhausted all the bucket list-worthy destinations in Texas, there’s one place you probably haven’t considered: underground. Kickapoo Cavern State Park near Brackettville boasts a truly otherworldly landscape, and you’ll definitely want to visit.
Located 22 miles north of Brackettville, Kickapoo Cavern opened as a state park in 1991. It features 20 known caves, and guided tours into the largest of them all are held each Saturday at 1 p.m.
Prepare for a strenuous hiking adventure, as the cave is undeveloped. The tour is three hours long, and visitors are recommended to reserve their tickets online in advance.
Maintaining your footing is essential for safety, so wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking or walking shoes with good traction. Each person should bring two light sources, such as a flashlight and headlamp.
If you visit the park between mid-March and October, don't leave without checking out Stuart Bat Cave! It's the seasonal home of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats, who emerge at dusk to hunt for prey.
There's plenty of above-ground adventure to be had, as well. Armadillo Lookout Trail is a short-and-sweet, .6-mile hike that features striking panoramic views of the southwestern area of the park. Other trails of varying difficulties range in length from .4 to 6.5 miles long.
Cave tours are by reservation only and limited to groups no larger than 10. The cost is $10 a person, plus the park entrance fee of $3 for adults and no charge for children under 13.
