# Natural Bridge Caverns

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For the caverns in Virginia, see [Natural Bridge (Virginia)](/source/Natural_Bridge_(Virginia)).

Natural Bridge Caverns Show map of Texas Show map of the United States Location Comal County, Texas, United States Nearest city San Antonio Coordinates 29°41′31.16″N 98°20′34.26″W / 29.6919889°N 98.3428500°W / 29.6919889; -98.3428500 Established July 3, 1964 (Discovered in March 1960) Website https://naturalbridgecaverns.com U.S. National Natural Landmark Designated 1971

Natural Bridge Caverns

The **Natural Bridge Caverns** are the largest commercial [caverns](/source/Cave) in the US state of [Texas](/source/Texas). The name[1] is derived from the 60-foot (18 m) natural [limestone](/source/Limestone) slab bridge that spans the amphitheater setting of the cavern's entrance. The span was left suspended when a [sinkhole](/source/Sinkhole) collapsed below it.

The caverns are located near the city of [San Antonio, Texas](/source/San_Antonio%2C_Texas), in the [Texas Hill Country](/source/Texas_Hill_Country) next to the [Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch](/source/Natural_Bridge_Wildlife_Ranch), a drive-through wildlife [safari park](/source/Safari_park). The caverns feature several unique [speleothems](/source/Speleothem) and other [geological](/source/Geological) formations, including magnificent stalactites that hang from the ceiling . The temperature inside the cave is 70 °F (21 °C)[2] year-round and the humidity rate is a constant 99 percent. The deepest part of the public tour is 180 feet (55 m) below the surface, although undeveloped areas of the cavern reach depths of 230 feet (70 m).

The caverns are still slowly developing. Due to the porosity of the limestone, rainwater travels downward through the layers of rock, where it dissolves out calcite, a weak mineral that makes up all the speleothems at the Natural Bridge Caverns. After exiting the limestone, water enters the caverns where it flows and drips constantly throughout, causing the formations to retain a waxy luster that can be seen in a few caverns.

## History

The caverns were discovered on March 27, 1960, by students Orion Knox Jr., Preston Knodell Jr., Al Brandt, and Joe Cantu[3] from [St. Mary's University](/source/St._Mary's_University%2C_Texas)[4] in nearby [San Antonio](/source/San_Antonio). On their fourth trip into the caverns, the men discovered/explored just over a mile (1.6 km) of passage. Subsequent explorations revealed two miles (3.2 km) associated with what became known as the "North Cavern".

After discovery, Knox assisted the landowners in obtaining information and suggestions for development. Clara Wuest[5] (the landowner) wanted to show the world the cave under her property. Knox approached both the [National Park Service](/source/National_Park_Service) and the Texas Park System. While both entities agreed that the cavern was substantial and merited development, both groups told the landowners that funds did not exist for their respective groups to undergo such an endeavor.

Wuest then decided that she would fund development.[6] Knox dropped out of school to assist. He also approached Jack Burch, who had just finished work on developing the [Caverns of Sonora](/source/Caverns_of_Sonora) near [Sonora, Texas](/source/Sonora%2C_Texas). Burch agreed to help and development began early in 1963. Wuest remarried Harry Heidemann, a retired Texas Highway Patrolman, in the early 1960s. Together, they started work on developing the cavern. The full-time development crew included Wuest (now Wuest-Heidemann), Heidemann, Burch, Knox, and Reggie Wuest (Wuest-Heidemann's son).[3] Development on the cavern began in 1963 and work on lights and trails continued until opening day, July 3, 1964.[7] The cavern has been opened ever since and is still owned and operated by family members. The Natural Bridge Caverns became a registered US [National Natural Landmark](/source/National_Natural_Landmark) in 1971.[8]

During excavation of the entrance trail, a human tooth, [arrowheads](/source/Arrowhead), and [spearheads](/source/Spear) dating from 5000 BCE were found. Also, just inside the entrance, a jawbone and femur from an extinct species of [black bear](/source/American_black_bear) were discovered. This leads many to believe that the uppermost areas of the cavern were used as a shelter by early peoples and animals at some point. An archeological dig was recently done under the natural bridge. Archeologists recovered arrowheads and other tools which further indicate the presence of early peoples at some point in history.

## Further exploration

In 1967, speculation on a southern extent to the North Cavern was confirmed when test drilling indicated the presence of a large void approximately 90 feet (27 m) beneath the surface. A camera was sent down the narrow shaft and photographs revealed a large chamber filled with formations. This original shaft was reamed out to 22 inches (56 cm) and three men were lowered into the ground. They discovered a large breakdown chamber and numerous formations. The first three men to enter this room were Jack Burch, Reggie Wuest, and Myles Kuykendall. By combining the first two letters of each man's first name, they arrived at JAREMY, and thus this newly discovered room was called the Jaremy[9] Room.

Further investigation near the bottom of the Jaremy Room revealed a strong likelihood that another passage existed beyond a pile of rocks and boulders. In 1968, the drillers were once again brought out to the property and another exploratory shaft was sunk into the ground.[3] This shaft also penetrated a large void approximately 150 feet (46 m) below ground. As before, the initial shaft was enlarged and people dropped down into the unknown. Explorations revealed another half-mile (0.80 km) of cavern extending to the south. This then became known as the South Cavern.

## Recent exploration

Exploration continues to date.[5] During mid-2005, several hundred feet were added to the current surveyed length of the cave. It is believed that as much as another mile (1.6 km) could be added to the survey by just mapping the known passages which have not yet been surveyed. Additional unexplored leads exist in sections of the Discovery Passages (North Cavern).

Since May 8, 2019, a team of cave explorers have discovered over 1,600 feet (490 m) of new never before seen passages. As explorers move deeper into the cavern, each expedition takes longer, with the latest taking more than 19 hours to complete.[10]

## Passages renamed

In 2008, the caverns' owners changed the names for the passages.[3] The "North Cavern" was changed to "Discovery Passages". and the "South Cavern" was changed to "Hidden Passages". According to the landowners, the change in names better reflects the discovery and exploration history of the cavern and removes some confusion for guests.

## Wildlife

There is recent evidence of bats residing in the Natural Bridge Caverns including roosting areas and accumulation of bat [guano](/source/Guano). [Bracken Cave](/source/Bracken_Cave), near the Natural Bridge Caverns, is home to one of two large [bat](/source/Bat) colonies in Texas. The bats that inhabit Bracken Cave are a small species called [Mexican free-tailed bats](/source/Mexican_free-tailed_bat). Bats control the insect population, help to pollinate plants, and are a food source for other animals, making them a valuable part of the ecosystem. The cave was the focus of a 2013 episode of the [syndicated](/source/Broadcast_syndication) [anthology](/source/Anthology) [television series](/source/Television_series) *[Texas Country Reporter](/source/Texas_Country_Reporter)*, hosted by [Bob Phillips](/source/Bob_Phillips).[11]

## Natural Bridge Caverns Sinkhole

United States historic place

Natural Bridge Caverns Sinkhole Site U.S. National Register of Historic Places Location Address restricted[13], Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas Area <1 acre (0.40 ha) NRHP reference No. 04001202[12] Added to NRHP October 29, 2004

Located on the property is the **Natural Bridge Caverns Sinkhole Site**, an archeological site listed on the [National Register of Historic Places](/source/National_Register_of_Historic_Places). The location of the site is not publicly disclosed in order to preserve artifacts in their context for ongoing research.[13]

## Gallery

		- The natural bridge outside the cave entrance

		- [Flowstone](/source/Flowstone) is a dominant feature of the caverns.

		- The cave contains large, switchback descents, and ascents.

		- The only living plant in the cave—a small fern. The spores were believed to have been tracked in on a workers clothing, then germinated next to a light. The fern has since been removed.

		- Flowstone ceiling over a switchback

		- Tall, thin [stalagmites](/source/Stalagmite) and [columns](/source/Speleothem)

		- More tall, thin [stalagmites](/source/Stalagmite)

		- A large column

		- Closeup of flowstone

		- A large room full of [speleothems](/source/Speleothem)

		- The King's Throne—a large stalagmite

		- Water on calcite shimmers in the cave's lighting

		- "Grendel's Canyon"

		- The ascent out of the cavern contains more massive rooms.

		- The view back into the cavern from near the exit

		- Formations

		- Pluto's Anteroom

		- Cave entrance

		- Cave entrance

		- The Chandelier—In the Castle of the White Giants

		- Pluto's Anteroom

		- Valley of the Fallen Lords

		- The Watchtower

		- Grendel's Canyon

		- Mount of the Landlord—In the Castle of the White Giants

## See also

- [National Register of Historic Places portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:National_Register_of_Historic_Places)
- [Texas portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Texas)

- [National Register of Historic Places listings in Comal County, Texas](/source/National_Register_of_Historic_Places_listings_in_Comal_County%2C_Texas)

- [List of National Natural Landmarks in Texas](/source/List_of_National_Natural_Landmarks_in_Texas)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Cooke, Paul (1995). [*Natural Wonders of Texas*](https://archive.org/details/naturalwondersof0000cook/page/175). Country Roads Press. p. [175](https://archive.org/details/naturalwondersof0000cook/page/175). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-56626-109-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-56626-109-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Sharpe, Patricia; Thompson, Helen (1985). "Around the State". *Texas Monthly* (August 1985): 22.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Texas_Caves_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Texas_Caves_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Texas_Caves_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Texas_Caves_3-3) Pittman, Blair; Abernethy, Frances Edward (2000). *Texas Caves*. TAMU Press. pp. 65–77. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-89096-899-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-89096-899-4).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110313000300/http://www.9key.com/markers/marker_detail.asp?atlas_number=5091003552). Texas Historical Marker. Archived from [the original](http://www.9key.com/markers/marker_detail.asp?atlas_number=5091003552) on March 13, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2010.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-50_years_of_Natural_Bridge_Caverns_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-50_years_of_Natural_Bridge_Caverns_5-1) Weilbacher, Eric J (March 27, 2010). ["50 years of Natural Bridge Caverns"](http://herald-zeitung.com/story.lasso?ewcd=46cd78773ecd5351). *[New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung](/source/New_Braunfels_Herald-Zeitung)*. Retrieved May 11, 2010.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** George, Patrick (March 23, 2010). ["50 years since discovery of largest-known caverns in Texas"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100324220242/http://www.statesman.com/news/local/50-years-since-discovery-of-largest-known-caverns-425529.html). *[Austin American-Statesman](/source/Austin_American-Statesman)*. Archived from [the original](http://www.statesman.com/news/local/50-years-since-discovery-of-largest-known-caverns-425529.html) on March 24, 2010. Retrieved May 11, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Natural_Bridge_Caverns_7-0)** [Natural Bridge Caverns](https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/rqn01) from the *[Handbook of Texas](/source/Handbook_of_Texas) Online*. Retrieved May 11, 2010. Texas State Historical Association

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["National Natural Landmarks - National Natural Landmarks (U.S. National Park Service)"](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/site.htm?Site=NABR-TX). *[National Park Service](/source/National_Park_Service)*. Retrieved March 30, 2019. Year designated: 1971

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Jaremy Room"](http://www.showcaves.com/english/usa/showcaves/NaturalBridgeTX.html). Show Caves. Retrieved May 11, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Aguirre, Priscilla (August 8, 2019). ["Explorers find new discoveries at historic Natural Bridge Caverns"](https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Explorers-find-new-incredible-discoveries-at-14290474.php). *[San Antonio Express-News](/source/San_Antonio_Express-News)*. Retrieved June 11, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Natural Bridge Caverns is going to bat for the bats"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101126082050/http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com/whiteNoseSyndrome.aspx). *Natural Bridge Caverns*. Archived from [the original](http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com/(S(2wlp3cibtcnuiw45bfxdvp2x))/whiteNoseSyndrome.aspx) on November 26, 2010. Retrieved July 19, 2003.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-nris_12-0)** ["National Register Information System"](https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP). *[National Register of Historic Places](/source/National_Register_of_Historic_Places)*. [National Park Service](/source/National_Park_Service). July 9, 2010.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ARCombinedNote_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ARCombinedNote_13-1) Federal and state laws and practices restrict general public access to information regarding the specific location of this resource. In some cases, this is to protect [archeological sites](/source/Archaeological_site) from vandalism, while in other cases it is restricted at the request of the owner. See: Knoerl, John; Miller, Diane; Shrimpton, Rebecca H. (1990), [*Guidelines for Restricting Information about Historic and Prehistoric Resources*](https://archive.org/details/guidelinesforres00knoe), National Register Bulletin, [National Park Service](/source/National_Park_Service), [U.S. Department of the Interior](/source/United_States_Department_of_the_Interior), [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [20706997](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/20706997).

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Natural Bridge Caverns](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Natural_Bridge_Caverns).

- [Natural Bridge Caverns official website](http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com)

- [Natural Bridge Caverns](https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/rqn01) from the *[Handbook of Texas](/source/Handbook_of_Texas) Online*

v t e National Natural Landmarks in Texas Attwater Prairie Chicken Preserve Bayside Resaca Area Catfish Creek Caverns of Sonora Devil's Sinkhole Dinosaur Valley State Park Ezell's Cave Enchanted Rock Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Greenwood Canyon High Plains Natural Area Little Blanco River Bluff Longhorn Cavern Lost Maples State Natural Area Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge Odessa Meteor Crater Palo Duro Canyon State Park Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Natural Bridge Caverns Cave Without a Name List of National Natural Landmarks in Texas

v t e National Register of Historic Places in Texas Lists by county Anderson Andrews Angelina Aransas Archer Armstrong Atascosa Austin Bailey Bandera Bastrop Baylor Bee Bell Bexar Blanco Borden Bosque Bowie Brazoria Brazos Brewster Briscoe Brooks Brown Burleson Burnet Caldwell Calhoun Callahan Cameron Camp Carson Cass Castro Chambers Cherokee Childress Clay Cochran Coke Coleman Collin Collingsworth Colorado Comal Comanche Concho Cooke Coryell Cottle Crane Crockett Crosby Culberson Dallam Dallas Dawson Deaf Smith Delta Denton DeWitt Dickens Dimmit Donley Duval Eastland Ector Edwards El Paso Ellis Erath Falls Fannin Fayette Fisher Floyd Foard Fort Bend Franklin Freestone Frio Gaines Galveston Garza Gillespie Glasscock Goliad Gonzales Gray Grayson Gregg Grimes Guadalupe Hale Hall Hamilton Hansford Hardeman Hardin Harris Harrison Hartley Haskell Hays Hemphill Henderson Hidalgo Hill Hockley Hood Hopkins Houston Howard Hudspeth Hunt Hutchinson Irion Jack Jackson Jasper Jeff Davis Jefferson Jim Hogg Jim Wells Johnson Jones Karnes Kaufman Kendall Kenedy Kent Kerr Kimble King Kinney Kleberg Knox La Salle Lamar Lamb Lampasas Lavaca Lee Leon Liberty Limestone Lipscomb Live Oak Llano Loving Lubbock Lynn Madison Marion Martin Mason Matagorda Maverick McCulloch McLennan McMullen Medina Menard Midland Milam Mills Mitchell Montague Montgomery Moore Morris Motley Nacogdoches Navarro Newton Nolan Nueces Ochiltree Oldham Orange Palo Pinto Panola Parker Parmer Pecos Polk Potter Presidio Rains Randall Reagan Real Red River Reeves Refugio Roberts Robertson Rockwall Runnels Rusk Sabine San Augustine San Jacinto San Patricio San Saba Schleicher Scurry Shackelford Shelby Sherman Smith Somervell Starr Stephens Sterling Stonewall Sutton Swisher Tarrant Taylor Terrell Terry Throckmorton Titus Tom Green Travis Trinity Tyler Upshur Upton Uvalde Val Verde Van Zandt Victoria Walker Waller Ward Washington Webb Wharton Wheeler Wichita Wilbarger Willacy Williamson Wilson Winkler Wise Wood Yoakum Young Zapata Zavala National parks Big Bend National Park Guadalupe Mountains National Park Other lists Bridges National Historic Landmarks National Natural Landmarks Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks United States National Register of Historic Places listings Keeper of the Register History of the National Register of Historic Places Property types Historic district Contributing property

v t e Municipalities and communities of Comal County, Texas, United States County seat: New Braunfels Cities Bulverde Fair Oaks Ranch‡ Garden Ridge New Braunfels‡ San Antonio‡ Schertz‡ Selma‡ Spring Branch Comal County map CDP Canyon Lake Other communities Bracken Canyon City Comal Fischer Hunter Sattler Smithson Valley Solms Startzville Ghost towns Anhalt Cranes Mill Dittlinger Freiheit Gruene Honey Creek Neuse Store Oak Cliff Acres Ogden Royal Forest Silver Hills Valley View Wesson Footnotes ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties Texas portal United States portal

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Natural Bridge Caverns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_Bridge_Caverns) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_Bridge_Caverns?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.