Things to Do

Caverns of Sonora: A Hidden Gem Perfect For Summer Travels

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Believe it or not, summer is barreling right toward us! Sure, we’re in the throes of spring now, with wildflowers adorning most every highway median and temperatures leveling out in the high seventies, but in a couple of short months, school will be out and folks from all over will be ready to do some traveling around our great state. One secret oasis which is hidden in what is one of the most picturesque parts of the state is the Caverns of Sonora, located just 15 miles southwest of Sonora in west Texas, where the Texas Hill Country meets the Chihuahuan Desert.

Cave Tours For Every Ability and Interest

Caverns of Sonora

Photo: Facebook/cavernsofsonora

Family fun awaits you at Caverns of Sonora with guided tours of what is often referred to as, “one of the most beautiful show caves in the world.” Choose the guided Crystal Palace Tour to see the truly breathtaking sight of all natural crystals adorning most ever surface of the cave. This small, personal tour travels the two miles of highly decorated cave passages and is sure to impress one and all.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, consider doing a Discovery Challenge Tour, which includes rappelling into the “Devil’s Pit,” and is guided by an experienced caver. Or, if you’re a bit of a “shutterbug,” take a Photography Tour, where you’ll get the opportunity to photograph this amazingly beautiful cave at a leisurely pace–waiting for just the perfect shots to present themselves. Both of these tours are by reservation only.

Visit Nearby Attractions

Sonora Museum

Photo: Facebook/OldSonoraIceHouseRanchMuseum

While there is lots of fun to be had at Caverns of Sonora, the fact of the matter is that the area surrounding Sonora is ripe with both beauty and adventure. Eaton Hill Nature Center is a “living classroom,” sitting on 37 acres featuring hiking trails with sweeping natural vistas. If history is what you’re after, learn about the outlaws and lawmen who used to call the Sonora area their home, and visit the Old Sonora Ice House Ranch Museum. There, you’ll learn about Will Carter, a member of Butch Cassidy’s “Wild Bunch Gang,” who lost his life in a gunfight in Sonora in 1901. The museum also serves to educate the public on the ranching heritage that made the area what it is today.

Lodging Options Ranging from ‘Roughing It’ to ‘Lap of Luxury’

Camping in Sonora

Photo: Facebook/cavernsofsonora

When it comes time to hit the hay after a long day of cave and museum exploring, you’ll be pleased to know that there is camping available on the Caverns of Sonora property so that you can get back to nature and be the first ones at the caverns in the morning. But if you’re afraid that you have to trade in “creature comforts” to appreciate the nature that this area has to offer, you’re wrong. You’ll be happy to know that the Sonora area also has several of your favorite and trusted chain hotels conveniently located near all of the activities and dining that Sonora has to offer.

Additionally, several nearby resorts offer guests a true vacation experience with fine dining and activities. The X Bar Ranch and Retreat, in nearby Eldorado offers hiking and bird watching and even astronomy, boasting the perfect place to stargaze, far removed from the light pollution that plagues more populated parts of our state. If you were hoping for a true taste of luxury in west Texas, then JL Bar Ranch and Resort might be just what you’re looking for. Spanning 13,000 acres, the J L Bar Ranch has been described as one of the most intimate properties in the southern United States.

To begin planning your summer travels to the Caverns of Sonora, visit the website for the Caverns or the Sonora Chamber of Commerce Website for more information on accommodations, dining, and activities.