Beware: You should never explore wild caves alone or without proper gear. Consider getting in touch with a Grotto of the National Speleological Society at www.caves.org or a qualified cave club. These groups are skilled and will train you. Without sufficient knowledge, preparation, and equipment, cave exploring can lead to serious injury or death.
Are you looking for adventure in Texas, USA? Let Inner Space Cavern (Georgetown caves) take you on a little journey! Marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors from different formations inside this beautiful cave.
This unique cavern system has been hidden for 14,000 years and stretches underneath the I-35. The Cave offers three different tours that are appropriate for all ages and also includes an Adventure Tour option where you can rappel down into the Cave!
If you are looking for fun things to do in Houston this summer, then be sure to visit one of the most beautiful caverns in the state. Here is what you need to know about Inner Space Cavern (Georgetown caves).
About Inner Space Cavern (Georgetown Caves)
Operating Hours: The caves are open for tours Monday-Saturday from 9 AM-6 PM and Sunday 10 AM-6 PM.
Inner Space Caverns, also known as the Georgetown Caves, have intrigued adventurous souls for over 50 years. The Cavern is estimated to have formed 20-25 million years ago, but it was only open to the surface from 14,000–45,000 years ago. This local gem is just 7 minutes from the Gardens at Verde Vist.
Inner Space Cavern (Georgetown caves) was uncovered in the spring of 1963, hidden away for more than 10,000 years by Texas Highway Department drillers. The drilling team was building a highway in the area to test for safety involved drilling test holes.
While drilling one of these holes, their equipment suddenly dropped 26 feet, revealing one of Texas’s most well-preserved natural caverns. The Inner Space Cavern map illustrates just how large this underground Cave is. It stretches 69 feet deep, according to the Texas Speleological Survey.
Inner Space Caverns operates year-round and offers several cave tours, making it a great summer activity in Georgetown.
The Georgetown Caves first became available to the public in 1966. Now it is possible to take three different levels of tours, from a basic walking guided tour to an advanced wild cave spelunking expedition with over 1.2 miles (1.9 km) of passage open for exploration by visitors.
Although the Cavern is well-guarded and independent exploration is not allowed, a few passages are open to tourists. Dynamite blasts created the main entrance, and a vertical borehole in the Inner Cathedral Room serves as an emergency entryway/exit for ventilating.
Inner Space Cavern (Georgetown caves) Tours and Activities
Adventure Tour
This 75-minute tour takes you through these Texas natural caverns’ various chambers and passageways, including the Soda Straw Balcony, Temptation Stone, Inner Cathedral, and Drapery Column.
The tour gives you a look at the artwork on the Painted Wall, which depicts numerous animal bones found in the Cave.
The caves have yielded 44 species of animal, 11 of which are now extinct, including Sabre-Toothed Cats and Mammoths. This tour is specially designed for beginners.
Wer recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes for the one-mile walk. Strollers, wheelchairs (or anything with wheels), tripods, food, and drink are not allowed inside the Cave.
Hidden Passages Tour
The Hidden Passages tour provides guests with flashlights to explore delicate formations on a rugged, intimate guided tour. On this Hidden Passage Tour, you will travel through a recently discovered section of the Cave. Closed-toed shoes are mandatory. However, this is not recommended for guests with physical limitations or claustrophobia.
There is no age restriction on this tour. Kids must be at least 7 years to participate. However, the Cavern’s website advises visitors that school groups often book its tours, so it is a good idea to go through their calendars before making plans. The tickets are sold based on availability and in order of people who get there first.
Wild Cave Tour
Although the Wild Cave Tour is physically demanding, it features sections of the undeveloped Cave that cannot be explored on any other tour. The tour lasts about 3.5-4 hours. The staff will provide you with knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet for the hike.
13 years old or younger kids must be accompanied by an adult, while those younger than 18 years require parental consent before participation. This private tour is only available on Saturdays and Sundays, with reservations required. Guests should wear long pants and a t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt that may become stained or ruined.
Hiking boots are highly recommended for good traction. The cave maintains a steady 72 degrees year round, but this does not include humidity. Guests should bring a clean change of clothing and shoes for after the tour. An outdoor shower is available.
Zip Ride
As if all of that wasn’t enough, The Sabertooth is now open! This is a tandem zip ride that lifts guests up 130 feet in the air, showcasing the Texas Hill Country view. Then, it zips you back at about 30 miles per hour!
The ride has no age limit, but there is a height requirement of 42 inches, 47 inches to ride without being accompanied by an adult.
In addition, the following people should not try the Sabertooth:
- Expectant mothers
- Persons with neck or back problems
- Persons with heart conditions or high blood pressure
- Persons who have had recent surgery or any impairment that would prevent normal seating.
Inner Space Cavern (Georgetown caves) Geology
Speleogenesis
Inner Space Cavern is located within the limestone and dolomite rocks of the Edwards Group, formed during the Cretaceous period.
The Balcones Fault formed vertical fractures through the Edwards Formation, allowing groundwater to move freely through limestone. These conditions marked the beginning of cavern formation in that area.
The carbon dioxide (CO2) in rainwater combines with water to form a weak acid. This acidic water percolates through limestone, dissolving holes and caves within the rock.
Over millions of years, these caves grew larger as the spaces between rock and earth fell away.
Fossil Record
During the Ice Age, large cavern openings provided access for prehistoric animals. Among those found were a baby mammoth, giant sloth, and saber-toothed tiger skeletons.
It’s interesting to know that such ancient life traveled through these same caverns. But many of these animals became trapped in the Cavern, unable to escape after falling through the opening. Others drowned in thick, quicksand-like mud at the bottom of watering holes.
People also discovered some filled-in sinkholes, including one which is the entrance to a prehistoric cavern. All natural entrances became closed approximately 14,000 years ago.
Conclusion
A tour of Inner Space Cavern (Georgetown caves) is the perfect way to beat the heat on a hot summer afternoon since the temperature remains 72 degrees year-round.
With its educational and informative exhibits, the Balcones Canyonland Nature Trail is just one of many Austin attractions close to Gardens at Verde Vista.
Come with friends, families, or co-workers on a holiday cruise that will long stay with you as one of your beautiful moments.
Have yourself the time of your life by getting a personalized tour of this magnificent Cavern. We hope you especially enjoy the Ice Cream Parlor. Schedule your private tour today!