Dripping Springs residents are lucky to be just a stone’s throw from some of the most beautiful terrain in Texas. A standout gem of the Hill Country is the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, located adjacent to the Pedernales River and just 14 miles north of Dripping Springs in Travis County.
If you’re new to the area or simply haven’t visited West Cave in a while, here’s the 411 on this scenic nature preserve.
76 Acres of Texas Beauty
The Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is located in Round Mountain, Texas, and was founded in 1976 to protect a slice of the Hill Country for visitors to enjoy and learn more about the area’s natural habitat.
Not only is the nature preserve home to diverse ecosystems that include grasslands, limestone canyons, and a waterfall, but it also offers a range of specialty hikes and events for visitors.
Night Hike – Hiking through the Westcave preserve at night is a whole other experience than visiting during day hours. The next hike happens on August 17, with a guide taking hikers through the preserve using special red flashlights to help them spot nocturnal native Texans in their natural habitat!
Guided Photography Hike – If you fancy yourself a shutterbug, then you owe it to yourself to reserve a spot for one of the preserve’s photography hikes. The hike takes photographers on an hour-long tour through the park’s different environments while a photography guide assists with pointing out the best spots and angles for capturing that perfect photo.
Silent Meditative Hike – Shhhh… One of the best ways to really get in touch with nature is through silent hiking. Visitors are taken on a no-talking guided hike through the park to the canyon’s waterfall. The hikes typically happen twice a month and often fill up, so make your reservations in advance.
Yoga – Getting out of the yoga studio and into nature can be one of the most relaxing ways to refresh. Pairing up with Open Space Yoga, the hour-long early-rise yoga sessions take place in Westcave’s grotto area and include a silent hike for post-exercise meditation.
Star Party – Central Texas is home to some incredible star gazing, and there’s no better place to get away from the city lights and take in the awe of the cosmos than Westcave. Local astronomers will have telescopes to help attendees navigate the dark skies (or bring your own). This is an all ages event.
Warbler Walks – Texas has an incredibly diverse variety of birds that call it home for part or all of the year. Over 170 species of birds can be found in Westcave, including hummingbirds, raptors, and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. All levels of bird watchers are invited on this hike and binoculars are provided.
An appreciation of Texas’ natural landscape was a hallmark in the design of the master-planned Caliterra community. Walking trails that wind through open fields and alongside Onion Creek are just one of the outdoor amenities residents can enjoy. To learn more, contact the Caliterra team today.
