Natural Bridge Caverns unveils new multi-million-dollar light show and cave ride

Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas has unveiled a new multi-million-dollar cavern tour experience, complete with a new light show, bridge, and moving belt walkway.

All new Texas cavern light show at Natural Bridge Caverns.

Discovered in 1960 by local cavers, family owned and operated Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest cavern in Texas. In addition to multiple tour experiences through two caverns, the property features above-ground adventures of a different kind including a ropes course, zip rails, a 5,000 square foot outdoor maze, and a gem panning activity. More of the cavern system itself is still being discovered.

New Natural Bridge Caverns Hidden Wonders Tour

After years of development and millions of dollars invested, Natural Bridge Caverns will open its latest tour: Hidden Wonders. Already Texas’ largest and most visited commercial cave, this new multi-million-dollar tour experience features specialty lighting, a new sound and light show, and expansion into never-before-toured areas of the property’s Hidden Cavern.

Natural Bridge Caverns debuts new Texas cavern light show, bridge, and moving walkway.

Development of the new tour experience has been underway since 2017 and will open to the public on May 12, 2023. The Hidden Cavern is a second cavern at Natural Bridge Caverns and part of the same geologic system. This distinct environment never had a natural opening to the surface. As a result, incredibly delicate and beautiful formations were able to grow in a completely sealed environment.

“In developing this area of the cavern system, we have both pursued and established best case practices for working in this delicate environment. Our goal is to give visitors a stunning view of the cavern like never before, without impacting its beauty,” said Brad Wuest, president of Natural Bridge Caverns. “Developing this tour has been challenging due to many things, including the depth of the new public tour area. This expansion required the construction of a 710-foot exit tunnel – double the length of anything done before – and to do so with minimal impact on the cavern. We used best in class techniques and developed new ones to make it work. We took the time to do it right. The result speaks for itself.”

Cavern observation area at Texas Natural Bridge Caverns.

Fully programmable state-of-the-art lighting is one of the dramatic changes in the cavern. As is a 1,100-foot-long expansion of the public passageways beginning with a stainless-steel bridge across the cavern’s deepest point. Now guests will be able to tour through an area that was only previously accessible by cavers.

This addition will showcase an underground canyon, more formations, and a large 5,700-square-foot dome chamber called the Ballroom which serves as an event space. A new viewing area overlooking a massive passage called the Box Canyon is now a natural theater for a unique sound and light show finale.

B.A.T., moving walkway innovation at Texas cavern, Natural Bridge Caverns.

Exiting the Hidden Wonders tour will also be a one-of-a-kind experience as guests ride from underground to the surface on a 700-foot-long B.A.T. (Belt Assisted Transport) through a newly-constructed exit tunnel. The B.A.T. is the world’s first conveyor system ride out of a cavern. All in all, these features deliver a completely new experience of this historic national natural landmark.

Other innovations were also added to the cavern, such as Fiber optic cable and WiFi, which were installed throughout the cave to allow for computerized and mobile device lighting control, audio system and communications. This also gives internet access for guests in a place where cellular service is usually impossible. Air locks are installed at the entrance and exit of the cavern to assist efforts in maintaining the natural cavern climate of approximately 70 degrees and 99% humidity year-round.

“We plan to showcase the science behind the beauty of this once hidden cavern on our tour,” Wuest said. “With Hidden Wonders’ many enhancements we have an opportunity to both educate and entertain.”


Tickets and combo packages for the Hidden Wonders tour at Natural Bridge Caverns can be purchased now, with tours beginning May 12, 2023.

The Wuest family along with their caving team are still actively exploring new areas in the massive cavern. Natural Bridge Caverns is a designated State Historical Site, National Natural Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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