Inspiring people to develop lifelong practices of protecting & enjoying nature.

Non-Profit Organization
Open today until 2:00 PM
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Updates

MANAGING GROUNDWATER IN TRAVIS COUNTY

Mar 7, 2018 – Mar 7, 2018

“Managing Groundwater in Travis County: How, Why and Where?” is part of the traveling exhibit of Our Desired Future, made possible by the generous support of the Shield-Ayres Foundation. We are planning similar events in other communities in Texas, but we are particularly excited about this one s...

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Posted on Nov 28, 2017

Give to Protect & Enjoy Nature today on Giving Tuesday!

Please donate to Westcave today. Your support goes towards two new nature-based programs:
• Girls Outside impacts the lives of hundreds of young women who will grow through mentorship, learn about environmental science, and discover career...

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Testimonials

a month ago
100% need to go. This was great! They now have an online reservation system and it was easy to operate. Staff was welcoming and friendly. Our 10am tour was on time and waited for others to use restroom/check-in. Our guide, Megan, was exciting and knowledgeable. She was great with all ages. Although hot, it cooled off as you hiked down the trail. Fair warning, there are a ton on steep stairs (which you also have to climb back up to leave). The waterfall area was so pretty. You even get to walk behind it and visit the neighboring entrance cave. Tour was about 2 hours long. Tips: Get the tour- it's worth it. Bring a camera. Wear good walking shoes. Be ready for stairs. Bring water.
- Alli R
2 weeks ago
This place is absolutely stunning just like the pictures. I reserved the spot with 2 adults and 2 kids (age 9 & 5). The trail only takes less than 30 minutes to get to the cave. It took longer going in because of the tour guide will provide some information about the nature. It is a very educational trip and the walk is nice and short for kids. I would 100% recommend this place for everyone (but not toddlers or infant). Make sure to reserve the spot online first.
- A. A
a month ago
Love this place!! Probably one of the best places around Austin. The staff was really friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend bringing some good walk/hiking shoes.
- Jason C
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Founded in 1976 as Westcave Preserve,

the mission of Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is to inspire people to develop a lifelong practice of enjoying and protecting nature. We accomplish this through educational programs, collaborative alliances, and conservation of our beautiful 76-acre preserve.

TEACHING
While many places offer opportunities for self-led nature activities, Westcave has dedicated staff who partner with schools to teach 6,000 students annually. Students learn key scientific concepts in the best classroom of all: our 75-acre preserve in Southwest Travis County and our nationally renowned Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center. What makes the experience so special? At our preserve, you not only witness a place of extraordinary beauty, you observe a living laboratory. You walk through hundreds of thousands of years of geologic formations as you hike to the bottom of the canyon. And at the head of our canyon is a lush, wet grotto where you can see with your own eyes how the water cycle works.

COLLABORATING
The Children in Nature Collaborative of Austin (CiNCA) is a mighty force for good, catalyzing 50+ member nonprofits, environmental educators, health professionals and community leaders to work together on common goals. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center has stepped up to lead CiNCA in its efforts to connect children and families to nature, because we believe forming strategic alliances and sharing ideas and resources increases our collective impact.

CONSERVING
Our preserve is located in Southwest Travis County, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. Protecting this beautiful land, which is home to the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and attracts birders from all over the world, has become more important than ever.It began in 1973 with the purchase of 25 acres that had been trespassed and badly abused. The last four decades have seen that land renew and flourish under Westcave's visionary care, and today our original preserve is celebrated as a natural treasure. Recently, Westcave purchased an additional 45 acres of adjacent property, which we call the Canyon Rim. Once again, Westcave is restoring the land so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come.  

learn more at www.westcave.org
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Contact Us

Contact

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  • (830) 825-3442

Address

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24814 Hamilton Pool Road
Round Mountain, TX 78663
United States

Business Hours

Mon:Closed
Tue:10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wed:10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thu:10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Fri:9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Sat:7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun:7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
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