An unforgettable experience that you can capture with your camera lens!

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About

Prepare yourself to capture the majestic beauty of our unique Texas Hill Country nature preserve through your camera lens will leave you breathless! Our photography tours take visitors along a 15 minute walk from an arid savanna through a limestone crevice down a 100 foot staircase into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life. At the head of the canyon stands a stunning 40-foot waterfall replenishing the emerald pool below!

Guests will have a little over an hour to photograph and absorb the beauty of the grotto area without feeling crowded or rushed. Your guide will point out different angles that you can capture in front of and behind the waterfall, and inside of our 1-chamber room cave. After about a hour your guide will give you a 15 minute warning to get any last photographs before hiking back up to the visitor center, an approximate 15 minute walk. Participants will also have free access to Uplands after their guided photography grotto tour.

Please bring your own camera and tripod. A DSLR camera is recommended

Note:

• This is not a photography workshop but a guided hike for photographers.
• Access to the canyon and cave is by guided tour only.
• All hikes are weather permitting.
• Due to the nature of this program, this event requires a minimum number of participants. If the minimum number is not reached within 48 -72 hours before the program start time, the event will be cancelled. Guests will be notified by email and will receive a full refund.

Dates

• Saturday November 8th, 2025

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Rates

$30/Adult (13yrs+) $25/Westcave Member (13yrs+)

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Duration

2 hours

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Group Size

Photography guided tours are restricted to 15 people.

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What are Westcave's Photography Rules and Regulations?

1. You and all of your photography equipment has to stay on the trail at all times. This includes but is not limited to people, gear, lighting, tripods, rigging, ect.
2. No collecting or disturbing any natural materials on the preserve.
3. No natural object, other objects, or props are allowed down into the canyon beyond your photography equipment.
4. No drones are allowed on the property.
5. No foods or drinks are allowed down the trail, except drinking water.

By signing up for this tour you have agreed to the following rules A staff member must be present at all times. Staff reserves the right to refuse any photography practice that puts the preserve at risk.

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FAQs

What is the different between a Guided Photography Grotto Hike and Guided Canyon Tour? Both tours take visitors down to our waterfall and cave area at the head of our canyon. The photography hike is designed to allow photographers more time in the grotto areas. The Guided Canyon tour is our established tour where expert naturalists and storytellers guide visitors down to our waterfall and cave area sharing about our unique natural, cultural, and geologic history. Visitors will have limited time in the grotto areas.

Do I have to take a tour? I just want to hike to the canyon and cave by myself. Access to the grotto and cave is available by guided tour only. The Uplands trails are open for self-guided hiking.

What is your Cancellation Policy: Customers MUST provide a 24-hour notice via email to request a rebooking or full refund/credit for any reason. If Westcave cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive an email notice and a full refund. To cancel, click the "Cancel Booking" link under the picture of the grotto on your confirmation email. If you have any difficulties, please contact us by sending an email to info@westcave.org. No-shows will be charged the full price. . If your tour is not canceled, you must still provide 24-hours advanced notice to request a refund or rebooking for any reason.

How difficult is the hike? The experience is a 1-mile, roundtrip, moderate to difficult hike from the parking lot. Visitors hike in and out of the canyon by way of a long, winding, uneven 125 step staircase built into the slope of the canyon. Once in the canyon there are additional steps, rocks and roots to navigate. We encourage visitors to wear sturdy shoes and bring their own walking stick if needed.

Is the Guided Photography Grotto Hike child-friendly? Can my baby/toddler attend the tour? Our Guided Photography Grotto Hike is for 13 years old and up.

Do you allow pets? No pets are allowed on the premise of Westcave Preserve, even if on a leash, and may not be left in a vehicle. If you are found with a pet on the Preserve or locked in your car, you will kindly be asked to leave. We recommend visiting Milton Reimers Ranch Park (2 miles away) if you want to spend time outside with your pet.

Can we swim at Westcave? There is no swimming at Westcave or access to the Pedernales River.

Can I take a ride share to Westcave? Please DO NOT take a ride share (ex. Uber, lyft) to Westcave. We are outside the service range for pickups and you may become stranded.

Can I stay longer? You are welcome to visit our Environmental Learning Center, or the shaded picnic tables before or after your experience, or book access to hike on the Uplands trails.

Do you have restrooms? Two composting toilets and sinks for hand washing are available for guest usage. Cleaning and disinfecting procedures are in place.