The Cave Guide
Formations reflected in a pool inside the Caverns of Sonora, TexasPhoto: JYB Devot, CC BY-SA 4.0

Caverns of Sonora

Sonora, TX
155 ft
below the surface
1 hr
on the main tour

A cave 15 miles southwest of Sonora on I-10, about halfway between San Antonio and Big Bend, open daily all year.

The story

The Mayfield family began ranching in Sonora around the turn of the 20th century. An opening in the rocks was found when a dog chased a raccoon into a 20-inch opening. Locals began exploring the cave in the early 1920s, going about 500 feet to a fifty-foot deep pit; this section became known as Mayfield Cave. On Labor Day weekend 1955, cavers crossed a ledge above the pit and reached passages with bizarre formations. Development started in 1959, and the Caverns of Sonora opened to the public on July 16, 1960.

Found
Labor day weekend, 1955
Open to visitors since
July 16, 1960

History source: cavernsofsonora.com.

What you'll see

  • Crystal Palace
  • Helictite Room
  • Halo Lake
  • Devil's Pit

Tickets and timing

How long it takes
Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
Hours
March 1–Labor Day 8am–6pm; rest of the year 9am–5pm. Open daily, closed only on Christmas Day.
Booking
Crystal Palace Tour can be booked online via 'BOOK THIS TOUR'; specialty tours require advanced booking by calling 325-387-3105.

Getting around underground

The walk
Almost two miles of cave passages; approximately 360 stair steps; depth of 155 ft below the surface.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
Animals are not allowed into the cave system; free onsite kennels are provided.
Temperature
72F/22C and 98% humidity (feels like 85F/29C)

Good to know

Photos
Cameras are allowed; camera bags, purses, backpacks and fanny packs are not permitted inside the cave. A separate Photography Tour allows tripods.
Food and drink
Food, drinks, gum, and tobacco products are prohibited inside the cave.
Wildlife
Animals are not allowed into the cave system; free onsite kennels are provided.
On site
gift shop, gemstone panning, hiking, homemade fudge, camping (tent or RV), free onsite kennels, Underground Classroom

Special tours and events

Discovery Challenge and Photography tours.

Getting there

AustinSan AntonioDallasHoustonEl Paso

Caverns of Sonora is in or near Sonora, TX.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Caverns of Sonora take?

Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes

How cold is it inside Caverns of Sonora?

72F/22C and 98% humidity (feels like 85F/29C).

Are dogs allowed at Caverns of Sonora?

Animals are not allowed into the cave system; free onsite kennels are provided.

Do you need to book Caverns of Sonora in advance?

Crystal Palace Tour can be booked online via 'BOOK THIS TOUR'; specialty tours require advanced booking by calling 325-387-3105.

When was Caverns of Sonora discovered?

Labor day weekend, 1955, according to the cave's own history.

Listed in: caves with camping or lodging

Checked on 2026-10-22 against cavernsofsonora.com (home and FAQ pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

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