Spelunking the Caverns of Sonora
The Caverns of Sonora is a beautiful, picturesque "show cave" in the US! It's a small cave with every square inch covered in calcite crystal formations from hanging clubs and Dogtooth Spar to the unique structures called helictites that grow sideways! I've been in many US caves, like Carlsbad or Lost Sea, and this one is the standard for all the others. There are formations that you do not find in any other Cavern.
It's a hot cave with 95% humidity, making the trek a little challenging, like walking in a sauna. It was a cold, rainy October day when I went in, so I loved every second. You walk through small passages, into large rooms 50' tall, and along paths where you are super close to the formations covering the walls and ceilings. The lighting is carefully placed to look natural, warm, and beautiful (no blue or green cheesy lighting). Each tour, with 12 people or less, is guided through almost two miles of highly decorated cave passages. It's incredible.
Fish Fin Helictite is a wafer-thin, curving formation that looks like it has been formed in zero gravity.
These stalactites are hanging from the cave ceilings with thousands of knobby calcite deposits.
When a stalactite and a stalagmite meet, it forms a column.
This room was underwater when discovered, only to reveal sparkly dogtooth spar formations when the water receded.
All the walls and the ceiling are covered with stunning formations. This room looked like a white fairyland with snowy christmas trees.
Notes: You can only take your phone due to tight passages. Call ahead and ask if they have a school group the day you are planning. Bring a cash tip for your guide.
Located outside Sonora, Texas, only 10 minutes off I-10 in west Texas, where you are "out in the country.” If you are traveling, stay the night in the campground; it is tight for big rigs but worth it.
