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Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Hours & Admission Prices

Interact with and learn about the ranch’s exotic, native, and endangered animals during your self-guided African Safari, Texas Style. Watch the lemurs play at the Walk-A-Bout. End your walk on the wild side with a hearty meal at the Safari Camp Grill and some dessert at the Safari Sweet Spot before snagging a souvenir at the Safari Trading Post.

A host of remarkable adventures awaits you at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. With its convenient location just north of San Antonio and a few moments from New Braunfels, the ranch is easy to reach. Plan your visit by checking out the hours and admission prices for Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch below.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Hours Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is open daily at 9 a.m.

The Ranch is open every day except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. 

Some exceptions may apply.  Please be sure to visit the website for the most current schedule of operating days and hours.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Admission Prices Adults (12+ years): $31.99 Children (3-11 years): $21.99

Purchase your tickets online or upon arrival! Please be sure to visit the  website for ticketing options and guided tour information.  

Hours and admission prices are subject to change. Please check wildliferanchtexas.com/admissions for up-to-date information on rates and schedules before making plans.

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Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Texas Hill Country Safari & Wildlife Park

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is home to around 500 animals and over 40 species of wildlife from every contintent except Antartica – I don’t think any Antartica species would enjoy our Texas summers! Several of the species are threatened or endangered and others have been born at the Ranch as a part of a very successful breeding program. The Hill Country provides a natural habitat for the animals which roam freely through the 100s of acres of Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.

You’ll also get lots of photo opportunities to capture some pictures of the animals in their native environment. But what makes this trip fun is feeding and touching the animals – at first the small kids may be hesitant, but by the end of the trip, their hands filled with food will be hanging out the windlows and they’ll be begging the wildlife to come up to your car so they can feed and pet them. And they won’t be disappointed. Make sure you pick up enough food at the entrance – you don’t want to run out.

There are over 4 miles of trails that meander through the ranch and into differnt areas of the ranch that are brooken into several animal preserves, each of which has wildlife unique to the area. For example:

• Kenyan Preserve is home to a variety of African animals like the Eland, Blesbok, Red Lechwe, Wildebest, Damaraland Zebra, Bluebull, and more

• Massai Savanna has Ostrich, Llama, Sicilian Donkeys, Addax, Blackbuck, Rhea, Emu and more

• Tatonka Range has Kudu, Waterbuck, Watusi, Longhorn, American Bison, Springbok, Gemsbok, and Aoudad

Once you’ve driven all the trails or run out of food, and you can drive them as many times as you like, make sure you stop by the petting barnyard and Walk-A-Bout area. Kids will love the petting barnyard where they can mingle with, pet, comb, and hug several variety of animals. The Walk-A-Bout area has Lemurs, Girafee, Kangaroo, Muntjac, Patagonian Cavy, Peacocks, and a variety of other feathered firends.

The Safari Camp gill has some tasty food to rejunivate you after a wild safair – made to order burgers, queso, sandwiches, ice cream, and lots of other options

Have fun and say hi to the Ostrich for us! We visited Nature Bridge Wildlife Ranch as part of a fun weekend – read our Camels, Caverns, Crochet Weekend Adventure.

Author: Mike Sharp

I have a passion for travel and outdoor activities, and now I'm enjoying retired life. I will continue my traveling, golfing, boating, and enjoying life all across the great state of Texas.

Pet a Baby Croc in Texomaland 

Texas guide to the 2024 total eclipse, trying to escape from an austin panic room, a visit to puresolspa & salt cave , typhoon texas waterpark & adventure park pflugerville.

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Adventure Awaits in New Braunfels

Choose your own adventure in New Braunfels!

• Dip a toe, or an oar, into one of our beautiful crystal-clear rivers.
• Put on your safari hat and experience more than 40 exotic species at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.
• Ride the Master Blaster, a six-story uphill watercoaster, at Schlitterbahn.
• Head deep underground or sky-high on the Twisted Trails at Natural Bridge Caverns.
• Go rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, or tubing
• Wakeboard, waterski, play paintball, and throw axes at Texas Ski Ranch

Natural Bridge Caverns

• 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd
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• (210) 651-6101

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Family Owned and Operated. Welcome to Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas –a premier natural attraction – where you’ll find adventure and fun around every bend.

Naturally Amazing

Explore the Discovery Tour , where state-of-the-art lighting illuminates massive, otherworldly formations formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time. Or, explore our Hidden Wonders Tour , where shadows dance over delicate formations and mystery awaits in every shadow. Take to the skies high above Texas as you ascend the Twisted Trails or for a true test, try tackling our Adventure Tours . Experience a sense of discovery finding your way through our AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup , a 5,000 square foot outdoor maze.

Plan your trip

Fun for Everyone

Looking for some good old-fashioned fun? Look no further than the Mining Company , where you mine and pan for gems, fossils and other treasures. Whether you are a first time visitor, an avid caver or someone in between, Natural Bridge Caverns awaits with a once in a lifetime experience you'll never forget. After your adventures, check out the new Shops of Discovery Village . Indulge yourself at Big Daddy’s Sweets, Treats and Brew, an old-fashioned parlor and general store. And shop for amazing gifts, jewelry and souvenirs in the Discovery Village Trading Post.

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Absolutely awesome... the caverns are cool... plus there's so much to do at the natural bridge... this is something everyone should check out...

Angela Maria

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Natural Bridge Caverns

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Welcome to Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas –a premier natural attraction – where you’ll find adventure and fun around every bend.

Like on the Discovery Tour, where you’ll see massive, otherworldly formations formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time. Or, explore our Hidden Passages Tour, where shadows dance over delicate formations and mystery awaits in every shadow. Take to the skies high above Texas, as you ascend the Canopy Challenge, or for a true test, try tackling one of our adventure tours. Experience a sense of discovery finding your way through our AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup, a 5,000 square foot outdoor maze.

And if you want some good old-fashioned fun, look no further than the Mining Company, where you mine and pan for gems, fossils and other treasures. Whether you are a first time visitor, an avid caver or someone in between, Natural Bridge Caverns awaits with a once in a lifetime experience you’ll never forget. After your adventures, check out the new Shops of Discovery Village. Indulge yourself at Big Daddy’s Sweets, Treats and Brew, an old-fashioned parlor and general store. And shop for amazing gifts, jewelry and souvenirs in the Discovery Village Trading Post.

In March of 1960, Orion Knox Jr., Preston Knodell, Al Brandt and Joe Cantu, four college students from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, obtained permission to explore the area that is now Natural Bridge Caverns. The students were convinced that large underground passages existed under the amazing 60-foot limestone bridge. On their fourth expedition, Orion felt a cool draft from a rubble-filled crawlway. Such air currents often indicate the presence of additional rooms or passages.

The explorers made their way carefully climbing and crawling through two miles of vast cavern passage. After making this amazing discovery, they returned to the surface to tell the landowners. The discoverers knew immediately what an astonishing find they had made and the land owners decided to develop the first 1/2 mile, the most spectacular part of the caverns, for the enjoyment of guests from around the world. That first 1/2 mile is now the Discovery Tour. Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour was developed with two main goals in mind: preservation of the caverns’ environment and comfort of its guests. The result is one of the world premier show caverns, and one of the most popular attractions in Texas.

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., Natural Bridge Caverns, TX 78266

• (210) 651-6101
• http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com/

( Natural Bridge Caverns )

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Explore the Wildlife Ranch Drive-through Safari

Discover a world of exotic animals on a thrilling drive-through safari adventure in the heart of Texas!

Admission: $28.99 (adults) and $19.99 (kids); Guided Safari Shuttle: $149.99; Safari Adventure Tour: $229.99

More than 500 Miles from you

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Description

At the Wildlife Ranch, guests can enjoy an incredible drive-through safari where they will encounter a variety of fascinating animals from around the world. Choose from three exciting ways to explore the safari: drive through in your own car, join a Guided Safari Trek on a shuttle, or experience the exclusive Safari Adventure Tour with a Giraffe Encounter. Learn about the animals' habitats, conservation efforts, and unique characteristics while taking part in guided tours led by experienced Safari Animal Rangers. No matter which option you choose, an unforgettable adventure awaits you at the Wildlife Ranch.

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• Arrive at the Wildlife Ranch
• Purchase admission or optional guided tour tickets
• Enjoy your drive-through Safari
• Explore the Walk-A-Bout area with giraffes

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26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

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Group Adventures

Embark on an adventure the whole herd will enjoy.

Embark on wild adventures at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch's Safari Drive-Thru, spanning over 450 acres of stunning Texas Hill Country. Experience the calls of the wild from the comfort of your own caravan or bus as you witness animals from around the world in their natural habitat. Explore the Walk-A-Bout area, home to our giraffe family, ring-tailed lemurs on Lemur Island, primate exhibits, the Safari Trading Post, and the Safari Camp Grill.

Whether you bring a picnic or dine at the Safari Camp Grill, you can savor your meal indoors or under the trees and pavilion, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the animals, adding to the excitement of taming your appetite.

Interested in a safari for your whole herd? Complete this form and we'll be in touch!

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A Guide to the Natural Bridge Caverns in New Braunfels

The Natural Bridge Caverns are Texas’s largest commercial caverns. They offer an unrivaled thrilling experience from the array of things to do touring the caverns and enjoying some of the surface attractions.

The caves are located in San Antonio next to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a wildlife safari park. Interestingly, the caves continue to develop geological formations today and go through changes over time due to natural events.

This is an attraction as visitors get to experience new adventures repeatedly. If you've had enough of New Braunfels' scenic views and amazing craft beer , the Natural Bridge Caverns are a family-friendly activity within driving distance.

What should you look forward to at the caverns?

1. Cavern Tours

Discovery tour.

This is the caverns’ original and most popular tour. 180 feet below the ground and at 70 degrees temperature accompanied by a tour guide, it offers an other-worldly experience of viewing ancient formations such as flowstones, soda straws, chandeliers, stalactites, and stalagmites.

The full tour takes approximately an hour and photography is allowed as you’ll never want to forget the incredible views. As good practice, it’s important for the Discovery Tour visitors to wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction as the surfaces get wet and steep.

It's Natural Bridge Caverns' most popular tour. Originally the only tour offered, it’s now illuminated with state-of-the-art LED technology.

Hidden Passages Tour

Apart from the Discovery Tour, visitors to The Natural Bridge Caverns get to explore another world-class cave tagged the Hidden Passages Tour. Similarly, 180 feet below the ground and at 70 degrees temperature, the cave has jaw-dropping geological formations that can’t be found anywhere else.

These include soda straw stalactites, welt and turnip shields, and cave ribbon waves. These geological wonders form due to the continuous water-seeping through the limestone making up the cave’s interior. The tour experience lasts for approximately one hour and has a 1/3 mile walking distance.

The Natural Bridge Caverns management continues to seek an expanded tour experience at the cave and thus is committed to having expert construction crews dig deeper to reveal hidden gems.

This is for the adventurous souls who want to explore both caves during one visit. Management advises arriving no later than half an hour before the time allocated on the ticket.

The Discovery Tour and Hidden Passages tour cumulatively take approximately two hours, which must be taken into account when making bookings to ensure that there is enough time to explore both caves.

Adventure Tour

This is a thrilling adventure that is undertaken accompanied by experienced staff who will guide you on a wild cave trip. Some of the activities to look out for with the Adventure Tour include climbing, hiking, and cavern exploration to see the beautiful formations of over thousands of years.

Interestingly, the down and dirty adventure starts off with the Discovery Tour followed by an off-trail raw adventure with no commercial lighting nor handrails. This is a fun and physically demanding experience that resembles what earlier explorers went through.

Visitors exert themselves physically as they crawl, climb, and slide through exciting excursions in the deepest recesses of the earth. The adventure tour takes up to three hours to explore developed caves and their untouched natural beauty.

All explorers are geared up with helmets, gloves, and headlamps that are the trail’s only source of light. Given the dynamics of this exploration, reservations are required for adequate planning. It is important to note the physical difficulty of the experience.

It is a moderate to hard experience that requires physically fit guests and to ensure your safety, the Natural Bridge Caverns have height and weight limitations in place. Charges for this experience are $169.99 per person.

Private VIP Tours & Experiences

Perfect for families and small groups, Natural Bridge Caverns has crafted private tour options that can be customized by the guests. This can encompass the cave tours and explorations among other activities at the caverns.

Interested individuals can call 210-651-6101 to book or discuss their own customized VIP Tour experience with a professional.

2. Surface Attractions

Walking 180 feet below the ground can be daunting for some people who prefer an above-ground adventure. The Natural Bridge Caverns offers a variety of surface attractions and experiences discussed below:

Bracken Bat Flight Packages

Bracken Cave is located near the Natural Bridge Caverns and is home to one of the largest bat colonies in the world that gather here every summer. The species inhabiting this cave are the Mexican free-tailed bats that play a key ecosystem role by helping with plant pollination, providing food for other animals, and controlling the insect population.

Guests can expect to witness other-worldly scenes when the Bracken Bat Flight happens in the evenings where the bats form a massive and swirling cloud. Additionally, guests to the Natural Bridge Caverns can enjoy both the Bracken Bat Flight and Discovery Tour in the same package.

Important to note is that the two locations are a few miles apart and guests drive themselves to view the bats. As they are wild animals, the happenings are uncontrolled.

Twisted Trails Zip Rails and Ropes Course

The Natural Bridge Caverns has a 60-foot-high ropes course set up, allowing guests to test their balance, agility, and strength on the weave walk, squid steps, and twisted rope. This preparation step includes traditional elements such as vertical rope ladders, lily pads, and double beams.

There are also seven zip trails on-site with over 685 total feet of suspended track where guests can soar high over the tree canopy. Different from riding zip lines, this adventure allows the guest to control the routes and challenges they take to navigate the zip rails in a progressive manner starting off with lower levels.

To ensure the safety of participants, there are limitations set in place on weight and height. Children under four feet tall have the TYKES zip rail and ropes course challenges developed specifically for them.

There are vertical structures such as the Astroball, Face to Face, Twister, and Jungle Gym that are open for climbers to take a challenge head-on. The weight range allowed is 22-300lbs and a minimum height of 42’” to ensure climber safety.

The AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup

This is a maze experience set with checkpoints, three towers, and a bridge to guide participants if they get lost. The experience is set up between San Antonio and New Braunfels.

More Attractions at the Natural Bridge Caverns

Guests can purchase assorted gems and fossil bags as souvenirs purchased in packages such as the Mother Lode, Emerald Strike, Lucky Strike, Pay Dirt, Fossil Dig, and Arrowhead Find. There also are stores, eateries, a cafe, and Visitor Center for gift purchasing.

Bottom Line

If you're thinking about buying property in New Braunfels, you should be aware of best attractions both within the city and within driving distance. With Limestone Country Properties by your side, you'll have the best management services and a vast knowledge of the area, including all its wonders.

We're a property management company located in the Texas Hill Country offering a wide array of professional real estate services. These include investment services, tenant screening, real estate legal advice, property marketing, rent collection, financial reporting, and guiding investors seeking to invest in the New Braunfels region.

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Thank you Limestone staff for managing our 4 properties over the past 7+ years. Your professional service, prompt communication and attention to detail is greatly appreciated to ensure our properties are well maintained throughout the years. We are very glad to refer our friends to Limestone and look forward to many more years of continued support

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