Caverns of Sonora

The Caverns of Sonora, a National Natural Landmark,<ref>{{cite web

Caverns of Sonora National Natural Landmark The Caverns of Sonora, a National Natural Landmark, is a unique cave located 8 miles (13 km) west of the town of Sonora, Texas. It is a world-class cave due to its stunning array of calcite crystal formations, especially helictites. These helictites are found in extreme abundance, often with a rare purity and complexity. One formation is so densely packed with them it has been dubbed the "Snake pit". The founder of the National Speleological Society, Bill Stephenson, said of the cave after his first visit: "This is the most indescribably beautiful cave in the world, its beauty cannot be exaggerated, not even by a Texan."

History

Cave Bacon, a type of flowstone in the Caverns of Sonora.

The cave has been operated commercially by the Mayfield family since July 16, 1960. Today, 2 miles (3.2 km) of trail have been developed out of the 7 miles (11 km) of explored cave. The development of the trails was done by Jack Burch, starting in 1959 and completing in 1979. Burch revolutionized cavern development worldwide with his "conservation through commercialization" approach to the project.

The cave is formed in 100 million-year-old (Cretaceous) Segovia limestone, of the Edward Limestone Group. The formation of the cave itself probably occurred between 1.5 to 5 million years ago. The cave is formed primarily along a fault. This fault allowed gases to rise up from depths of around 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to then depths of about 300 feet (91 m). At this depth the gases mixed with water in the aquifer. The resulting highly acidic water dissolved out the limestone, forming the cave. Between 1–3 million years ago, the water drained form the cave. The famous mineral formations, known as speleothems, all formed after the water drained from the cave. The cave's most famous formation is the Butterfly. It is the only known formation like it in the world. It is formed by two fish tail helictite growths that share the same attachment point of the cave wall.

On November 21, 2006, the butterfly formation was vandalized by a member of a tour group. Specifically, 60% of the top right tip of the wing was broken off of the formation. There is a $20,000 reward for any information that leads to the recovery of the missing piece. Since the butterfly is active (still growing), the formation can still be repaired if the piece is recovered soon.

References

External links

30°33′18″N 100°48′44″W / 30.554999°N 100.812274°W / 30.554999; -100.812274




Listed in the following categories:
Post a comment
Tips & Hints
Arrange By:
Vonia
14 March 2015
The best in Texas, most formations, probably overall more unique than the other show caves. Worth the detour!!!!!....
Rebecca Chulew
26 January 2014
Lots of cave bacon made us hungry
Maria Celeste Genitempo
4 January 2011
The tour is 1 hour 45 minutes long.
Lisa Bird
1 January 2011
Last time I was here I was 5... Good times
Load more comments
foursquare.com
7.6/10
16,599 people have been here
Map
1711 Pvt Rd 4468, Sonora, TX 76950, USA Get directions

Caverns Of Sonora on Foursquare

Caverns of Sonora on Facebook

Hotels nearby

See all hotels See all
SureStay Hotel Sonora by Best Western

starting $86

Comfort Inn

starting $67

Days Inn Sonora Devils River

starting $50

Travelodge by Wyndham Ozona

starting $56

Economy Inn Sonora

starting $66

Super 8 By Wyndham Ozona

starting $56

Recommended sights nearby

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Canon Ranch Railroad Eclipse Windmill

The Canon Ranch Railroad Eclipse Windmill is a historic windpump near

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Fort Chadbourne

Fort Chadbourne was a fort established by the United States Army on

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock (16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg TX) is an enormous

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center

Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center is a large wind farm with 735.5

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Big Spring Vietnam Memorial

The Big Spring Vietnam Memorial is a war memorial located in Big

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Wildseed Farms

Wildseed Farms is a wildflower farm near Fredericksburg, Texas, United

Similar tourist attractions

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns, originally called Luray Cave, is a large, celebrated

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Cave of the Mounds

Cave of the Mounds, a natural limestone cave located near Blue Mounds,

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Grand Caverns

Grand Caverns, formerly known as Weyer's Cave, is located in the

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Marengo Cave

Marengo Cave is located in Marengo, Indiana. One of only four show

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Lewis and Clark Caverns

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is located in southeastern

See all similar places