Longhorn Cavern State Park
Longhorn Cavern is formed in the upper massive limestone of the Gorman Formation, Ellenberger group, of Ordovician age. Longhorn Cavern lies within the Llano uplift. When the Llano Uplift was thrust up during the time of Precambrian mountain building, the Llano Uplift was covered in Lower Cretaceous, Devonian, Mississippi and Pennsylvania strata. These rocks are gone now, weathered and eroded away.
The Cavern is located on Backbone Ridge, which is a huge wedge of Paleozoic sedimentary rocks dropped between igneous and metamorphic rocks of Precambrian age. We spent most of a day exploring one the largest show caves in the world, Longhorn Cavern State Park. The park is located on 700+ acres, complete with hiking trails, picnic tables, restrooms and other day use facilities. From Inks Lake, we headed south on Park Road 4 and followed the signs. If you are looking for a beautiful drive, look for Park Road 4.
The developed portion of the Cavern is 1.2 miles. The round trip guided tour takes about 2 hours and includes quite a few stairs. I took over 100 photographs; the ones in the slide show are just the ones I could name.
What a neat looking park. I didn’t realize that there were caves like that in Texas. Good information and promotion. I even gives me an idea for a feature on my blog and of course I will link back here. Thanks for sharing.
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Grand Canyon National Park – Take a closer look =-.
Thank you for showing us these lovely pictures. I’m unlikely ever to see these stunning formations in person so it’s very special for me.
We have not been to this place yet. It is next on our list. Nice article and photos!
.-= Arjun Rathore´s last blog ..Pedernales Falls =-.
I just LOVE caves.. I have only been to one in my life, and it was really small.. I am also a tad claustrophobic, so as much as i love to walk into the mouth of a cave, i cant go too deep into it..
I agree that the pictures would be cooler if there was no puzzle effect
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..Power Nubby joins the NRA =-.
I like caves too. You live in an absolutely lovely area.
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I love caves, especially with blackwater. But I wish I could just see your pic without the “puzzle” effect?
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wow, you have done a lot with this site! so cool. i’ve never been to texas. but i do have family there. will try to visit some of the sites you’ve recommended when i & my family go on our vacation. by the way, thanks for posting on my webpage :)
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I love exploring caves. In my opinion, the best ones are those formed in limestone. It’s an unusual place for a club to meet, what kind of club was it? I’ve just read how Longhorn Cavern was also used by outlaws and Indian’s! :-)
I can’t always see the resemblance to the creatures some of the formations are named after. The Eagle’s Wing reminds me of something similar in Dan Yr Ogof where it’s called the Angel’s Wing.
A fantastic collection of photos, thanks.
.-= John | English Wilderness´s last blog ..North Landings, Yorkshire =-.