San Antonio is most recognized for the Alamo, but the town offers much more. San Antonio is a bustling metropolitan city with a strong economy and culture all its own. The city of San Antonio also offers visitors and locals some breathtaking natural scenery. San Antonio natural landmarks are unique and a treat for any travelers that have an abiding interest in unique natural sights.
Natural Bridge Caverns
One of the San Antonio natural landmarks that are best known are these caverns. A 30-minute drive from downtown San Antonio, shuttle service is also available. The The Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered in 1960 and are named for the natural limestone bridge near the entrance. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the most extensive caves in the San Antonio area and one of the most massive in Texas. The caverns are on the list of National Historic Places since there is evidence of human artifacts and habitation going back thousands of years.
Cascade Caverns
Not far away from San Antonio are the Cascade Caverns. Their naturally cool temperature makes it the perfect spot to visit in the hot Texas summer day. These Caverns are renowned for its 100ft waterfall in the cave depths. The Lipan Apaches discovered the Cascade Caverns in the 1700s. The Lipan Apaches, Comanche and Kiowa Native Americans had been in the area since around 8000 BC.
San Marcos Springs
Located northeast of San Antonio is San Marcos Springs. Over 200 natural springs issue from the Edwards Aquifer and create the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Thanks to the accessibility of drinkable water, this became one of the oldest and steadily inhabited areas on the continent. Archeological digs have discovered materials that are dated 12000 years ago. Through the years, this became an entertainment park area peaking in the 1950s. During the past few decades, the area has been encouraged to return essentially back to nature and it's been named a critical wetlands habitat. The springs are home to several endangered species, including the fountain darter, several types of salamander and Texas Wild Rice.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Of the San Antonio natural landmarks, the Lost Maples is also reasonably well known. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is about seventy miles west of San Antonio. Named for the Uvalde bigtooth Maple trees in the area, it's an fantastic example of the Edwards Plateau ecology featuring a spread of terrain. Uvalde Maple trees only grow in really select habitats and are so far away from other maples that they're known as "Lost Maples" The trees prosper in protected rocky regions where a moderate climate is maintained. There exists evidentuary confirmation that those Maples are ice age residue of a big maple forest at a point when the climate in the area was more temperate. This park is well known for its gorgeous fall trees changing colors in early November.
Those who enjoy nature will be sure not to miss these natural landmarks in San Antonio. The entry fees are free to minimum. These natural landmarks are open all year except for one or two heavy holidays or due to extreme weather.
Natural Bridge Caverns
One of the San Antonio natural landmarks that are best known are these caverns. A 30-minute drive from downtown San Antonio, shuttle service is also available. The The Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered in 1960 and are named for the natural limestone bridge near the entrance. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the most extensive caves in the San Antonio area and one of the most massive in Texas. The caverns are on the list of National Historic Places since there is evidence of human artifacts and habitation going back thousands of years.
Cascade Caverns
Not far away from San Antonio are the Cascade Caverns. Their naturally cool temperature makes it the perfect spot to visit in the hot Texas summer day. These Caverns are renowned for its 100ft waterfall in the cave depths. The Lipan Apaches discovered the Cascade Caverns in the 1700s. The Lipan Apaches, Comanche and Kiowa Native Americans had been in the area since around 8000 BC.
San Marcos Springs
Located northeast of San Antonio is San Marcos Springs. Over 200 natural springs issue from the Edwards Aquifer and create the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Thanks to the accessibility of drinkable water, this became one of the oldest and steadily inhabited areas on the continent. Archeological digs have discovered materials that are dated 12000 years ago. Through the years, this became an entertainment park area peaking in the 1950s. During the past few decades, the area has been encouraged to return essentially back to nature and it's been named a critical wetlands habitat. The springs are home to several endangered species, including the fountain darter, several types of salamander and Texas Wild Rice.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Of the San Antonio natural landmarks, the Lost Maples is also reasonably well known. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is about seventy miles west of San Antonio. Named for the Uvalde bigtooth Maple trees in the area, it's an fantastic example of the Edwards Plateau ecology featuring a spread of terrain. Uvalde Maple trees only grow in really select habitats and are so far away from other maples that they're known as "Lost Maples" The trees prosper in protected rocky regions where a moderate climate is maintained. There exists evidentuary confirmation that those Maples are ice age residue of a big maple forest at a point when the climate in the area was more temperate. This park is well known for its gorgeous fall trees changing colors in early November.
Those who enjoy nature will be sure not to miss these natural landmarks in San Antonio. The entry fees are free to minimum. These natural landmarks are open all year except for one or two heavy holidays or due to extreme weather.
About the Author:
Amanda Duff has been fascinated by San Antonio natural landmarks for a few years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications, which can be read here.