When you hear “limestone grotto” and “Texas” in the same sentence, chances are Hamilton Pool is the first place that comes to mind. While the mystical beauty of that ancient natural area is undeniable, it certainly doesn’t deserve all the credit. Canyon Lake Gorge is a 100-million-year-old rocky outcropping that features lush greenery, pristine water, and even dinosaur tracks! It promises to be an unforgettable summer adventure.
One fateful week in 2002, over 34 inches of rain fell in the Guadalupe River’s upper shed. A flood of biblical proportions ensued, leaving behind this breathtaking limestone gorge in its wake.
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Spanning a whopping 64 acres, the reservoir exposes ancient rock dating back over 100 million years. Dinosaur footprints and fossilized sea creatures laid dormant beneath the earth for all those millennia, uncovered in a split second thanks to the power of Mother Nature.
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Today, the area is still so sensitive that tours are only offered with guidance - and even still, on a very exclusive basis. Available to ages 7 and older, the three-hour excursion takes visitors on an exhilarating journey back to a land before time.
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You’ll hike along the gorge, all the while marveling at how the water changes in terms of color and flow. Periods of gentler current lead into roaring waterfalls, the variance ensuring nobody ever gets bored.
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Here’s a closer look at one of those aforementioned fossils. This one, in particular, belonged to a gastropod, or mollusk, as they’re commonly referred to.
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Just look at how beautifully the lush trees and crystal-clear water contrast against one another. It’s definitely a sight that will be forever burned into your memory.
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Address: 16029 South Access Road, Canyon Lake, TX 78133. Tours are held at 8 a.m. on select dates and cost $10 per person.
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For more information, visit the natural area’s website or Facebook page.
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Have you ever visited Canyon Lake Gorge? If so, don’t hesitate to tell us all about your experience! Check out our previous article for another awe-inspiring limestone grotto: This Little Known Grotto In Texas Is The Perfect Place To Get Away From It All.
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