Caverns of Sonora, National Natural Landmark show cave in Sutton County, Texas
The Caverns of Sonora is a cave system in Sutton County with passageways extending across several kilometers underground. The interior displays an impressive collection of limestone formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and rare helictites.
The cave system formed around 100 million years ago when acidic water slowly dissolved the Cretaceous limestone rock. Ranch workers discovered the entrance in the early 1900s and initially named it after landowner Stanley Mayfield.
The name comes from the nearby town of Sonora, which the cave adopted after it became widely known to the public. Visitors can observe how the surrounding ranches connect to this underground feature and how such places hold importance in local identity.
Guided tours lead visitors through the cave while camping is available on the grounds and activities like gemstone panning are offered. The site is located near Interstate 10 and is easily accessible with parking available on-site.
A notable attraction is a rare butterfly formation created by two fishtail helictite growths intertwining together. This geological oddity is often overlooked by visitors but ranks among the most distinctive features found within the cave.
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