LIGHTS, sound … rock and roll! The largest cavern in Texas has just launched a new underground tour featuring a state-of-the-art Hidden Wonders sound and light show.

Natural Bridge Caverns, 30 minutes north of downtown San Antonio, was already the state’s largest and most visited commercial cave, with a variety of experiences on offer.

But the new Hidden Wonders tour – six years in the planning –takes visitors further into unseen areas of Hidden Cavern, including a natural ‘theatre’ where the show has opened.

Developing the tour was challenging due to the 160ft depth of the area, and required the construction of a stainless steel bridge across the cavern’s deepest point, and a 710ft exit tunnel.

The newly opened public area, previously accessible only to cavers, boasts an underground canyon, dramatic rock formations, and a large domed chamber called the Ballroom.

A new viewing area dubbed Box Canyon serves as the venue for a unique sound and light show finale of the 70-minute tour before visitors ride a Belt Assisted Transport walkway back out.

With the apt acronym BAT, the walkway is the world’s first conveyor system ride up and out of a cavern.

“Our goal is to give visitors a view of the cavern like never before, without impacting its beauty,” says Brad Wuest, President of Natural Bridge Caverns.

Tours are led by expert guides who can tell the geological story of the surroundings. “We plan to showcase the science behind the beauty of this once hidden cavern on our tour,” adds Wuest.

Natural Bridge Caverns was discovered in 1960 by local cavers and is family owned and operated. Above ground adventures include a ropes course, zip rails, an outdoor maze, and an interactive ‘gem panning’ activity.

For opening hours and admission rates dive into the Natural Bridge Caverns website.