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Ultimate Guide to Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area, Texas (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

Ultimate Guide to Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area, Texas (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

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Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area is a vast sinkhole near Rocksprings, and it houses a huge colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. Reservations are required to visit the site. But strict rules should not deter you from coming here as you would not want to miss the spectacular view of millions of bats taking flight in search of food. Thousands of bats exit the sinkhole by the minute, and the view is beautiful and terrifying for those weak at heart! 

Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area, Texas Cover Image
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The Mexican free-tailed bats rest in the caverns from late Spring to early Fall. They migrate to Mexico during the colder months of the year. Each evening the bats begin a journey in search of food. Scientists believe a massive colony of bats consumes around 30 tons of beetles and moths each night. 

History of Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area

Some geological formations take millions of years to take shape, and Devil’s Sinkhole is an excellent example. Many would think sinkholes formed in the blink of an eye, which is technically accurate, but it still took thousands of years to form.

It is estimated that water fell from the sky and into the ground around a million years ago. It picked up minerals that acidified it, and the acidic water eroded the limestone of the Edwards Plateau.

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Over the years, a huge hole was created in the rock. When the water table dropped, the water that held the cavern’s ceiling gave away, and the roof caved in. An opening was created, which we now know as the Devil’s Sinkhole. 

Devil’s Sinkhole was accorded the status of a National Natural Landmark in 1985, the largest single-chambered cavern in the state. Substantial archaeological evidence is present to prove that the Native Americans considered the sinkhole sacred.

Evidence suggests that sinkholes were used to bury the dead as the Native Americans thought the sinkholes, crevices, and caves to be the path to the underworld and Earth Gods.

Later, the sinkhole became a gathering place for cowboys who etched their names on the limestone walls. Today, the sinkhole is home to around four million Mexican Free-Tailed bats. 

Geological Cave Formations in Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area

Although the Devil’s Sinkhole formation is one of the greatest geological phenomena, no known formations have been discovered in this sinkhole. However, the locals have recovered stalactites from the area at various times. 

Wildlife in Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area

Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area hundreds of bat exit sinkhole at night

Some 3 million bats in the Devil’s Sinkhole emerge on warm nights in search of food. The massive collection of Mexican free-tailed bats forms a ‘tornado’ of bats as they leave the cave on nights. 

Is Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area Haunted?

The experience of watching thousands of bats taking flight from the sinkhole is a bit terrifying, but it is not haunted.

How Big is Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area?

Devil’s Sinkhole is now a part of a Preserve that spreads over 1859 acres. The sinkhole is a vertical cavern with an opening that measures approximately 40 x 60 ft and a drop of 140 ft to the main cavern.

Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area 140 feet from top to bottom of cavern

The main cavern has a circular shape and a depth of approximately 400 feet. It is the 3rd deepest in the state, and experts say the iconic Statue of Liberty can easily fit inside.  

Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area Tours

Access to Devil’s Sinkhole is only possible through a guided tour. Reservations are mandatory, and all tours begin at the Devil’s Sinkhole Visitors Center in the Rocksprings. The bat tours are only offered when the bats are in residence.

We must remember that bats are wild creatures, and their lives do not revolve around the humans’ tour schedule. So, there can be last-minute modifications to the tours. There are two kinds of bat tours – evening tours and morning tours. 

The evening bat flight tours are held from Wednesday to Sunday. The tour will take you to a viewing platform over the sinkhole from one can peer into the deep depths of the shaft.

The Morning tours are offered on select days only, and these tours begin before dawn. The view from the platform can induce fear in your mind as you peek into the dark and spooky depths.  

Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area Tour Prices and Discounts

There are two tours each day – The morning and evening tours. The latter is more popular as experts say that the evening is a great time to view the Mexican free-tailed bats as they exit the sinkhole in large numbers. 

Evening Tours

  • Adults – USD 14
  • Seniors (65 years and up) – USD 11
  • Children (4 to 12 years) – USD 6 
  • Children (under four years) – Free

Morning Tours

  • Adults – USD 20 
  • Children (11 years and younger) – USD 10

Is Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area Cold?

In the winter, the average low temperature is 35 degrees F, and in July, the average high temperature is 95 degrees F. 

What to Wear?

There are no dress codes or special requirements for visiting Devil’s Sinkhole. You can wear anything in which you feel comfortable and at ease. 

Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area Hours

There are no set hours to come here. The Park can be accessed only through scheduled tours. You must contact the Devil’s Sinkhole Society at (830) 683-2287 for reservations. 

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What to Do at Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area (Beside Tours)

No one is allowed to enter the cavern to benefit the bat population, but people can opt for bat tours for a wonderful experience. There is a viewing platform, and there are picnic facilities too. There are nature walks and birding tours, and you may make a trip to the nearby Kickapoo Cavern State Park, which offers a range of facilities like mountain biking, birding, and hiking. 

Best Time to Visit Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Areas

Since bats are hibernating in nature, you must come here during the warmer months to see them. Choose the evening tour as the millions of bats coming out in search of forage make for a brilliant visual. 

How to Get to Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area

Devil’s Sinkhole is North of Rocksprings on US 377. The Visitor Center is at 101 N. Sweeten Street. All tours meet at the Visitor’s Center, and participants must call in advance to book a spot. 

Provide a safe bat habitat
Provide a safe bat habitat!

Hotels near Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area

Kickapoo Cavern State Park is nearby and offers camping facilities. However, if you are looking for hotels, you would not be disappointed as The Pineview Inn, and the Rocksprings Hotel is 6 miles away. 

Visiting Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area

Do you need more information before visiting? Call (830) 563-2342 for an information packet. 

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