Welcome to the Grotto

The Underground Texas Grotto (UTG) is an Austin-based 501(c)(3) non-profit that explores caves in Central Texas and beyond, keeping alive traditions from 1951. We are the oldest caving organization in Texas and have served as the nexus for cave exploration all over Texas and Mexico for more than fifty years. Members range from total beginners to international expedition cavers. Any central Texan interested in caves is welcome. Learn about our meetings below.

Calendar

MEETINGS

We meet twice monthly on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. The first meeting of the month is a formal meeting, held in-person at a rotation of venues. Details are available on our email list, calendar, and Facebook page. Formal meetings feature presentations by guest speakers, trip reports of recent caving, announcements about upcoming trips and practices, and a chance to mingle afterward. Informal meetings are all about getting to know the grotto. We meet at The Posse bar and restaurant, honoring a long-time grotto tradition, to discuss all things cave related.

You can check out our past presentations below.

MEMBERS

If you are interested in joining the UTG, start by attending meetings and beginner trips. Once you decide if caving is right for your lifestyle, you can become an official member by paying your dues and filling out this form. The members forum on the website is a secure discussion board for active members of the UTG. You can request access after attending meetings regularly. This is for security purposes to screen out Zoom bombers, scammers, and evil doers. Recommended dues are $2 for first-year cavers and $10 for all others. Dues are paid directly to the Treasurer, in cash, or via Venmo at meetings.

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Members Forum