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Welcome to the Grotto

The Underground Texas Grotto (UTG) is an Austin-based 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.

  • UTG Meeting Minutes — Oct 7, 2026

    Trip Report Meeting

    Location: UT Brackenridge Field Laboratory

    Officers in Attendance:   Enzo Monfre (President), London Darce (Vice President), Holly Klein Perrine (Treasurer), Joel Haus (Webmaster)

    Presiding officer Enzo Monfre called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm

    Official Announcements

    London Darce reminded members that the Grotto’s Halloween party would be hosted by Gary Franklin on Saturday, October 31.

    Unofficial Announcements

    The next vertical practice night at the Thicket of Moderate Discontent is planned for October 15th, with information available on the website calendar and on Facebook. If you want to join please sign up in advance. This sign up form will be posted a few days in advance.

    London reminded attendees that the 2026 Texas Cavers Reunion will take place at Camp Sol Meyer near Menard, October 22-25. Expect a UTG sponsored climbing competition, the Gauntlet, camping, food and fun.

    Upcoming Trips

    Peter Sprouse is organizing pre-TCR trips to Powell’s and Neal’s, October 21-23. Peter has secured the use of the ranch house at Neal’s Cave for two days starting on the afternoon of October 20th. Wet suit required for Neal’s. Interested members should contact Peter.

    Ethan Perrine is looking for volunteers to help with several cave trips on the Sunday and Monday after TCR, on October 25 and 26, at the Goat Cave Preserve.

    Aaron de la Garza will be leading a trip to Midnight Cave on November 3rd.

    We’re also organizing a trip to Deep & Punkin on November 6-8th. Contact Aaron de la Garza for details.

    Eléonore notified members that the next Godwin Ranch cricket count will be on November 7th and that volunteers are needed; interested members should contact Eléonore.

    New Attendees

    Two new people introduced themselves and were welcomed with applause.

    Official Presentation – Eleonore Le Corvaisier on Moral Philosophy and How To Change Someone’s Mind

    Eleonore led a lively and engaging exploration and discussion of how humans hold opinions and make decisions, and how that influences how we might become better at engaging those with differing viewpoints.

    The meeting concluded at approximately 8:45 pm. Members met up afterwards at the Hold Out Brewery.

    The UTG’s next meeting is an informal meeting centered around trip reports. This meeting will take place at 7:30 pm on Wednesday October 21, 2026 at the UT Brackenridge Field Laboratory.

Calendar

Meetings

Photo of a UTG Meeting

We meet twice monthly on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. The first meeting of the month is a formal meeting. 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. Third-Wednesday meetings are more informal and include a series of short presentations on recent caving trips. Both meetings are held in-person at a rotation of venues.