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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 — June 4, 2026

    Location: UT Brackenridge Field Laboratory, Room 104.

    Officers in Attendance:   Enzo Monfre (President), London Darce (Vice President), Aaron de la Garza (Secretary), Holly Klein Perrine (Treasurer)

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

    Official Announcements

    The UTG will hold its 75th anniversary celebration at Stricklandia on a date to be determined in September 2026. Members who would like to help with the celebration are encouraged to contact London Darce (vicepresident@utgrotto.org).

    Unofficial Announcements

    Members were reminded of the upcoming NSS convention in Corydon Indiana, July 6-10, 2026, and a discussion was had concerning members’ plans.

    A vertical training session will be held on Thursday June 4, 2026 at the Thicket of Moderate Discontent.

    Upcoming Trips

    London Darce is planning a trip to the Devil’s River area this coming weekend, June 5-7, 2026. Activities include digging on a promising sinkhole feature, bat flights, karst walking, and swimming in the river. Attendees should be vertically competent and have dig experience.

    Aaron de la Garza is planning a Goat Cave trip on June 27, 2026 for newer vertical cavers. A formal announcement will be made on Facebook and the mailing list.

    Recent Caving

    A newer caver, Heath, spoke of his last-minute decision to join Peter Sprouse on a five-day trip to Mexico, and laid out photographs from the trip for member viewing.

    Liz Frank spoke of her visit to a well-decorated Cedar Park area shelter cave.

    New Attendees

    Jack introduced himself. Jack has been regularly caving in TAG and recently moved back to Austin.

    Formal Presentation

    Ryan Hoffman presented remotely on his exploration of a cave located in the Ellenberger Aquifer, and which is now the 4th deepest cave in Texas. Jef Frank, who accompanied Ryan on cave dives in this cave, also spoke about his experiences.

    The meeting concluded at approximately 8:30pm. Members met up afterwards at the Hold Out Brewery.

    The UTG’s next meeting will take place at 7:30 pm on Wednesday June 17, 2026 in room 104 of the UT Brackenridge Field Laboratory. This will be a trip report meeting, at which members are encouraged to present on recent (or not so recent) caving trips or caving-related topics. Please submit your photos or presentation to London Darce via email (vicepresident@utgrotto.org); submitted photos will then be put into a slideshow for your presentation. Or bring a USB stick, your own laptop, or just a story!

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.