Handprint Shelter is one of the lesser known rock shelters of Austin, Texas which is not as widely known. This news article will explain and explore the geology and nature pertaining to Handprint Shelter. 
Handprint Shelter is one of many shelters located in Barton Creek about 2 miles west of Barton Springs and 4 miles southwest of Downtown Austin. This small and narrow shelter is southwest of Hobo Cave. This shelter is located on a cliffside called The Flats which is located above Barton Creek just 70 feet above creek level. (Ref: https://caves.org/pub/journal/NSS%20Bulletin/Vol_10.pdf)
Handprint Shelter is one of the separate distinct shelters located in Gus Fruh Park and Barton Creek Preserve. Handprint Shelter is located feature farther up the cliff from Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave. However Handprint Shelter is not actually an enlarged cave which extends for miles but is actually an enlarged shallow shelter that is 15 feet wide and relapses 10 feet deep. A dim handprint can be seen on this cave. Texas Speleological Survey says Handprint Shelter is located at the same depth level as Handprint Cave. (Ref: https://www.texasspeleologicalsurvey.org/PDF/TSS_Volume1/TSS%201(1)%20compressed.pdf)
The Texas Journal of Science describes Handprint Shelter as the following: Typical wall work in front of small room shelter. This "cave" contained many interesting handprints made by scraping away the background from smoke covered rock. (Ref: https://archive.org/stream/texasjournalofsc31951texa/texasjournalofsc31951texa_djvu.txt)
The rock formation of this shelter is native limestone. Many shelters in Central Texas have a rock formation composed out of native limestone. Raw iron ore can be found outside rims and inside perimeter of this shelter. Iron ore is the most common natural element found in this shelter next to limestone. Limestone and iron ore are natural resources which can be found in this shelter.
Accessibility is difficult because this shelter is located on a cliff side. The high distance above ground makes accessibility difficult for many people. To access this shelter, you need to climb a steep slope through a maze of boulders located on a hillside. Navigating through these boulders can be quite challenging. The length of this hillside is a steep slope which is 43 feet long.
So wear the right hiking shoes to climb Handprint Shelter in order to prevent injury while engaging in the sport of climbing or the sport of hiking. Climbing rock shelters can be considerably dangerous. So wear hiking boots.
One you reach the outside of this shelter, you will be able to see a beautiful view of Barton Creek and Gus Fruh Park itself. The view from looking outside is similar to an aerial view as this cave. You will be surrounded by a view of trees, shelters, and cliffs. And also houses, apartment complexes, and businesses.
Unfortunately several graffiti markings can be found all over the outside and inside. This unsettling sight of destruction is troubling to some. Junkies have used this shelter to do drugs in. Not surprising since this area is a haven for junkies.
Here is some history behind Handprint Shelter.
Donald L. Widener of Texas Speleological Survey was the first person to discover Handprint Shelter. Donald L. Widener of Texas Speleological Survey discovered both Handprint Shelter and Handprint Cave in 1948 while going out to explore caves and shelters in Austin. (Ref: Texas Cave Survey:, Vol. 1, No. 3, page 19)
Handprint Shelter is located at 1728 Glencliff Drive, Austin, Texas, US 78704.
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