Handprint Cave is one of the lesser known caves of Austin, Texas which is not as widely known. This news article will explain and explore the geology and nature pertaining to Handprint Cave. 
Handprint Cave is one of many caves located Barton Creek about 2 miles west of Barton Springs and 4 miles southwest of Downtown Austin. This small and narrow cave is southwest of Hobo Cave. This cave 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 Cave is one of the separate distinct caves located in Gus Fruh Park and Barton Creek Preserve. Handprint Cave is located feature farther up the cliff from Campbell’s Hole Shelter Cave. However Handprint Cave 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 Cave is located at the same depth level as Handprint Shelter. (Ref: https://www.texasspeleologicalsurvey.org/PDF/TSS_Volume1/TSS%201(1)%20compressed.pdf)
The Texas Journal of Science describes Handprint Cave and 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 cave is native limestone. Many caves 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 cave. Iron ore is the most common natural element found in this cave next to limestone. Limestone and iron ore are natural resources which can be found in this cave. 
Access is difficult because this cave is located on a cliff side. The high distance above ground makes accessibility difficult for many people. To access this cave, 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 Cave in order to prevent injury while engaging in the sport of climbing or the sport of hiking. Climbing caves can be considerably dangerous. So wear hiking boots.
One you reach the outside of this cave, 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 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 cave to do drugs in. Not surprising since this area is a haven for junkies.
Donald L. Widener of Texas Speleological Survey was the first person to discover Handprint Cave and Handprint Shelter. Donald L. Widener of Texas Speleological Survey discovered Handprint Cave and Handprint Shelter in 1948 while going out to explore caves and shelters in Austin. (Ref: Texas Cave Survey:, Vol. 1, No. 3, page 19)
Handprint Cave is located at 1728 Glencliff Drive, Austin, Texas, US 78704.
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