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Summary: From the trailhead, follow the trail up in a S-SE direction for 0.72 miles to arrive at the cave. There are benches for resting at several scenic overlooks along the trail. This is a good trail for kids and dogs. Trailhead: From the junction of I-10 and Trans-Mountain road, go east on Trans-Mountain road 3.8 miles. Turn left at the park entrance. Stop and pay the park fee at the gate, or proceed to the ranger booth as the signs direct. Once past the ranger booth, proceed into the park and turn right at the third paved road going right. Follow the paved road to the parking lot at the top. The large wooden sign board is the trailhead. Aztec Cave is plainly visible on the mountainside. (Lat:31.92817 Lon:-106.50936) Trail Guides for FMSP - Aztec Cave: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife, Franklin Mountain State Park. (915) 566-6441 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Michael P. Olbrisch, who has posted 68 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review $4 per day, per person 13 and older , you pay no matter how long you stay. nice hike, but was disappointed there was no sign tell why people thing it is a aztec cave. Did this hike on a cloudy, cool morning was absolutely beautiful. Was an fairly easy hike did it with a 8 and 10 y.o. The caves were a wonderful destination point, great hike to get the kids excited about the outdoors! A great place to take first timers. My youngest daughter and I did this hike on 3May09. We expected a good Alabama or Virginia climb i.e lower altitude and tons of humidity. The footing was exciting(I fell and my daughter slid). BUT we did it just so we would not be shown up by six count them! SIX little kids under 8 years of age. Hiked up on Good Friday. It was a clear blue day and the view from the top was amazing. Made the trip with several youngsters a 9, 6, 5, and 2 year old and one 4 month old strapped to her Momma. Cannot stress enough how tricky the footing is on the approach to the cave. It is mostly crushed stone and gravel and it is very slippery in some areas. Many of the little ones have bruises on their cabooses from having slipped, especially on the descent. Make sure to bring correct change, $4 per adult, under 12 free. The upper portion of the Aztec cave trail are crude steps with tricky footing, lots of loose rock and gravel. Watch your footing and wear good stiff shoes or boots. A nice climbing hike from the parking area. Gates close at 5pm, you need to be out of the park. The park is open 0600-1700 (6a-5p). Be sure to get there at least an hour before closing, because they shut the gates early! We hiked this today, it wasnt too bad but boy like they said if your out of shape your gonna pay for it. Although Im out of shape I carried our 7 month old daughter in her carrying back pack up to the right cave. Were gonna do this one again, the kids really enjoyed the view and the cave. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Texas Hiking, Texas Trails, Texas Hikes, El Paso County Hiking, El Paso County Trails, El Paso County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||