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Reporter |
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 71 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review Fairly easy as far as endurance is concerned, however, there is a lot (meaning nearly the whole trail) of loose rock. The last section is fairly steep and loose. Coming down can be tricky. We had some very experienced hikers take spills (including myself with 20 + years of experience)and when you fall on this hike, you're going to get cut up. We also had several kids under the age of ten with us and they were able to do the hike. These kids have also been on several hikes of varying degrees of difficulty and length. They slipped often. Now, all that being said it was a fast hike with great scenery and fun exploring around the caves and I would do the hike again. Such a wonderful hike, one of my favorites. I've done this hike a few times and although it is a moderate trail I find it very enjoyable. Especially the bit of rock climbing that can be done around the three larger caves. It wonderful! The scenery is absolutely beautiful too, both ascending and descending. I will always revisit this trail. This was my first hike in a desert - I was so afraid of snakes that I turned around halfway. I do want to come back after I learn some Texas hiking safety facts, and with a buddy. I did see lots of cool looking lizards. There is a sign by the paved road that leads to the trailhead so you can't miss it. There were no rangers around and just a box to put money in, and I only had a 20 dollar bill so... sorry! I do plan to buy a year park pass asap so I figured it was ok. A very peaceful and enjoyable hike. Easy hiking most of the way. Watch your footing on the loose rubble towards the last stretch. A nice place with a great view to have lunch. The caves are easily visible from the parking area. It took me 20 mins to hike up to them. I wore my hear rate monitor watch on the hike. Max HR was 182, avaerage was 126. Spent 10 minutes taking photos and then hiked back down. Its a very easy hike and saw many kids and some elderly guys going up and down. perfect $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. 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||