Hiking to Aztec Cave
An autumn hike in the Franklin Mountains State Park, within the city limits of El Paso, Texas
Henry and I finally had the same day off on Friday, November 12. We had our breakfast at El Jacalito as per usual and then made our way to Franklin Mountains State Park to hike off the calories.
A few handy details for the prospective visitor is that entry is $5 per person. There is a decent gift shop and interpretive center at the entrance to the park. And they have really cool tarantulas crawling around the area to greet visitors.
The trail is 1.2 miles up a very rocky and steep ascent that ends at the Aztec Cave. The elevation rises from just under 5100 feet to just over 5500 feet.
I wonder where the name came from. Is this where the Aztecs originated or is this some white man’s idea of a cool name?
Above, the Aztec Trail trailhead beckons.
Above, Henry memorializes his entry at the trailhead.
The video above will give you an idea of the terrain. This is not a trail for the beginner, but it’s manageable if you go slow.
Here, you see me walking with purpose to the cave.
Henry stands at a large boulder about halfway up.
I gaze out into the void from just inside the cave.
Henry documents the moment just below the cave entrance.
Resting. Because that’s one hell of a hike.
Looking out from inside the cave reveals a vaguely Afghanistan-like shape.
We made it and now for the hike down.
Thanks for joining us.
Great hike. If you’re feeling ambitious you can keep climbing up, and eventually find your way to the trail that leads to Mundy’s Gap. The trail isn’t on a map, which makes it even more awesome.