Wondering if anyone on here has heard of, explored or researched the Robber Baron cave system in San Antonio. If you Don't know what it is, it's a massive cave system running under a residential area of the city. This system has many openings and I think there are some that have not been closed up yet. I've always heard stories of friends parents exploring sections of it but have never heard it first hand.I believe I found a potential opening deep in some woods that may not have been sealed up. Caving is not my thing especially with how many people have died and been seriously injured in this system but the childhood curiosity of this system may get the best of me.

Here is a map from the 70s and an old photo I found just for some eye candy.

Posted by Gauge- Wondering if anyone on here has heard of, explored or researched the Robber Baron cave system in San Antonio. If you Don't know what it is, it's a massive cave system running under a residential area of the city. This system has many openings and I think there are some that have not been closed up yet. I've always heard stories of friends parents exploring sections of it but have never heard it first hand.I believe I found a potential opening deep in some woods that may not have been sealed up. Caving is not my thing especially with how many people have died and been seriously injured in this system but the childhood curiosity of this system may get the best of me. Here is a map from the 70s and an old photo I found just for some eye candy. https://drscdn.500...0c5e0c1f089af678df[/eimg] https://drscdn.500...c67fa5cd4a1a23b91d[/eimg]

Just an observation, but the map doesn't look like a natural cave system. I wonder if part of an existing cave was mined for some useful mineral? Just my .02 worth...

Abby Normal

Google. It's a hell of a thing.

https://www.tcmaca...erves/robberbaron/

It is a protected habitat under care of the Texas Cave Management Association (TCMA). Aside from inaccurate mapping of a true labyrinth, and the dangers of caving to those experienced, let alone those with NO experience, I would recommend you stay the eff out just based on the protected status. If you did decide to give it a go anyway, I would not share that to a public forum. It won't be well rec'd, and could be used evidence against you. BUT - you can get on the mailing list for the next open house:

https://www.tcmaca...n/visit/#openhouse

It also seems sinkholes that expose access to the system are not uncommon. You may have found one. In fact, if you reported it, they just might reward you with special guided access if you asked. Or they could short list you to the top of next open house. They don't state as such, but protective organizations are often very gracious when you point out a newly exposed POEs.

https://tpwd.texas...000_1405_03_10.pdf

They also have a call out to the public to help solve mysteries, lore, and urban legends surrounding the caves. You may have heard tales from your friend's parents that they don't know about. Consider contacting the Preserve Manager

[email protected]

Point being, and IMHO, if there is way to do thing the right way and avoid being the part of a problem, it should at least be given an effort. Who knows - your reaching out now may in 10yrs have you on a volunteer team exploring new passages....

Just an observation, but the map doesn't look like a natural cave system. I wonder if part of an existing cave was mined for some useful mineral? Just my .02 worth...

From my understanding it was never mined and just used as a attraction during its popularity.

It is a protected habitat under care of the Texas Cave Management Association (TCMA). Aside from inaccurate mapping of a true labyrinth, and the dangers of caving to those experienced, let alone those with NO experience, I would recommend you stay the eff out just based on the protected status. If you did decide to give it a go anyway, I would not share that to a public forum. It won't be well rec'd, and could be used evidence against you. BUT - you can get on the mailing list for the next open house:

I saw it was protected but I was not quite sure what that meant so thank you for the advice.

It also seems sinkholes that expose access to the system are not uncommon. You may have found one. In fact, if you reported it, they just might reward you with special guided access if you asked. Or they could short list you to the top of next open house. They don't state as such, but protective organizations are often very gracious when you point out a newly exposed POEs.

This is something I would have never even though was a possibility but I will now being going to see if what I think is an entrance is and reporting it as I would love the slightest chance of a proper exploration.

Thank you fr00tCake for the help and encouragement to go the right direction instead of the wrong.

i would recommend getting in contact with the Bexar Grotto.