Hueco Tanks State Historic Site is located in Texas, approximately 23 mi (37 km) from El Paso.
Understand
Hueco Tanks is an area of significant historical interest, and also an incredibly beautiful natural area. The "tanks" are reservoirs of water that fill up during the rare desert rains. Hueco Tanks is also well known for its rock climbing areas.
History
The site has been visited by Native Americans for 10,000 years, as evidenced by a Folsom point arrowhead found here. Indian paintings are hidden in its caves.
Landscape
The syenite boulders form nooks and crannies which rise hundreds of feet above the desert floor. See the picture above to get a sense of the experience of a world-famous climbing site.
Flora and fauna
The site is part of the Chihuahuan desert. Mammoths rubbed their backs on the boulders at one spot (ask about this on the ranger tour).
Climate
Desert. Hot in the summer, cool in the winter.
Get in
East: Driving out of the Guadalupe Mountains west, about one hour.West: Driving from El Paso, go east on Montana Ave., US Route 180, for about 23 miles. Turn north on Ranch-Market 2775 until you see the site.
Fees and permits
It costs $5 per person to visit the park for any length of time. Children under 12 are free.
Much of the park is restricted and requires signing up for special ranger-guided tours to see certain areas. In addition, during inclement weather, the park may be partially closed off. It's best to take the ranger-guided tour to appreciate its features.
Get around
All of Hueco Tanks is best viewed by foot. It is not a very wheelchair-accessible area and for persons with handicaps, much of the park will be inaccessible. If you move slowly and take time to rest on the many boulders, you can still enjoy the park.
See
- Historic sites and art
- A landscape teeming with desert flora and fauna
Do
- Hiking
- Rock climbing
- Ranger-guided tours