park in El Paso County, Texas, United States of America
Hueco Tanks State Historic Site is located in Texas, approximately 23 mi (37 km) from El Paso.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Desert. Hot in the summer, cool in the winter.
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.
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.
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.