Hueco Tanks Historic Site

Hueco Tanks Historic Site Review

This park, named after natural, water-holding stone basins called huecos, is internationally renowned for its rock climbing and is a big draw for lovers of the pictographs left by the Apache, Kiowa, and Jornada Mogollon tribes who dwelt here. Due to past vandalism of the petroglyphs, rangers now accompany visitors to the sensitive areas of the park, and reservations for tours (such as the pictograph tour, as well as birding and bouldering tours) are required. Rock climbing without a guide is an option, and so is camping, since park staff are located throughout the park and keep an eye on visitors' activities. From downtown El Paso, take U.S. 62/180 32 mi northeast, turn north on Ranch RoAD 2775; follow signs. Call two days before your trip, as the number of visitors allowed is limited. Reservations are required to get in the park, unless visitors are among the first ten at the door when the park opens at 8 am.