Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is an 860-acre park located approximately 32 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas. The park is named for the large natural rock basins or "huecos" that collect rainwater, which has made this area a desert oasis for thousands of years.

The park consists of three syenite mountains, a type of igneous rock similar to granite. These rock formations were created about 35 million years ago when magma pushed upward and cooled beneath a layer of limestone. Over time, wind and water eroded the limestone, leaving behind the distinctive rock formations seen today.

Hueco Tanks is renowned for its geological, historical, and cultural significance. The site contains over 3,000 rock paintings and carvings, some dating back thousands of years. These pictographs and petroglyphs represent the artwork of various Native American groups, including the Jornada Mogollon people who occupied the area around 1150 A.D.

The unique environment of Hueco Tanks supports a diverse ecosystem not typically found in the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. The park is home to various plant and animal species, including several that are rare or endangered. Over 200 bird species have been documented in the park, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.

To protect its fragile resources, access to the park is restricted. Visitors can explore the North Mountain area on self-guided tours, while other areas require guided tours. The park offers hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, and picnicking opportunities. An interpretive center housed in a historic ranch building provides information about the park's natural and cultural history.

Camping is available at the park, with 20 campsites equipped with various amenities. However, to preserve the park's resources, campfires are not allowed, and visitors must use camp stoves with containerized fuel for cooking.