Hueco Tanks SHS

Sacred Desert Sanctuary
For thousands of years, people have trekked to these rock hills in far west Texas. In earlier times, they came for the rainwater pooled in natural rock basins, or huecos (?whey-coes?). Visitors today marvel at the imagery left by those ancient people.
Things to Do
At Hueco Tanks, you can hike, rock climb, bird watch, study nature and history, picnic and stargaze. Visitors can take guided and self-guided tours to view rock imagery. Visit our Activities page to learn more.
Stop by our interpretive center, in a historic ranch house, to learn about the park and its history. The park store at headquarters sells gifts and other items.
Hueco Tanks is mainly a day-use park. However, we do have 20 campsites .
Access to the park is restricted to protect its fragile resources. Hueco Tanks has guided and self-guided areas; you may only access the guided area on a tour.
Self-guided Area: Seventy people are allowed in the North Mountain area at a time. We reach this limit often on weekends and holidays, and from November through March. To avoid a wait, make reservations before you come. Call (512) 389-8911.
Orientation Video: You must watch our video before you can camp or visit the self-guided area. Return visitors must watch the video once a year.
Tours: Tours must be booked in advance, and depend on guide availability. Call (915) 849-6684.
Pets: Pets can only walk on paved surfaces and on the picnic area trail. They must be on leash. Do not leave pets alone in a vehicle.
No Late Check-in: Campers must arrive at least one hour before the park closes for check-in and orientation.
No Campfires: Fires that produce ash can damage the rock images, so we do not allow charcoal or firewood in the park. Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome volunteers at Hueco Tanks! Visit the Volunteer page (keyword search on ?Hueco?) to find out how you can help.
Ranger Programs
Rangers and volunteers lead pictograph, hiking, birding and rock climbing tours. Advance reservations are required. Tours are $2 per person, age 5 and up, with paid entry to the park.
Visit our Activities page for more information.
Check the Events page for upcoming tours and programs.
Ask at headquarters about borrowing a Junior Ranger Explorer Pack for the kids in your group! Area Attractions
El Paso offers museums, parks, art galleries, history, culture and more.
Fort Bliss? museums focus on post and 1 st Armored Division history. Old Fort Bliss showcases military life on the frontier. Visit Texas Mountain Trail Region to learn more about this and other points of interest.
The El Paso Uplands Loop , part of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails, takes you to the best places to see native wildlife in this area.