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. Explore those by:

• Guided tour: You must book tours a minimum of one week in advance by calling (915) 857-1135. 
• Self-guided visit: We issue permits for 70 people to access the North Mountain area each day. To make sure you get in, reserve permits up to three months before your visit by calling (512) 389-8911. Learn about reserving permits on our Activities page.

To protect our park, please follow these guidelines:

• 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.
• Pets: Pets are not allowed on the mountains or most trails in the park except one. Day-use visitors' pets are only allowed on the Picnic Area Trail and a short portion of the roadway and parking areas between the campground gate and the North Mountain Gate. Campers' pets are allowed in the campground and along the campground roadway, as well as in the same areas as day-use visitor pets. Pets must be on a leash. Pick up after your pets, and do not leave them 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.
• Drones/UAVs: Unmanned aerial vehicles are not allowed within our park boundaries. More about drones in our parks.

Get involved

We welcome volunteers at Hueco Tanks! Visit the Volunteer page to find out how you can help.

Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

Rangers and volunteers lead pictograph, hiking, birding and rock climbing tours. Advance reservations are required. Tours are $5 per person ages 13 and up, $2 per person ages 2-12, with paid entry to the park.

• Visit our Activities page for more information.
• Check the Events page for upcoming tours and programs.
• Learn more about the park on our Nature and History pages. 
• For the kids:
  • Ask at headquarters about borrowing a Junior Ranger Explorer Pack.
  • Download Junior Ranger Activities at Hueco Tanks | PDF.

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.