Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
El Paso, TX
Granite hills east of El Paso with rain-filled rock basins and hundreds of painted masks and pictographs. Day visits are capped, so reserve a permit online; much of the site is open only on guided tours.
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site lies in the far west of Texas, just over 30 miles (about 50 km) northeast of El Paso. Across 860 acres, three small granite mountains rise with depressions that collect rainwater; “hueco” is Spanish for “hollow”. This water made the place a desert oasis: people have used it for at least 10,000 years.
The park is known for its rock art. Staff estimate more than 2,000 pictographs, some about 5,000 years old; the more impressive ones lie deeper in the park. From about October to early April, Hueco Tanks is also regarded as one of the world’s best climbing areas; in summer the rock is often too hot.
For road-trippers: a daily visitor quota applies, and reservations can be made up to 90 days ahead. You can explore North Mountain on your own only with a permit reserved in advance, and the deeper areas only on a booked guided tour. Anyone going on their own or camping first watches an orientation video. There are 20 campsites at park headquarters; campfires are banned because of the rock art (as of October 2026, check in advance).
- Nearest town
- El Paso, TX
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 31.9253, -106.0431
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May, September and December. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hueco Tanks State Park CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
- Motorhome stopoverMotorhome stopover18 mi from Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic SiteMotorhomes
- Mission RV ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic SiteMotorhomes
- Ft Bliss RV ParkMotorhome stopover24 mi from Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic SiteMotorhomes
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site?
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is in El Paso, TX, at GPS 31.9253, -106.0431. It is about 50 mi from Las Cruces.
Can you camp near Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hueco Tanks State Park Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site?
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Guadalupe Mountains: from El Paso to the top of Texas.
What is there to see near Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site?
Places worth a stop nearby: White Sands National Park (62 mi), Guadalupe Peak Trail (Pine Springs) (72 mi), Frijole Ranch (73 mi) and McKittrick Canyon (76 mi).
When is the best time to visit Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site?
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)