Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark, meaning it’s a site that holds cultural and historical significance to the entire United States.

“Hueco Tanks is one of the most unique and special places in Texas,” says Rodney Franklin, Texas state parks director. “It’s an honor to care for a place with deep connections to so many people.”

Between 3,000 and 6,000 pictographs can be found at 860-acre Hueco Tanks, including the largest concentration of painted masks or face-like figures in North America, as well as extensive archeological deposits.

“The combination of these resources, as well as the oral histories and traditions of modern tribal communities, help tell the story of those who have lived and traveled through the area for more than 10,000 years,” says Tim Roberts, a TPWD cultural resources coordinator.

The Jornada Mogollon people, early farmers who lived in the area 550 to 1,800 years ago, considered Hueco Tanks to be a sacred place. The images they painted on the rocks represent the beginnings of the Southwestern Katsina belief system that still guides Puebloan societies today.

The Kiowa, Mescalero Apache, Comanche, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and the people of the Pueblo of Isleta consider the site to be a meaningful part of their heritage.

Hueco Tanks was acquired by the state in 1969 and opened to the public a year later. Texas’ other National Historic Landmarks include the Lower Pecos Canyonlands Archeological District and the Alamo.

In order to protect the park’s fragile resources, access to certain areas is restricted. However, the park offers several activities to visitors including self-guided tours, guided tours, camping, world-class rock climbing and more.

Make reservations for day use visits, campsites and tours at (512) 389-8911.