Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

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) 849-6684.

• 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 90 days 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 any gravel trails or mountains. Day-use visitors' pets are only allowed on the paved picnic area trail and a short portion of the roadway. 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.