Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

This is one of my favorite places. We visit often; there is something in the air that just calms my soul. Volunteering here has really immersed us in the culture of this magical place. The staff are wonderful and helpful. The mountains, history, and pictographs are worth the drive! Be sure to call at least a week in advance, up to 3 months, and get on a guided tour. You can see a lot in the self guided area, but the tours take you to the next level. Just be aware that you must attend a 15 minute orientation when you visit (once a year,) as the park has a deep history that needs to be understood and respected. Check the website and get all the details so you won't be surprised when you arrive (there are attendance limits and other info you should know;) but again: the effort is very much worth it!

Wonderful place to hike and see gorgeous desert scenery when the weather is nice. You do have to stop at the station at the entrance to pay fee and check in. Also you have to watch a video first if it's your first time at the park. Worth it to see this stunning place.

Really enjoyed my visit. The tour was fantastic with the volunteer being very knowledgeable of the pictographs, then doing the self guided tour, climbing around on North Mountain and getting some good pictures of the Aoudad Sheep

Stunning place and a great day out exploring. Two things about the management of the park that could be improved: 1) It took us two months to get a reservation on a weekend. Fair enough, it's a busy time during the cooler months, so we thought. However, it seems that perhaps 80% of the permits issued on the day were held by boulderers, who also had their pads all over the hiking routes. Seems that a share of the day use permits should be help back for hikers/people exploring the park who aren't bouldering. 2) There are many signs throughout the park telling you what can't be climbed or accessed. But essentially no signs showing you the directions to the petroglyphs. It would save much getting lost if the maps were improved, signage improved and we didn't have to rely on vague printed instructions you have to ask for at the front desk, which you then have to decipher phrases such such as 'turn right at the rock which looks like a duck'.

Kiddo and I love exploring Hueco Tanks. We always find a new route, see new things. Only downfall is the sometimes long wait time. On our last trip, we had to wait an hour to be admitted to the park because we had to wait for people to leave the park. Once we got up on the rocks, we saw climbers just napping on their mattresses.

Great park. Limited for 3 night only. Only 20 spots.but don't go if you are not planning to visit the historical site.which need permit. And book a tour.if to, there no reason to come her.

Great way to spend a day! Wear good hiking shoes and enjoy some beautiful scenery! My only complaint is that our peaceful adventure was constantly interrupted by gun fire from a nearby shooting range.