Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site — Attraction in Horizon City

My time here started off negatively when I discovered that you can not make online reservations here, you are forced to call. We tried to go hiking here 15 years ago when my son was stationed here but they were full and would not let us in. So this was the first time we'd gotten in. After a 4 hour miserable drive I walk inside to register and am told that even though I have put all my information into their computer with my reservation, including my name, license plate numbers, State Park Pass number, etc., that I have to do it all again on their paper form. They claimed they don't have any of the information, though oddly they did find my reservation. Not sure how they did that if NONE of my information was in their computer. I think they just lied. The next day when I went to get a hiking permit I AGAIN had to give all my information that they already had and fill out a manual form. Told me to drive down the road and show my yellow check in form to someone else, I did, they told me to put the form on my dash, park, and go inside for a video orientation. I did. But then they needed the form, even though they told me to put it on my dash. So I had to go back to get the form. It kind of felt like the day I reported to MEPS, bunch of people in uniform giving me conflicting directions. All the staff were kind of off putting, made me feel unwelcome. Got to the site only to find out that it was completely perpendicular to the road and both sides of the road were lined with thick shrubs and trees and lots of boulders. So needless to say getting into the site was not fun. The dump station is by the restroom building. It's just a side-in along the road and if someone is using it you may not be able to get past. Restrooms are functional, but not clean. Big clump of hair in the shower drain, trash on the floor. It's dark inside, bathroom has a single 75w bulb and the shower has just a 40w bulb. There is also a light switch in the shower which I'm sure it not to code. Showers take a minute to get hot and then really hot, then another minute to adjust to tolerable level. There are only 20 sites, very small CG. And surprised that only 9 were occupied when we were here, 2 of those by hosts. There is a gate at the entrance to the CG and you are required to open and close it when you drive through it. Most sites have ramadas and picnic tables but all are either on the wrong side of the site or are far behind the site. The whole park is very small. I would not recommend more than 2 days. The petroglyphs a pictographs are interesting, and we did a hike. But not much here. And I was shocked that this close to El Paso the park had no armed park police. We camped at Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site in a...

I learned a lot on Hueco Tanks State Park, from the video that they offer on place and my own readings after that : a geological masterpiece, unfolds its ancient narrative through intricate rock formations shaped by eons of erosion and weathering. Composed mainly of syenite and granite, these majestic rocks stand as silent witnesses to the dynamic forces that have sculpted our planet over millions of years.

Scientifically enthralling, the park's granitic formations reveal the profound story of Earth's geological evolution. Intricate textures and pockets, born from the interplay of elemental forces, showcase the resilience of these rocks, a testament to the enduring beauty of nature's handiwork.

Venturing into Hueco Tanks at sunset, the rocks come alive with hues that defy description, a canvas painted by the fading light. The desert sun casts its final embrace, bathing the rocks in a palette of warm colors. Reds, oranges, and purples dance across the surfaces, creating a surreal tapestry that mirrors the fiery sky above. The play of shadows on the textured surfaces amplifies the park's allure, evoking a sense of wonder and serenity.

Yet, amidst this beauty lies a delicate ecosystem. During rainfall, dormant life within the rocks awakens. Cryptobiotic soil, teeming with cyanobacteria and lichens, breathes life into the arid landscape. A living crust, these organisms contribute to soil stability and nutrient cycling, forming a microscopic ballet beneath our feet.

A word of caution echoes through the rocks: tread lightly. Even during dry spells, the cryptobiotic soil remains fragile. Stepping on these living patches disrupts the intricate web of life, jeopardizing the delicate balance that sustains the park's ecosystem. To truly appreciate and preserve the wonders of Hueco Tanks, let each step be a dance with awareness, a commitment to safeguarding the beauty and scientific marvels that grace this extraordinary landscape. In the heart of this geological sanctuary, let our admiration be a pledge to preserve, ensuring that future generations can still be enchanted by the symphony of rocks and life that is Hueco...

Registration and orientation video as you enter. They carefully track how many people are in the park at any time; day users as well as campers. Prior to arrival, we were notified of a water well project taking place in the park. Due to the water shortage, they were asking campers to help conserve water through May 31st, 2022. We were given the option of canceling with full refund or rescheduling without penalty. We opted to do as they requested: “please make sure to fill up your water tank before arrival to the park, we can’t guarantee access to water.” Outstanding customer service!

Site #2 was spacious with good separation by distance and natural buffers from neighbors. This site had two tent pads as well as a shelter with table. Levelers required. North Mountain was our back yard.

ATT and Verizon reception good enough for email and internet access. Streaming possible but with stutters.

The park closes at six and no one is allowed inside the park other than registered campers; and we were restricted to the campsite area beyond the yellow entrance gate.

Guided Tour

Nicole, our tour guide, shared her love and knowledge of this park during a walk that last just over 2.5 hours. That was shorter than promised at the beginning; however Nicole paced our group of 10 based on the strengths of what the weakest could accomplish. Our group ranged in age from late 70s to a couple of infants (that’s a whole other issue that should be addressed). This necessitated by-passing a sharp ascent over boulders to the dam and access to Mescalero Canyon.

Worth the time and money ($2 pp) to access off limit areas of...