Hueco Tanks Historical Site

We spent two days touring this unique state park located 30 miles from El Paso. For ecological reasons, only allow 75 people are allowed in the park at one time, so it is good to make reservations. On our first day there, we did some hiking through the highly unusual rocky trails. In addition to the seeing unique formations, we witnessed nimble young mountain climbers negotiating some of the highest mountains in the park. Pictographs left by early inhabitants were interesting and challenging in terms of their meaning.

We had only one problem: there was no card in the digital camera. What to do? It was an easy decision;we would come back. Fortunately, there was a hike scheduled the next day with only a couple of slots still available. A volunteer reserved them for us and said, “No one knows this park better than Heinz, who will be your guide. He has even written a book.” That was enough to kindle our enthusiasm.

The next day, at 9:45 a.m. 18 of us followed Heinz through striking, narrow, rocky passes and over many scenic trails. He seemed to know so much about the plants and their value to the early inhabitants of the park. He also had a unique understanding of the culture of the early people and their interesting drawings that have survived the ages. Heinz got so involved in the trail tour that our hike lasted nearly four hours instead of the projected two and a half. We enjoyed the park so much that we have volunteered to serve as hosts for several weeks next winter.