Hueco Tanks State Park

Notable for its unusual rock formations, Hueco Tanks State Park is beloved by rock climbers. It served as a shelter for ancient peoples, whose paintings can be seen in caves in these folded mountains, simply because the indentations in the rocks held rainwater. These are the huecos. Marked trails lead around both the base of the mountains and up into their rocky flanks, with chains placed in steep areas to enable you to climb up the slopes. Up is easier than down, we found, but it's worth getting up high enough for the views of the surrounding desert. Permits are required in advance, as only 70 visitors are allowed to this fragile landscape each day. An orientation is necessary when you enter. The state park also has 20 campsites and a visitor center with interpretive displays.