Hueco Tanks, Texas

Out in the desert of western Texas, N.E. of El Paso, are remnants of volcanic activity.  Rocks warn by age but standing tall in contrast to the flat desert floor, were known by Native Americans for thousands of years, to hold water.  Rain had hard pockets that created pools of water for plants and animals so these little oasis's attracted early humans.

Hueco tanks, is only one, but the best known cluster of these rock formations.

*** Pictograph showing battle between 20 Indians and 800 Mexican forces--- only 1 Indian lost.***
This drawn display was taken from drawings done around 1939, by a team of artists.

***As you can see, the pictograph was seriously lightened or lost by the cleaning process.***

There is evidence that early hunters even trapped Mammoth and Mastodons here.  Pictographs (pictures) painted on many surfaces, show them telling the stories even though we cannot fully understand what they are, some have been deciphered.

The campground was small and closed off from the general public by a locked gate.  Park personnel travel around in pick ups checking on the safety of rock climbers and hikers as well as verifying that no one is damaging the historical nature of the park.  Sadly, this is required.  In 1992, the park was close to clean up damage from vandals, specifically graffiti.

The cleaning process usually damaged the original art or at least lightened it but at least if was now presentable to the general public.

 Descendants of these Indians still live locally and come here to visit their heritage.  At this particular painting, they were taking family photos, representing the  "stairs to the underworld."

2/3rd's of the Park are off limits, unless seen with a Park Guide.  This is done to protect what is left.

 Remnants of a corral for horses of the early mail delivery company, from St. Louis to San Francisco.

Rabbits were everywhere, but driving in, I was lucky to catch 2 deer feeding alongside the road.  I slowed to a stop, then tooted my horn to get them over the fence to safe territory.

A very relaxing place and I enjoyed hiking the area and one of the Guided trips.