Hueco Tanks State Historical Site - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Hueco Tanks State Historical Site
Country:	United States
State:	Texas
Nearby Town:	El Paso
Rating:
Directions:	Hueco is about 30 miles east of El Paso, Texas. From El Paso, head east on highway 62/180. Follow the signs to Carlsbad and turn left (North) on farm road 2775. About eight miles later you will hit the park gates.
Total Hike Distance:	6.00 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Moderate to Difficult
Permit Required:	Yes
Hike Type:	Roundtrip, Loop Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	Visitor's center
Trails Used:	The only trail is the one that leads around the base. Once you are on the rocks, you are on your own.
Backcountry Campsites:	No
Backcountry Water Sources:	Lakes
Management:	State Park Service
Contact Information:	915-849-6684 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/hueco/
Best Season:	Winter, Spring, Fall
Users:	Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	This is primarily a day hike and rock climbing area, but there is plenty to interest a hardcroe hiker. The terrain is very challenging, trails are non-existent, and there are caves and ancient rock art (pictographs and petroglyphs) galore. Only North Mountain is open for self guided tours, and they limit it to 70 people a day, so call ahead for reservations. During the summer it is brutally hot, so try for any other season. Water is flat not there, except in the large hueco (tank) at the bottom of North Mountain. There is a pool large enough to water an army, and after rains, smaller pools may form almost anywhere on the mountain. Rock climbing is popular here, and it appears very challenging. People have ben frequenting this area for centuries because of the water, so artifacts may inlcude items from the Spanish colonial period, cavalry, or even later. There is also the remains of the ruins Butterfield Stage Lines building, which was established in 1858. The view from the top is worth the trip!!!!! Be aware, this is a volcanic rock area, and if you jsut charge ahead you can find yourself in a position where advanced rock climbing is your only option. Scout your path before you commit, or your weaker hikers will be in bad shape.