Why is it called Hueco Tanks?

Why is it called Hueco Tanks?

Weathering and erosion exposed and sculpted the present rock masses which, as a result, are heavily fractured and recessed with hollows that trap and contain water, attracting ani- mals and humans. These hollows are called “huecos” in Spanish, hence the name Hueco Tanks.

Where in Texas is Hueco Tanks?

El Paso County
Hueco Tanks is an area of low mountains and historic site in El Paso County, Texas, in the United States. It is located in a high-altitude desert basin between the Franklin Mountains to the west and the Hueco Mountains to the east.

What kind of rock is Hueco Tanks?

igneous
The rocky hills of Hueco Tanks are a granite-like, igneous material called porphyritic syenite. Cacti, sotol, and other desert plants thrive within the cracks and crevices in the rock as well as on the basin floor.

What purpose did the Hueco Tanks serve?

Throughout the last 10,000 years, Hueco Tanks has provided water, food and shelter to travelers in the Chihuahuan Desert. People left clues to their stories in the pictographs and petroglyphs found here. Early hunter-gatherers pursued game across the desert.

Is there water at Hueco Tanks?

Life-giving rainwater Water comes to Hueco Tanks in a variety of ways. Runoff from the Hueco Mountains flows through arroyos on either side of the park.

How do you climb a Hueco Tank?

Hike in the self-guided or guided areas of the park.

1. Call (512) 389-8911 to make a reservation to hike the self-guided area.
2. Call (915) 849-6684 before your visit to request a hiking tour. We schedule tours Wednesday through Sunday, if a guide is available.

Do you need a reservation for Hueco Tanks?

Rangers and volunteers lead pictograph, hiking, birding and rock climbing tours. Advance reservations are required. Tours are $2 per person, age 5 and up, with paid entry to the park.

How do you get into Hueco Tanks?

Tours

1. You can only access West Mountain, East Mountain and East Spur with a tour guide.
2. Request tours for Wednesdays through Sundays throughout the year by calling (915) 849-6684 before your visit. Due to staff time constraints, we can only give tours if requested early enough to confirm a guide.

What county is Hueco Tanks in?

El Paso County, Texas
Hueco Tanks is an area of low mountains in El Paso County, Texas, and is located in a high-altitude desert basin between the Franklin Mountains to the west and the Hueco Mountains to the east.

Do you need reservations for Hueco Tanks?

Self-guided visit: We issue permits for 70 people to access the North Mountain area each day. To make sure you get in, reserve permits up to 90 days before your visit by calling (512) 389-8911. Learn about reserving permits on our Activities page.

Is Franklin Mountains open?

Gate. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

How do I reserve my Hueco Tank?

Call (512) 389-8911 to make a reservation to visit the self-guided area. To request a guided tour, call (915) 849-6684 before your visit. We offer three tours with different routes and difficulty. Tours are Wednesday through Sunday, if a guide is available.

Do you need a guide for Hueco Tanks?

Tours. One of the best ways to explore Hueco Tanks is on a tour. Your guide will show you the area, answer your questions, and explain the park’s natural and cultural history. You can only access West Mountain, East Mountain and East Spur with a tour guide.

What did the Tiguas use for shelter?

Hueco Tanks is a sacred place to the Tigua Indians of Ysleta del Sur and was used to provide shelter and water to Native Americans. Today, the Tigua Indians use the area for prayer and gatherings.

How much does it cost to go to Franklin Mountains State Park?

$5 per day
DAY USE FEE: $5 per day, per person 13 and older.

Why is Ron Coleman Trail closed?

The Ron Coleman Trail, which is accessible from the canyon, remains closed due to a restoration project.

When should I climb my Hueco Tank?

Best season Avoid visiting Hueco too long after April, as the temps being to creep well into the 100s during the summer months. The park’s busy season is throughout the winter and holiday weekends, but the best time to go is right before the actual climbing season starts (mid November to mid April).

What kind of food did the Tiguas eat?

The Tigua are famous for their beautiful pottery. The men hunted deer, rabbits, antelope, bear and any other wild game they could find for meat. The women and children would collect wild foods like berries when they were in season.

Where did the Tiguas tribe live in Texas?

Ysleta del Sur
The Spanish settled with the Tigua a few miles east of present-day El Paso in a place they called Ysleta del Sur, or Island of the South, after the pueblo named Isleta that the tribe had left behind.

Are the Franklin Mountains volcanic?

Much of the range is part of the Franklin Mountains State Park. The mountains are composed primarily of sedimentary rock with some igneous intrusions….Franklin Mountains (Texas)

Franklin Mountains
Orogeny	Laramide orogeny
Age of rock	Cretaceous
Type of rock	Sedimentary, Igneous