The Hueco Tanks State Historical Site is about 30 miles northeast of El Paso. We got a preview of the general area when we arranged to go to Casey’s (a nice fellow who races his dragster at the El Paso Speedway, and also happens to be the local distributor of Sunoco race fuel). Casey and his family (see photo) got a big kick out of filling our car from his private stash. He didn’t even want to charge!
Hueco Tanks refer to the hollows in the rocks that fill with water when it rains and historically has provided a source of water for whoever inhabits this area at the moment. Archeologists believe that ancient peoples visited here as long ago as 10,000 years. Signs of the Paleo Indians such as tools and arrowheads have been found here. Around 600 AD people began to practice agriculture, and live in small settlements. One group, who probably lived here around 1150, the Jornada Mogollon, left most of the petroglyphs. The over 200 painted masks are part of their art. Later, the Spaniards arrived in the El Paso area, and they along with members of the Apache, Kiowa and Tigua tribes left their marks here as well. In the mid 1800s there was a stop here on the Butterfield Overland Mail Route. People stopped to get food and change out their mules. These days, people visit the area for rest, relaxation and reflection. Unfortunately, many of the petroglyphs have been damaged by graffiti. To try to protect things as much as possible, the park limits the number of visitors. Reservations are required on weekends, and guests must watch an orientation video on the importance of preservation. Enjoy more pics of the beautiful scenery, animals and plants we saw.
For more photos click here http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/d3loeber/El%20Paso/Hueco%20Tanks/
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