There was a time, not so very long ago, when access to Hueco Tanks was unrestricted. Hundreds of thousands visited every year. But, as usual, there are always a few idiots who ruin a good thing for everyone else. Now visitation is tightly controlled, with a maximum number of visitors allowed into the park at any given moment. It’s best to call ahead to reserve a time, or you could face a long wait. Our wait was around an hour or so, but we went during the off season on a school day.
Ancient Petroglyphs
Why the concern? Why the restrictions? Why must you view a video at the re-purposed ranch house before setting out onto the trails? Here’s why:
Ancient Pictographs alongside more recent Historical Inscriptions and destructive graffiti
It takes a special kind of moron to do that sort of damage to a historical site that is also considered sacred ground by the Tigua Indian Tribe at the nearby Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (more on the Spanish Mission at Ysleta del Sur next week, as David Williams tours with Ursula and me the famous El Paso Mission Trail).
Hueco Tanks Boulders
It’s easy to see why Hueco Tanks is sacred ground. Just look at all the plentiful flora it supports:
Decisions — Murder in Paradise
The Globe — Murder in Luxury
R. Doug Wicker — Author 
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