Van Horn is a little town in West Texas with a population around 2,500. Surrounded by the Texas desert, there are not many places to visit or activities in the area other than those provided by nature. Four state parks surround the Van Horn area, with two to the west toward El Paso and two more to the east located in the Davis Mountains.
Balmorhea State Park is located just off I-10 east of Van Horn. The primary attraction at Balmorhea is a large swimming hole fed by the artesian San Solomon Springs. The springs also feed a small desert wetland area. An underwater viewing area gives a glimpse into the aquatic life in the refuge, while other interpretive facilities guide visitors through the wildlife area. A small Spanish-style motel is also located on the park premises.
Davis Mountains State Park is a remote park nestled high up in the Davis Mountains. Activities at the park include picnicking, camping, hiking, as well as wildlife viewing. Indian Lodge is a small southwestern style lodge located within the park that is styled after a Native American pueblo village. It was built in the 1930s, renovated in 1967, and offers modern rooms with cable TV and maid service, as well as a restaurant that is open seasonally.
Franklin Mountains State Park is located within El Paso's city limits and holds the distinction of being the largest such park in the United States. With more than 24,000 acres within the boundaries of the park, it's easy to see how park planners could fit more than 100 miles of trails among the peaks and valleys located within. Terrain in the park is extremely rugged and rocky, making it a favored destination for rock climbers from across Texas and New Mexico. Located within the park is the Wyler Aerial Tramway, a Swiss-built gondola that ascends up 2,400 feet of cable to a point overlooking the city of El Paso.
The Hueco Tanks or "huecos" are water basins occurring naturally in solid rock which were frequented by early Native Americans, as well as settlers and travelers, for the fresh rainwater they held. The park surrounding these formations was opened in 1970 and offers extensive interpretive features which detail the history of the tanks as well as various rock paintings and pictographs left by early natives.
