HUECO TRIP BETA
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site , a world class bouldering destination, offers problems of every grade from V0-V14. Every year 100's of climbers migrate to Hueco Tanks. Climbing season is November - April, peak months being January & February. For thousands of years before us, these same rocks brought many other peoples here. Regulations in place today, help protect this historic park and the fragile resources it holds within. Here's what you need to know :
2 ways to access the park:
1) North Mountain or
2) Guided tour
NORTH MOUNTAIN:
The park offers 60 reservable spots + 10 "walk-ins" each day (70 total). Reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance. Reservation holders have until 10:00 am to claim their reservation, after which any unclaimed reservations are considered "no-shows" and given away to visitors on the wait list for that day. FEES for North Mountain are waived for everyone in your vehicle if you buy a Texas State Parks Pass. Park Reservations: 512-389-8911
BACKCOUNTRY (West, East, & East Spur Mountains)
Climbing on West, East, or East Spur requires a guided tour (either volunteer or commercial).
VOLUNTEER TOURS: (915) 857-1135
A cheaper way to get into the backcountry, Volunteer tours are scheduled thru the park HQ at (915) 857-1135. Availability varies.
vs.
COMMERCIAL TOURS: A more reliable way to get into the backcountry. Request a tour or jump on an existing tour with the concessions listed here.
SESSIONS
WAGON WHEEL
BLUE LIZARD
2 ways to access the park:
1) North Mountain or
2) Guided tour
NORTH MOUNTAIN:
The park offers 60 reservable spots + 10 "walk-ins" each day (70 total). Reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance. Reservation holders have until 10:00 am to claim their reservation, after which any unclaimed reservations are considered "no-shows" and given away to visitors on the wait list for that day. FEES for North Mountain are waived for everyone in your vehicle if you buy a Texas State Parks Pass. Park Reservations: 512-389-8911
BACKCOUNTRY (West, East, & East Spur Mountains)
Climbing on West, East, or East Spur requires a guided tour (either volunteer or commercial).
VOLUNTEER TOURS: (915) 857-1135
A cheaper way to get into the backcountry, Volunteer tours are scheduled thru the park HQ at (915) 857-1135. Availability varies.
vs.
COMMERCIAL TOURS: A more reliable way to get into the backcountry. Request a tour or jump on an existing tour with the concessions listed here.
SESSIONS
WAGON WHEEL
BLUE LIZARD
HUECO FAQ
WHY SO MANY RESTRICTIONS?
Hueco, pronounced "whey-co" and translating to "hollow" or "hole’ in Spanish, was a sanctuary in the desert for early inhabitants due to water held in the hidden "tanks". Evident by the extensive collection of rock art paintings and artifacts, this history combined with its premier bouldering put Hueco Tanks at risk for overuse and irreversible impact to the fragile desert ecosystem. In order to limit human impact, the Texas State Parks Commission has implemented guidelines limiting use. Learn more in this Video. We highly recommend all visitors to go on a Pictograph "Rock Art" tour to get the full Hueco Tanks experience.
HOW DO I GET INTO HUECO?
1) Book north reservations 3 months in advance.
2) Book a Tour: Commercial or Volunteer tour (see top of page)
3) Wait at the gate. At 10 am, the park releases "no show" reservations for north to those waiting. Many climbers "wait at the gate" for these during the busiest months.
4) Visit in shoulder seasons. November, December, & March are slower so you don't have to fight the crowds.
5) Become a guide. The park offers free 2 guide training courses/year, although the waitlist is long. Once you've taken the training, all guides must pass 2 observation tours to get certified. Commercial guides are required to have WFA and CPR certs, their own radio and join a concession (see top of page). Contact the park to get on the waitlist. (915) 857-1135
WEATHER/ HUECO SEASON:
Climbing season is primarily November - April. The desert environment means mostly arid/dry conditions with very little precipitation, which means climbing can be good even in slightly warmer temps if you chase the shade. Windy days are the main weather event in Hueco, however the park provides great shelter if you find the right area. While high winds mainly occur in spring, we get them throughout the the season. Fall brings cooler temps beginning as early as October, with December, January and February being the coldest winter months. March - April can still provide decent temperatures in the spring if you chase the shade. Summer temps typically arrive in late May or early June depending on season. Monsoon (rainy) season begins in July, cooling things off a bit, however the rains can bring mosquitos to the park. Outside of monsoon/summer season, rain is a rarity, however when it does rain, please allow a day or two for rock to dry. If you have to go out, stay on roofs that weren't exposed to rain and don't top out. Check out the chart below for average high/low temps for Hueco.
Hueco, pronounced "whey-co" and translating to "hollow" or "hole’ in Spanish, was a sanctuary in the desert for early inhabitants due to water held in the hidden "tanks". Evident by the extensive collection of rock art paintings and artifacts, this history combined with its premier bouldering put Hueco Tanks at risk for overuse and irreversible impact to the fragile desert ecosystem. In order to limit human impact, the Texas State Parks Commission has implemented guidelines limiting use. Learn more in this Video. We highly recommend all visitors to go on a Pictograph "Rock Art" tour to get the full Hueco Tanks experience.
HOW DO I GET INTO HUECO?
1) Book north reservations 3 months in advance.
2) Book a Tour: Commercial or Volunteer tour (see top of page)
3) Wait at the gate. At 10 am, the park releases "no show" reservations for north to those waiting. Many climbers "wait at the gate" for these during the busiest months.
4) Visit in shoulder seasons. November, December, & March are slower so you don't have to fight the crowds.
5) Become a guide. The park offers free 2 guide training courses/year, although the waitlist is long. Once you've taken the training, all guides must pass 2 observation tours to get certified. Commercial guides are required to have WFA and CPR certs, their own radio and join a concession (see top of page). Contact the park to get on the waitlist. (915) 857-1135
WEATHER/ HUECO SEASON:
Climbing season is primarily November - April. The desert environment means mostly arid/dry conditions with very little precipitation, which means climbing can be good even in slightly warmer temps if you chase the shade. Windy days are the main weather event in Hueco, however the park provides great shelter if you find the right area. While high winds mainly occur in spring, we get them throughout the the season. Fall brings cooler temps beginning as early as October, with December, January and February being the coldest winter months. March - April can still provide decent temperatures in the spring if you chase the shade. Summer temps typically arrive in late May or early June depending on season. Monsoon (rainy) season begins in July, cooling things off a bit, however the rains can bring mosquitos to the park. Outside of monsoon/summer season, rain is a rarity, however when it does rain, please allow a day or two for rock to dry. If you have to go out, stay on roofs that weren't exposed to rain and don't top out. Check out the chart below for average high/low temps for Hueco.
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?
Shoes, chalk, crash pad, kneepad and guidebook. Local gear shop, SEND CLIMBING, carries everything except climbing shoes. Many climbers choose to rent a crash pad. If you're camping, sleeping in your vehicle is preferable, however many climbers get by with a sturdy tent. You'll also need a sleeping bag, water, camp stove with pots/pans, puffy coat + other warm layers, & bathing supplies. While you can Uber from the airport, having your own transportation is vital as HUECO is located 45 min from the airport and 15 min to the closest grocery store.
WATER IN THE DESERT:
Water is trucked in to all the campgrounds in the Hueco valley, with the exception of the park, which has a well. You can acquire drinking water at the park during your day visits, however it is best to plan ahead to bring your own drinking/cooking water. Vista Market on Montana has filtered water machines - $1 for 5 gallons.
CLIMBING STYLE:
The climbing in Hueco is varied with an emphasis on overhangs and roofs, steep climbing and power endurance. Heel hooks, toe hooks, and knee bars are always part of the beta. Crimps are plentiful and rock can be sharp, which can take some time to get accustomed to. Depending on your fitness and time available, many climbers opt to climb 2 - 3 days on, however if you plan to climb more than one day on, bring your ibuprofen to take the edge off.
PLANTS & WILDLIFE
The desert is chock full of spiky plants. Rattlesnakes and scorpions inhabit the area, beware of your surroundings especially in the warmer months. Although snakes hibernate in winter, they can be seen sunning themselves in early and late season. Coyotes abound but tend to steer clear of humans, however if you have small pets, keep them in close proximity. Coyotes can be heard howling on many a night here in the desert. Javalina and Aoudad (goats) also inhabit the area, mostly in the park. Mountain lions are present as well, but tend to be illusive and rarely seen.
The desert is chock full of spiky plants. Rattlesnakes and scorpions inhabit the area, beware of your surroundings especially in the warmer months. Although snakes hibernate in winter, they can be seen sunning themselves in early and late season. Coyotes abound but tend to steer clear of humans, however if you have small pets, keep them in close proximity. Coyotes can be heard howling on many a night here in the desert. Javalina and Aoudad (goats) also inhabit the area, mostly in the park. Mountain lions are present as well, but tend to be illusive and rarely seen.
WIFI / CELL SERVICE
Verizon is the most reliable cell phone provider in the area. WiFi has always been hard to come by here until recently. Our vacation rentals have been upgraded with the newest high speed WiFi available. WIFI is boosted throughout our property via 2 long range extenders (signal varies). If you're in need of Wifi for work, the house rentals have the best wifi signals of our rental options. We have many climbers who work remotely. Those needing high speeds for upload, either book a vacation rental , use mobile wifi service, Starlink or hotspot their phone.
REST DAY ACTIVITIES:
Check out our recommendations for REST DAY ACTIVITIES here including nearby parks, restaurants, etc.
DISTANCES:
Hueco Tanks State Park - 7 min
Airport - 45 min - 1 hour
Franklin State Park - 1 hour
White Sands Nat'l Park - 2 hour
Guadalupe Nat'l Park - 1 hr 25 min
Carsbad Caverns - 2 hour
Truth or Consequences - 2 hr 20 min
Grocery - Vista Market - 20 min, Walmart - 26 min, Sprouts - 32 min
PETS in HUECO TANKS:
If you are traveling with Pets, please consider the park's rules on the park policy regarding pets. The Hueco Tanks State Park policy is as follows:
"Pets are not allowed on the mountains or most trails in the park except one. Day-use visitors' pets are only allowed on the Picnic Area Trail and a short portion of the roadway and parking areas between the campground gate and the North Mountain Gate. Campers' pets are allowed in the campground and along the campground roadway, as well as in the same areas as day-use visitor pets. Pets must be on a leash. Pick up after your pets, and do not leave them alone in a vehicle. "
The Texas Administrative Code currently reads in Title 31, Part 2, Chapter 59, Subchapter F, Rule 59.134, section C (Animals), subsection 2B: Pets. It is an offense for any person to: bring into or possess within a state park an unattended pet. Pets in a campsite, as long as they are safe, secure and not disrupting others, are permitted to be there. The other option is to make arrangements for pets to be outside of the park, safe and secure.
If you plan to visit Hueco Tanks with your pet, the best option is to find a pet friendly place to stay. GLEATHERLAND: Gleatherland offers several options for guests with pets, including pet friendly rental units, water/electric RV Sites to keep pets in climate controlled rigs, as well as an outdoor day use kennel. For more on our pet policy you can find it here.
Check out our recommendations for REST DAY ACTIVITIES here including nearby parks, restaurants, etc.
DISTANCES:
Hueco Tanks State Park - 7 min
Airport - 45 min - 1 hour
Franklin State Park - 1 hour
White Sands Nat'l Park - 2 hour
Guadalupe Nat'l Park - 1 hr 25 min
Carsbad Caverns - 2 hour
Truth or Consequences - 2 hr 20 min
Grocery - Vista Market - 20 min, Walmart - 26 min, Sprouts - 32 min
PETS in HUECO TANKS:
If you are traveling with Pets, please consider the park's rules on the park policy regarding pets. The Hueco Tanks State Park policy is as follows:
"Pets are not allowed on the mountains or most trails in the park except one. Day-use visitors' pets are only allowed on the Picnic Area Trail and a short portion of the roadway and parking areas between the campground gate and the North Mountain Gate. Campers' pets are allowed in the campground and along the campground roadway, as well as in the same areas as day-use visitor pets. Pets must be on a leash. Pick up after your pets, and do not leave them alone in a vehicle. "
The Texas Administrative Code currently reads in Title 31, Part 2, Chapter 59, Subchapter F, Rule 59.134, section C (Animals), subsection 2B: Pets. It is an offense for any person to: bring into or possess within a state park an unattended pet. Pets in a campsite, as long as they are safe, secure and not disrupting others, are permitted to be there. The other option is to make arrangements for pets to be outside of the park, safe and secure.
If you plan to visit Hueco Tanks with your pet, the best option is to find a pet friendly place to stay. GLEATHERLAND: Gleatherland offers several options for guests with pets, including pet friendly rental units, water/electric RV Sites to keep pets in climate controlled rigs, as well as an outdoor day use kennel. For more on our pet policy you can find it here.
