Hueco Tanks & West Texas Adventure Guide
Welcome to Gleatherland Ranch!
We're glad you're here. Whether you've come to visit Hueco Tanks, explore the desert, or simply enjoy some time under the big West Texas sky, there is plenty to see and do.
Here are some of our favorite nearby adventures and information to help you make the most of your stay.
We're glad you're here. Whether you've come to visit Hueco Tanks, explore the desert, or simply enjoy some time under the big West Texas sky, there is plenty to see and do.
Here are some of our favorite nearby adventures and information to help you make the most of your stay.
HUECO TANKS STATE PARK
Hueco Tanks is the heart of our area and the primary reason many of our guests visit.
Best known for its world-class bouldering and climbing, Hueco Tanks is also rich in Native American history, with an extensive collection of historic rock art throughout the park.
Even if you're not a climber, there's plenty to experience:
⚠️Important: Hueco Tanks has limited daily visitation, and access is limited to protect the park's fragile natural and cultural resources, so plan ahead—especially during peak season. Check current park status before heading over by calling the Office: 915-857-1135.
VISITING HUECO TANKS:
There are 2 ways to get into Hueco Tanks State Park: North Mountain or by Guided Tour to the ''Backcountry''.
NORTH MOUNTAIN
North Mountain access is limited to 70 visitors per day. Reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance. During busy periods, the park can reach capacity. HOWEVER, just because the park says North Mountain is ''FULL'', that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get in. Check again at 10 AM the day of. The park releases no-show reservations every day at 10 AM, opening up spots that were reserved but never claimed. Call Austin TPWD to make RESERVATIONS: 512-389-8911
GUIDED TOURS
Access to the ''BACKCOUNTRY'' (West Mountain, East Mountain and East Spur) requires a guided tour. There are two types of tours available: Commercial or Volunteer.
COMMERCIAL TOURS - several local guide services offer rock climbing tours.
VOLUNTEER TOURS - Hueco Tanks State park offers volunteer tours for climbing, rock art and hiking. Tours are available by reservation through the Hueco Tanks office. 915-857-1135.
KNOW WHEN TO VISIT
The rock climbing season runs November through April, with January and February being peak months. Weekends and the Christmas–New Year’s holiday period tend to book quickly.
Want a quieter / easier access Hueco experience? For fewer crowds and potentially easier park access, consider the shoulder seasons: October through December (before Christmas) and March through April.
BUY A PARK PASS & SAVE
Planning multiple days at Hueco? An annual park pass is $70 and can be a great deal. It covers admission for you and everyone in your vehicle at North Mountain for the year.
👉 If you’re planning several days, do the math—you may just save money depending how many people in your group and the number of days you’re here.
CRASH PAD RENTALS
Travel a little lighter, skip the hassle of packing and hauling your crash pads.
3' x 4' Send Climbing crash pads now available to rent exclusively for Gleatherland's house and glamping guests. Reserve them with your stay and have them waiting for you when you arrive.
House rentals include 2 crash pads for guest use.
GOT MORE HUECO QUESTIONS?
We've put together a detailed Hueco Tanks guide covering park access, North Mountain reservations, backcountry tours, climbing season, weather/climate, gear, water, wildlife, pets, restaurant recs, and other frequently asked questions.
👉 Gleatherland's Hueco Tanks Bouldering & Trip Beta Guide
Best known for its world-class bouldering and climbing, Hueco Tanks is also rich in Native American history, with an extensive collection of historic rock art throughout the park.
Even if you're not a climber, there's plenty to experience:
- Hiking & exploring
- Birding
- Native American rock art
- Guided rock art & hiking tours
- Enjoying the unique rock landscape
⚠️Important: Hueco Tanks has limited daily visitation, and access is limited to protect the park's fragile natural and cultural resources, so plan ahead—especially during peak season. Check current park status before heading over by calling the Office: 915-857-1135.
VISITING HUECO TANKS:
There are 2 ways to get into Hueco Tanks State Park: North Mountain or by Guided Tour to the ''Backcountry''.
NORTH MOUNTAIN
North Mountain access is limited to 70 visitors per day. Reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance. During busy periods, the park can reach capacity. HOWEVER, just because the park says North Mountain is ''FULL'', that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get in. Check again at 10 AM the day of. The park releases no-show reservations every day at 10 AM, opening up spots that were reserved but never claimed. Call Austin TPWD to make RESERVATIONS: 512-389-8911
GUIDED TOURS
Access to the ''BACKCOUNTRY'' (West Mountain, East Mountain and East Spur) requires a guided tour. There are two types of tours available: Commercial or Volunteer.
COMMERCIAL TOURS - several local guide services offer rock climbing tours.
VOLUNTEER TOURS - Hueco Tanks State park offers volunteer tours for climbing, rock art and hiking. Tours are available by reservation through the Hueco Tanks office. 915-857-1135.
KNOW WHEN TO VISIT
The rock climbing season runs November through April, with January and February being peak months. Weekends and the Christmas–New Year’s holiday period tend to book quickly.
Want a quieter / easier access Hueco experience? For fewer crowds and potentially easier park access, consider the shoulder seasons: October through December (before Christmas) and March through April.
BUY A PARK PASS & SAVE
Planning multiple days at Hueco? An annual park pass is $70 and can be a great deal. It covers admission for you and everyone in your vehicle at North Mountain for the year.
👉 If you’re planning several days, do the math—you may just save money depending how many people in your group and the number of days you’re here.
CRASH PAD RENTALS
Travel a little lighter, skip the hassle of packing and hauling your crash pads.
3' x 4' Send Climbing crash pads now available to rent exclusively for Gleatherland's house and glamping guests. Reserve them with your stay and have them waiting for you when you arrive.
House rentals include 2 crash pads for guest use.
GOT MORE HUECO QUESTIONS?
We've put together a detailed Hueco Tanks guide covering park access, North Mountain reservations, backcountry tours, climbing season, weather/climate, gear, water, wildlife, pets, restaurant recs, and other frequently asked questions.
👉 Gleatherland's Hueco Tanks Bouldering & Trip Beta Guide
WEST TEXAS & REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS
LOCAL PARKS & ATTRACTIONS -- UNDER 1 HOUR AWAY
Franklin Mountains State Park
Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and desert wildlife on the west side of El Paso. The park offers more than 100 miles of trails.
Red Sands
Just west of Hueco Tanks, Red Sands offers miles of dunes and off-road terrain for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes and 4x4 adventures. (Visit El Paso) MAP
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
A unique desert wetland along the Rio Grande with opportunities for walking, biking and birding. Rio Bosque
Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and desert wildlife on the west side of El Paso. The park offers more than 100 miles of trails.
Red Sands
Just west of Hueco Tanks, Red Sands offers miles of dunes and off-road terrain for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes and 4x4 adventures. (Visit El Paso) MAP
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
A unique desert wetland along the Rio Grande with opportunities for walking, biking and birding. Rio Bosque
NATIONAL PARKS & REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS — UNDER 2 HOURS
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Home to four of the tallest peaks in Texas, including Guadalupe Peak at 8,751 feet—the highest point in Texas. The park is about 90 miles east from Gleatherland.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Explore the spectacular underground world of Carlsbad Cavern. Take a walking tour through the world renowned limestone caves. Timed-entry reservations are strongly recommended.
White Sands National Park
Wander, hike and sled across the world's largest gypsum dunefield—a completely different West Texas/New Mexico desert experience.
Truth or Consequences Hot Springs
Take a rest day in the historic hot springs town of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Riverbend Hot Springs is our personal favorite.
Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument
Rugged mountains, desert landscapes, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife and scenic drives near Las Cruces.
Elephant Butte State Park
Home to four of the tallest peaks in Texas, including Guadalupe Peak at 8,751 feet—the highest point in Texas. The park is about 90 miles east from Gleatherland.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Explore the spectacular underground world of Carlsbad Cavern. Take a walking tour through the world renowned limestone caves. Timed-entry reservations are strongly recommended.
White Sands National Park
Wander, hike and sled across the world's largest gypsum dunefield—a completely different West Texas/New Mexico desert experience.
Truth or Consequences Hot Springs
Take a rest day in the historic hot springs town of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Riverbend Hot Springs is our personal favorite.
Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument
Rugged mountains, desert landscapes, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife and scenic drives near Las Cruces.
Elephant Butte State Park
AROUND CAMP
EXPERIENCE THE HUECO DESERT VIBES
You don’t have to go far to experience the magic of West Texas. Take some time to enjoy the desert right here at Gleatherland.
Catch the Sunrise over Hueco Tanks
Set your alarm to wake up and watch the sun come up over Hueco Tanks.
MAGIC HOUR
As the sun goes down, find a spot to sit back and watch the desert sky light up and make the Hueco rocks glow.
Stargaze
A few hours after sunset make sure to look up at the wide-open desert sky.
Want to know what your looking at? The Sky Guide app makes it easy to identify stars, constellations, & planets right from your phone.
Relax Around the Campfire
Gather around the communal fire pit, swap stories, make new friends, and enjoy the quiet of the desert night. Fires are permitted only when conditions allow and the fire pit is open. (gleatherland.com)
EXPERIENCE THE HUECO DESERT VIBES
You don’t have to go far to experience the magic of West Texas. Take some time to enjoy the desert right here at Gleatherland.
Catch the Sunrise over Hueco Tanks
Set your alarm to wake up and watch the sun come up over Hueco Tanks.
MAGIC HOUR
As the sun goes down, find a spot to sit back and watch the desert sky light up and make the Hueco rocks glow.
Stargaze
A few hours after sunset make sure to look up at the wide-open desert sky.
Want to know what your looking at? The Sky Guide app makes it easy to identify stars, constellations, & planets right from your phone.
Relax Around the Campfire
Gather around the communal fire pit, swap stories, make new friends, and enjoy the quiet of the desert night. Fires are permitted only when conditions allow and the fire pit is open. (gleatherland.com)
Make your Stay Unforgettable
Add one of these to your itinerary on your visit and you won't regret it
1) Cattleman's - Local favorite for Steak. - Visit this working ranch. Make it a whole day and visit the petting zoo to see all kinds of animals including captive rattlesnakes, walk the corn maze or take the kids to play on the playground
2) Hot springs - Soak in the natural hots springs in Truth or Consequences. Our favorite is Riverside Hot Springs.
3) Rock Art Tour - Find out what Hueco Tanks is known for (besides the climbing). Book a tour:
Want more restaurant and local recomendations 👉 Area Guide Page
1) Cattleman's - Local favorite for Steak. - Visit this working ranch. Make it a whole day and visit the petting zoo to see all kinds of animals including captive rattlesnakes, walk the corn maze or take the kids to play on the playground
2) Hot springs - Soak in the natural hots springs in Truth or Consequences. Our favorite is Riverside Hot Springs.
3) Rock Art Tour - Find out what Hueco Tanks is known for (besides the climbing). Book a tour:
Want more restaurant and local recomendations 👉 Area Guide Page
