How to go climbing at Hueco Tanks
Planning on visiting Hueco Tanks State Park during the winter climbing season?
You read online and abroad it can be difficult to get access. It can be without advanced reservations. You need to understand the dynamics behind the park system.
Unfortunately most of the information on Hueco Tanks access is not accurate or is outdated. Especially on social media such as, instagram and facebook, etc.
You can make reservations for North Mountain access way in advance (90 days) and or join volunteer back country bouldering tours 1 week in advance. Self-Guided on North Mountain is $7.00 per person per day or you can purchase the annual Texas State Parks Pass for $70.00. This pass also allows everyone in the vehicle to enter without additional charges or fees. This is a great way to save money when visiting for a long period of time.
Make Reservations Before the Season Begins!
Hueco Tanks Climbing Season Begins in October and ends in March
Set your alarm clock or calendar and call the reservation line beginning in September. You can make reservations up to 90 days in advance. Remember to continue to call and make reservation as the 90 day reservation window moves across the calendar. This is the single most important rule to follow if you want to have an affordable visit. Note: by the end of October ALL North Mountain self-guided slots will be taken through the end of January!
2 Ways to Get In
How to Access the Hueco Tanks park for Rock Climbing – Bouldering
1. SELF-GUIDED Call (512) 389-8911 to make a reservation to climb in the North Mountain $7.00 per person (Up to 90 days in advance)
2. VOLUNTEER TOUR Call (915) 849-6684 to join or request a back country bouldering guide $9.00 per person (Up to 7 days in advance)
Join a Volunteer Tour
One of the best ways to access the park for bouldering is by joining or requesting a volunteer tour. Call or walk into the Ranger station and get on a tour or request one:
- You can only access West Mountain, East Mountain and East Spur with a tour guide.
- Request tours for Wednesdays through Sundays throughout the year by calling (915) 849-6684 before your visit. Due to staff time constraints, we can only give tours if requested early enough to confirm a guide.
Guided Tour: Join a tour the same day or reserve your spot a minimum of one week in advance by calling (915) 849-6684
What to do if all the North Mountain spots are Reserved?
Important
- Coming to Hueco Tanks without advanced reservations in all aspects can be problematic and stressful.
- Make reservations 3 months in advance beginning in September and October.
- Reserve camping at or near the park to avoid being late to self-guided and back country tours. Air BnB’s located in the city have been problematic.
- If needed. Reserve bouldering crash pads way in advance to insure you’ll have the gear.
Yes, BnB was not a good idea. Traffic in El Paso is heavy in the morning. Definitely a big mistake. Missed our tour.
Signing up for the early 8am tours is risky. Better to get on the 9am and later tours.
Is there guides that take same day reservations? Or how can I find a guide when it’s late notice?
Camp or hang out at the campgrounds. The mountain hut is a good place and the rock ranch is open this year. Usually you can find a guide with a few open slots.
Social media searches are just a bunch of guides trying to sell tours.
Pay guides are the last resort imho
So happy that volunteer guides can climb. There’s more volunteer tours available now. Great people.