Let Them Eat Cake

Climbing and bouldering at Hueco Tanks is restricted by Texas State Parks to preserve its unique cultural and natural resources. Climbing was once unregulated but spray in the climbing magazines and the growth of bouldering led to the park being over-run by climbers. By the mid-1990s visitor days were as high as 140,000 a year. This led to conflict with the park’s mission to protect its rock art and cultural sites. Trails braided everywhere; vegetation below boulders was trampled; cigarette butts and mylar wrappers lay alongside paths; holds were chipped. Just too many climbers were having too much impact. The park responded in 1998 by implementing a management plan that restricted climbing and bouldering. Access is allowed to East and West Mountains with a guide. North Mountain remains open to all climbers. But The Front Side cliffs are limited to only 70 people at a time, while the total number of visitors in the park at any one time is capped at 230. To visit the park, you should obtain advance reservations by calling the park at (915) 849-6684. Find out all the info you need for a Hueco Tanks climbing vacation at Hueco Tanks—America’s Best Winter Climbing and Bouldering Area.