The four mountains that comprise Hueco Tanks State Park are located 32 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas, in the desert basin littered with pockmarked boulders. The park is an eco-niche, supporting plant and animal life that aren’t normally found nearby. The park is also a historic site, being a popular spot for early Americans to find water. They left nearly 5,000 pictographs behind on the rock faces. But it isn’t the unique ecosystem or historic artwork that draws the majority of visitors to Hueco Tanks — it is the rock climbing.
Hueco Tanks is famous for being one of the world’s best bouldering sites. It is a popular destination for athletes from Europe and Asia, especially in the winter months. The mountains’ rocks are full of indents and pockets (hueco-hole or tank in Spanish), making them ideal for finger and foot holds, and climbers of all levels and grades can find plenty of problems.
The park camping fee is $7, which includes showers, although many climbers prefer the community and expertise offered at the nearby Hueco Rock Ranch. Because of the unique cultural and natural significance of the site, only the north mountain is open to visitors without a guide, and then only 70 per day. You can make reservations or try your luck with one of the 10 walk-up spots. The other three mountains are open to guided groups of up to 10 people. Only 16 groups are allowed per day. So make sure you plan before heading to the park in hopes to get some climbing in.
It is unclear how long the site will stay open for rock climbers, as some cultural authorities are worried about preserving the eco-niche and heritage, so get there while you still can. Whether you’re a professional climber or just starting out, Hueco Tanks is the mecca for bouldering.
Read This Next
Rock Climbing the Rocky Mountains
Adventure
Feb 8, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedAirlines
May 27, 2025Best Airlines, Routes for Last-Minute Flight Bookings
It’s widely accepted that getting the best prices on airfare often requires booking far in advance of your travel dates. However, if you’re more likely to book your next trip last minute, you don’t have to accept over-the-top airfare. You can save a little cash by choosing one of the best airlines or routes for last-minute flight bookings, as determined by a recent study from Upgraded Points.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Slideshow
May 27, 20256 Must-See Sites in Wellington, New Zealand
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are six must-see sites in Wellington, New Zealand.
Hotel
May 27, 2025Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel to Open in September, Now Accepting Reservations
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, the brand’s first in the city, is now accepting reservations ahead of its September opening. The new hotel will be connected to Broward County Convention Center and boast 29 stories of luxury, convenience and natural beauty.
Cruises
May 26, 2025New Initiative from Azamara Makes Cruising Even More Immersive
Azamara Cruises is already known for its immersive cruises, but an upcoming initiative, dubbed Destination Immersion Elevated, will take cruisers’ experiences to a new level. Part of the initiative will include expanding the line’s specialty cruises, as well as expanding itineraries to visit new destinations and spend more time ashore in those destinations.
Destinations / North America
May 26, 202510th Annual Breckenridge Wine Classic Hosts Global-Focused Experiences
The 10th annual Breckenridge Wine Classic takes place Aug. 21–23. One of the world’s highest altitude wine festivals, this year’s event focuses on global offerings, with more than a dozen food, wine and outdoor experiences.
ShareThis