arghala

Has anyone done any climbing at Hueco Tanks? I'm interested in going out (novice climber- done some gym climbing, beginner bouldering, crack climbing out at Witchitas, really basic stuff out at Penitentiary Hollow, Lake Mineral Wells). Everyone keeps telling me that you only go to Hueco in the Fall/Winter because it is too hot?

Shannon

I'm not a climber, and I haven't visited Hueco Tanks State Historical Park yet, but I can tell you your friends are right... West Texas, especially El Paso (where Hueco Tanks SHP is located), can get sizzlin' hot in the summertime.

Put it this way... we had temperatures in the low 90's during the day in September when we camped in Big Bend National Park. Thankfully, there's some signficiant elevation variation in Big Bend so when we were in the Basin area (mountains), for example, it was not quite so hot as when we were down by the Rio Grande River -- which happened to be where we were camped (Rio Grande Village campground).

So, yeah, I'd reserve West Texas desert type adventures for times other than summer... at least if you're a Texas heat wimp, like I am (just as Justin, my hubby -- I can't seem to handle temperature extremes quite as well as most normal human beings.)

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spongebob

I think that the advice you are getting is right. One of the problems with the heat is sweat and sweating hands just don't grip, no matter how much chalk, it just ends up caking on your fingers and then it becomes a lubricant, making handholds hard to grip. I have used antiperspirant on my hands before climbing, but the heat in west texas is pretty much overpowering. I would certainly wait for cooler weather, like now, before doing any climbing out west.

Fuji

Hi, i've never been to Hueco Tanks (actualy i'm french, and El paso is a bit far from home), but you can have, and ask information to the locals:
http://www.huecorockranch.com

ploddinTod

This is a beautiful area even if you're not a rock climber. Our El Paso friends took us out there and we explored all around the giant boulders and caves between them. Did a little bouldering and viewed the Native American pictographs which I believe now are fenced off due to defacing and vandalism.

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I-climb-247

If anyone wants to go to Hueco I live 15 minutes from the park and can give a climbing tour or bouldering tour anytime. I'm always there. As for newbe's you can hook up with learning groups at www.v.crux.com

ONdRoad

It is too hot in that place but when once you have looked around, you'll forget about the heat. But for all your comfort, I suggest that you go there during winter.