Hueco Tanks is widely regarded as one of the best areas in the world for bouldering, that is, rock climbing low enough to attempt without ropes for protection. It is unique for its rock type, the concentration and quality of the climbing. In any given climbing season, which generally lasts from October through March, it is common for climbers from across Europe, Asia, and Australia to visit the park. In February an outdoor bouldering competition known as the Hueco Rock Rodeo is held. The event is a world-class outdoor competition that attracts many professional climbers every year. Since implementation of the Public Use Plan in June 2000, following a brief closure of the entire park due to the park service's inability to manage the growing crowds of international climbers, more than two-thirds of the park is restricted to tours by volunteer or commercial guides. Only North Mountain is accessible without guides, and then only for about 70 people at any given time, except on the south side at ground level, which is closed to the public. The park offers camping and showers for $12 per night (as of April 2020), or, as is most popular for climbers, the nearby Hueco Rock Ranch offers camping where climbers can relax and socialize. This is also where commercial guides can be found, and where many volunteer guides stay during the climbing season. See also National Register of Historic Places listings in El Paso County, Texas Notes References Gale Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes, Volume II, p203-205. (Mogollon) Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine, September 2004, The Rocks that Speak, Carol Flake Chapman, p41-45. Turquoise Ridge and Late Prehistoric Residential Mobility in the Desert Mogollon Region, Whalen, Michael E., Salt Lake City University of Utah Press, 1994. External links Firecracker Pueblo discusses the extent of the Jornada Mogollon. South and West Texas: A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary Hueco Rock Ranch for climbers. (2012 video) Hueco Tanks State Historic Site Hueco Tanks Picture of a hueco, description of the video the park makes campers view, and links. News story on Hueco Tanks from WFAA on Texas Archive of the Moving Image Landforms of El Paso County, Texas Mogollon culture Rock formations of Texas Climbing areas of Texas Butterfield Overland Mail in Texas Stagecoach stops in the United States