This fall, I planned a trip to Hueco (the BEST bouldering in North America) for a friend’s first outdoor climbing trip. It was also my first Hueco trip of the season, so we are all very excited. At an Airbnb, the skies were clear and blue, perfect climbing weather. We drove to the park and at the ranger station, there was a sign out front- “NO CLIMBING TODAY.” We were devastated.

Recently, the Hueco Tanks State Park made a new regulation that if it rains 0.10 inches, the park is closed to bouldering for 24 hours. At our Airbnb, there was no rain, but just a few miles away at the park, there was significant amount of rain. Huecos were filled to the brim! Evidently, we should have checked the park’s instagram to see if there was a closure. Now, this is part of my new morning routine while in El Paso.

So, what were going to do?? I’d had promised my friend outdoor climbing. Luckily I remembered, 8 years earlier that I climbed a cool cave in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I told everyone, No need to despair, onto Las Cruces we go!

Here are 4 Fun Day Trips if you can’t climb at Hueco:

1) Organ Mountain Bouldering in Las Cruces

This crag is approximately 1.5 hours away from Hueco Tanks and is even less time if you leave from El Paso proper. There are multiple crags, but my favorite climbing area is Galaxy Cave. A flat roof that isn’t too high with grades ranging from V0 to V8+. Parking used to be close, but now they have blocked parking at the boulders. Now it’s about a 20-25 minute flat hike to Galaxy Cave from the new parkingareas. There isn’t a ton of information on mountain project, but there is an out-of-print guidebook for the area and lots of friendly locals.

2) Last Chance Canyon

This has been described as the best sport climbing in New Mexico and is just 2.5 hours from Hueco! For roof climbers, there is one flat roof with multiple lines and great movement. There are approximately 120 bolted routes on whatever angle you prefer! Great place to visit if you brought sport climbing gear to Hueco!

3. White Sands

This isn’t a climbing destination, but it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. There are endless mounds of white sand that you can sled or roll down. It is 2 hours from Hueco Tanks or less time depending on what part of El Paso you are in. There is an entrance fee of 25 dollars per a car or free if you have the America the Beautiful Pass. Definitely worth a stop, particularly if you have a canine with you. Just be weary of going on days with high winds. A group of us on a Hueco rest day got stuck in a blinding wind storm and had to huddle on the ground until piercing sand settled down.

4. Carlsbad caverns

I have to admit that I’ve never made it to these Caverns. Appropriately, dogs aren’t allowed in the caverns (they offer a climate controlled kennel for pets though), so that has limited my ability to go. These caverns are slightly less than 2 hours away from Hueco tanks. There is a daily entrance fee, but it is also free with the America the beautiful pass. This is place is breathtaking and unique!

The main take away from this post is, if it rains in Hueco, go to New Mexico! It’s the best :)