7 thoughts on “Climbing at Hueco Tanks during or after it Rains?”
I try not to climb after it rains. Usually I take a rest day and explore. Great photo day etc. I’ve been trying to get others to understand that the desert rock can break during wet conditions.
Quote from: O.
I don’t think it’s a good idea to climb after it rains myself. But what would be a good time frame to wait until the rock is ok to climb on?
I think this answer is in the old Sherman guide? Let me find it and see.
I stick to the 24hr rule when it comes to exposed rock after a rain. When it comes to climbs that are more protected from the elements, I’ve always done about a 12-16hr wait (with an inspection of the holds before pulling on) keeping in mind how windy and in what direction it’s been blowing since the rain stopped. I’ve found a lot of people who climb in the park right after a rain just don’t know how brittle the rock can be. And no one wants to rip a hold off a classic or worse, get hurt. So I try to politely inform all I can on the structure of the rock at Hueco and how it’s impacted by precipitation. Even if it hasn’t just rained.
I try not to climb after it rains. Usually I take a rest day and explore. Great photo day etc. I’ve been trying to get others to understand that the desert rock can break during wet conditions.
I don’t think it’s a good idea to climb after it rains myself. But what would be a good time frame to wait until the rock is ok to climb on?
I think this answer is in the old Sherman guide? Let me find it and see.
24 hours
I stick to the 24hr rule when it comes to exposed rock after a rain. When it comes to climbs that are more protected from the elements, I’ve always done about a 12-16hr wait (with an inspection of the holds before pulling on) keeping in mind how windy and in what direction it’s been blowing since the rain stopped. I’ve found a lot of people who climb in the park right after a rain just don’t know how brittle the rock can be. And no one wants to rip a hold off a classic or worse, get hurt. So I try to politely inform all I can on the structure of the rock at Hueco and how it’s impacted by precipitation. Even if it hasn’t just rained.
Climb responsible.. Don’t break holds.. Rain or not..
Scratch the ground. If the dirt is wet or moist underneath, it’s not a good idea to climb.