The rumors surrounding Hueco this past year have raised many a desert dirtbagger’s eyebrow, sparking an onslaught of questions about the fate of America’s bouldering mecca. Queries like, “If the Mushroom Boulder is closed, what’s next?” or “Is the Rock Ranch open anymore? Who’s guiding?” and “Where do we go? What do we DO?!” have been rolling off the tongues of boulderers more frequently than tumbleweeds bouncing across Ranch Road. There’s a lot to be said about a place that has an entire community gripping the edges of their seats — palms sweaty, hearts heavy — fearing it might soon lose one of its most sacred playgrounds.

Despite the general confusion, Hueco’s still here, open, and functioning — in fact, there’s a renaissance in the works that’s begun to lift those dark clouds of uncertainty hovering over the Tanks. Things are actually heading in a promising direction. The future looks bright for Hueco and the climbers who adore it.

RUMOR!
“Rob Rice is gone! The Rock Ranch is closed!

TRUTH!
It’s true that Rob is no longer our gracious host at the Rock Ranch — he’s living in Arkansas, working and raising his daughter, Ella. But, the Rock Ranch is not closed. Taking care of business in Rob’s place is Charles Kelly, a climber who left the computer industry to take on the day-to-day business of the Rock Ranch. That’s right, Charles is in charge! In lieu of all the rumors, I asked Charles how this past season was. “Explosive! Steadier and longer than last season,” he excitedly responded. “People are realizing that there is always a way to go climbing in Hueco — they just need to get here first, and we will get them on the mountain!”

RUMOR!
“There are no more commercial tours in Hueco — It must be the end!”

TRUTH!
Before you decide to build a memorial on West Mountain, listen up: There is no shortage of guided tours! In fact, there’s been a recent addition to Hueco’s guiding scene, the Wagon Wheel Co-opt. A concession started a few years ago by Hueco climbers Adam Strong, John Wallace, and me! Wagon Wheel is helping more people gain access to the park. Soon, you’ll be able to communicate with several guides and pre-arrange tours through their website at wagonwheelcoopt.com (website will be available August 2009)