The following are excerpts from Rock and Ice magazine by Melissa Strong on the early history of the event:[2] "In 1989 the El Paso Climbers Club (EPCC) started the Rock Rodeo before any restrictions came into place at Hueco Tanks.
There were trophies, velvet Elvis posters and the most injured climber got a bottle of tequila.” For six years the Rodeo continued to attract up to 150 participants including Dale Goddard, Hans Florine and Matt Samet.
After the PUP went into effect, the Hueco Rock Rodeo tradition was put on hold in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002.
The format has changed over the 20+ years of competition but the modern era standards (2012–present) are fairly consistent.
The coveted Open category is one of the most competitive with the winner receiving a rodeo style belt buckle, cash prize, and international recognition.