Indian Creek SRMA

View across the Indian Creek area

Indian Creek Special Recreation Management Area encompasses the Indian Creek Unit of the Bears Ears National Monument. Indian Creek affords many opportunities for rock climbing on world class splitter cracks formed in Wingate sandstone. Indian Creek draws climbers from around the world to test their crack climbing technique. Bouldering is also available throughout the valley. Campgrounds include Superbowl, Creek Pasture, and Hamburger Rock. Large groups may reserve groups sites at Indian Creek Falls, Creek Pasture and at Superbowl Campground through recreation.gov. Free dispersed camping at Bridger Jack Mesa is limited to designated sites only. In other areas please limit dispersed camping to previously disturbed sites.

Alteration of rock surfaces and removal or vegetation is prohibited. Several popular climbs can only be reached by crossing private land. Please use existing trails and respect private land signs and fences. Climbing on petroglyphs is unlawful and destructive. Please Respect and Protect cultural resources.

See Mountain Project for climbing beta / route information https://www.mountainproject.com/area/105716763/indian-creek

Camping: Numerous campgrounds in the vicinity. See georeferenced map.

https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/BLMUtahBearsEarsNationalMonumentMap.pdf

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Safety Tips / Water

Please do not climb when the rock is wet. Wet sandstone will erode much faster, widening cracks and leaving rope grooves. More importantly, climbing on wet sandstone weakens anchors and has been linked to cams failing. Protect and conserve scarce desert water sources. Camp at least 300 feet from isolated water sources to allow for wildlife access. Leave gates open or closed as you find them. Beware of rattlesnakes.

Weather Information and Tips

It is extremely hot in the summer (triple digits) and cold in the winter with snow at higher elevations. The terrain can be sandy or forested, can contain copious amounts of slick rock or clay, and ranges from relatively flat to vertical.

Educational Information / Environmental Protection

As you are planning your next desert adventure to climb, learn how to take care of this environment and minimize your impact. The desert environment demands some very specific minimum impact behaviors due to its unique and fragile terrain. Take care when traveling to and from the cliffs and boulders not to trample fragile cryptobiotic soil, which is a living crust that plays an important ecological role in many desert environments. Always pack out human waste, as desert soil lacks the necessary microorganisms to biodegrade it. Wait 24-48 hours to climb on sandstone following rain.

Historical Information / Cultural Resource Protection

Leave historic sites, Native American rock art, ruins and artifacts untouched for the future. Admire rock art from a distance, but never touch it. Stay out of ruins, leave artifacts in place, and report any violations to the BLM Monticello Field Office at (435) 587-1500. Respect and Protect cultural and natural resources. Learn more about Archaeological Site Etiquette.

Scientific Information / Wildlife Safety

When encountering wildlife, maintain your distance and remain quiet. Teach children not to pick up, chase, or approach animals. Keep pets under control.

Leave No Trace / Wilderness Ethics

Tread lightly when traveling and leave no trace of your camping. Drive and ride only on roads and trails where such travel is allowed. Hike only on established trails, on rock, or in washes. Camp at designated sites, or at previously used sites where dispersed camping is allowed. Avoid placing tents on top of vegetation. Use a camp stove instead of making a campfire. Unless signs indicate otherwise, leave gates open or closed as you find them.

Pine 4

RecAreaDirections

Indian Creek Special Recreation Management Area is located along Hwy 211, 15 miles north of Monticello and 40 miles south of Moab, Utah. This 26-mile stretch of spectacular scenic country borders the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.

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Permits info

Facilities

Anticline Overlook Facility

The Anticline Overlook is named for the curved, uplifted Kane Creek Anticline visible across the Colorado River to the north. About 5200 feet of salt-baring rocks, remnants from ancient seas, lie beneath the Kane Creek anticline in the Paradox Member of the Hermosa Formation. The Intrepid Potash mining facility and solar evaporation ponds are visible from the overlook." The site has picnic tables, small shade shelters, interpretive signs, and a pit toilet. There is no water or camping at the Anticline Overlook.

Newspaper Rock Facility

Newspaper Rock is an impressive petroglyph site located alongIndian Creek in Southeastern Utah. This panel displays multiple periods of rock art from cultures dating to 1500 years ago to this century. The older art is attributed to the ancient Puebloan people who inhabited this region for approximately two thousand years, from 100 B.C. to 1540 A.D.. The more recent art (lighter in color) is attributed to the Ute people who still live in the Four Corners area. This day-use site has toilet facilities and ample paved parking, including pull through sites for larger vehicles and RVs.

Needles Overlook Interpretive Site Facility

An overlook of the Needles section of Canyonlands National Park.

Creek Pasture Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Creek Pasture Campground is ideal for groups wishing to recreate in the Indian Creek area or to be close to the Canyonlands National Park Needles District and the Bears Ears National Monument Indian Creek Unit. The campground is located north off the Needles Highway (accessed from Highway 211), approximately 5 miles southeast of Canyonlands National Park and 15 miles northwest of Newspaper Rock. The large one-loop campground provides 32 campsites that each feature a tent/trailer space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and vault toilets. Each campsite can hold 10 people and 2 vehicles. There is no water at the campground. Campsites are $15 per night and are "first come, first served" and self-register at the site. There is a group site for larger groups, which may be reserved in advance on this site. Search for "Creek Pasture Group Site" for more information and to make a reservation.