access fund indian creek information guide
The goal of this effort is to notify visitors of the status of upcoming BLM planning initiatives in the Indian Creek corridor and communicate where to presently camp, park, hike, and climb. The brochure provides a basic Leave No Trace message about responsible camping practices, outlines the history and current ownership of the Dugout Ranch (highlighting The Nature Conservancy's ownership and mission); and acknowledges the roles of the Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI), Bureau of Land Management and The Access Fund in protecting this popular area. Black Diamond and Petzl helped make the brochure possible through generous financial contributions.
Click images to download PDF files of ICIG.
Front Page |
Back Page |
INDIAN CREEK
Information Sheet For Climbers And Other Visitors
Indian Creek is straining under record visitation. A new recreation plan will address recreation, camping and resource protection needs in the corridor from Newspaper Rock to the boundary with Canyonlands National Park. The new plan will likely include changes to camping locations, vehicular access, and perhaps even route closures due to rock art, ruins, and wildlife protection. The Access Fund is working closely with the BLM and the Nature Conservancy to raise climber awareness regarding impacts to the fragile desert environment, rock art, ruins and endangered species. Access Fund involvement here has included grants for trail building, and information sheets/signage to help promote responsible climbing and camping practices.
Where to Camp
Before the new Recreation Plan is implemented this next year, camping will remain permitted on existing sites on BLM land. There is no camping on the roadside pullouts of Highway 211, on the private property of the Dugout Ranch and the Nature Conservancy (across the road from Supercrack and Battle of the Bulge Buttresses), and in restored side canyons (such as Donnelly and Fringe of Death Canyons). Please observe boundaries and posted signs and never camp on areas with undisturbed vegetation or desert soils. Currently, the most popular areas to camp include the following:
- Bridger Jack Area - turn west off Hwy 211 onto the Beef Basin Road just north of the reservoir; cross the stream, proceed 1/4 mile and turn right after the first cattle-guard; there are several sites along the next 2 miles; please camp only in previously disturbed sites.
- The Superbowl Site - turn west off Hwy 211 across from the Meat Wall area (see map link below) a short distance before the highway crosses Indian Creek and just south of the Davis Canyon turn-off; go through a gate and follow the road down to the campsites; please do not camp in the riparian area.
- Newspaper Rock - located on Utah Route 211 approximately 15 miles southwest of Canyonlands National Park a few miles on the Moab side of the Supercrack area.
- Hamburger Rock - drive past the Superbowl Site towards Canyonlands NP, and turn northeast off Hwy 211; follow signs towards Lockhart Basin.
For a map and additional information, click here to see the Rocky Mountain Field Institute's Recreation Report on the area.
Please camp and park your vehicle only on previously used and disturbed areas!
How To Care For The Area
Campfires
If you must have a fire only use pre-existing sites, bring in all your own wood and
keep the fire small. Take the wood away if you do not use it. Although downed trees
and shrubs may seem good firewood, the resource is limited and of high value for
future plant and soil development so please do not use it. Never break off limbs
from live trees for firewood. (See
www.LNT.org
to learn about minimum impact campfire practices).
Try to keep fire ring scars to a minimum. The smaller the better. |
Bring your own wood, and never tear up live trees for firewood. |
Cliff-Nesting Raptors
Although there are no seasonally posted restrictions on climbs in Indian Creek, be aware
that there may be nesting raptors in the area. If you inadvertently come across a raptor
nest on a climb, back off immediately. Federal law requires the BLM to protect these birds.
Call the BLM at the number listed below to report unusual bird sightings or nest sites.
Climbing — Closures and Considerations
- No climbing should take place that has any contact with rock art or ruins. If in doubt avoid these climbs.
-
The Redd family, previous owners and now managers of the Dugout Ranch, has kindly requested that climbers
not climb on the Paragon Prow, situated behind their home. The Redds have for many years now allowed climbing
and camping on portions of their ranch.
Please return the favor by respecting their request to not climb on the Paragon Prow (AKA, The Sundial). - Do not climb when the rock is wet, such as immediately after a rainstorm. Small features or footholds on sandstone will break more easily when the rock is wet. Unload gear and take breaks on large rocks or other durable ground to avoid damaging vegetation. If you are in a group and using top ropes be considerate of other people wanting to access these climbs.
Cultural Resources
The Indian Creek Corridor is rich in Native American history and cultural resources. Anchors on
climbs with conflicting archaeology may need to be removed. Do not climb on routes that have any
sign of rock art, historical writings or ruins at their base. Federal law requires the BLM to
protect these cultural sites by managing them so that they are not impaired in any way.
Climbing impacts can easily damage irreplaceable rock art. Please do not climb anywhere near these precious resources. |
Ruins, such as this one at Battle of the Bulge Buttress, should remain untouched. Never step on these structures to begin routes. |
Dogs
Pets cause impacts. Particularly around the base of climbs, prevent your pet from digging
and chewing vegetation, and chasing wildlife or running off trail. Consider bringing a
plastic bag for dog waste to be packed out or bury the waste in a 6-8" hole. Be considerate
of other users and control barking.
Group Size
The smaller the group size, the less impacts this will have on the environment and other users.
Be considerate of other visitors by keeping the noise down from your group and vehicles, and
camping some distance away — many people appreciate the quiet and privacy.
Toilets
The only toilet facilities in Indian Creek are those located at Newspaper Rock. Where no toilet
is available select a site at least 200 feet from any trail, water source, camping or climbing
area. Avoid traveling over or using areas with cryptobiotic soils (fragile desert soil crust).
Good backcountry practice entails digging a hole 6 to 8 inches deep, deposit the waste, and leave
the area as you found it. Pack out toilet paper.
Trails
Use only existing access trails. A few footsteps off the trail may damage fragile desert plants
and soils, accelerate erosion, and spread noxious weeds. If you are hiking in areas without trails
follow existing drainages and stable ground.
Trash
Pack out everything including food waste such as orange peel. Food scraps attract insects, rodents
and other animals. Try and get into the habit of removing trash left by others, especially small
items such as finger or gear-marking tape. Bring a bag for this purpose.
Vehicles and Parking
Stay on the existing dirt roads in the area and do not drive off road. If you need to turn around,
look for a disturbed site or do a 4-point turn within the confines of the roadway. Only park in
designated sites. Consider car-pooling. There is no vehicle access to the side canyons: Hog,
Donnelly, Fringe of Death and Fringe of Life Canyons.
Don't bust the crust! Fragile cryptobiotic soils provide soil stability, help increase water infiltration, and assist with plant germination and growth. This driver detroyed crusts that could take anywhere from 50 to 250 years to recover.
The Bureau of Land Management
The BLM is charged with managing over two million acres in this district, yet the Monticello Field Office has only two recreation staff to accomplish this important job (in addition to 2 enforcement staff). The BLM is required by federal law to protect the cultural and biological resources of this area from impacts caused by recreationists and campers. Please assist the BLM by encouraging your fellow climbers and campers to use this precious area responsibly.
Contacts
BLM - Monticello Field Office Tel: (435) 587 1503
The Nature Conservancy - Moab Office Tel: (435) 259 4629
The Access Fund Tel: (303) 545 6772 (x104, x102)
Rocky Mountain Field Institute Tel: (719) 471 7736
If you would like to be informed about when the Indian Creek Corridor Recreation Plan is released
for public review and comment, sign up for the Access Fund’s monthly E-news at:
www.accessfund.org.