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Indian Creek

Indian Creek   |  Andrew Burr
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Indian Creek is in the northernmost portion of Bears Ears National Monument, and is known as a rock climbing mecca. Whether you get up on the wall or decide to drive, it's easy to appreciate the scenery from a lower vantage point as you cruise the 41-mile state scenic byway.

Things to Do

  • Camping

    The Indian Creek Falls camping area and Canyonlands' The Needles District are considered more rugged and remote than the more popular Island in the Sky District in Canyonlands. To the north (near Moab), there are a couple of very family-friendly hikes and a campground (advance reservations highly recommended, though there are some first-come, first-served sites). While there are also BLM campsites on Indian Creek National Monument, these campsites are popular with climbers, are primitive and amenities are few or very basic. Out of respect for private land and public land with grazing rights, climbers follow Leave No Trace ethics and keep pets on-leash around livestock and ranch personnel.

  • Photography

    While the hiking trails in the area mostly lead to top climbing sites, they may be worth exploring for unique vantage points over the area. But Indian Creek often welcomes a different breed of videographer, one who scales cracks up sheer rock walls to capture intrepid climbers in one of America's rock climbing meccas.

  • Scenic Byway

    Drive Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway (S.R. 211)., which connects to The Needles District of Utah's largest national park, Canyonlands. Plan time to stop at the Needles Outpost and Newspaper Rock. Utilize the picnic area just across the highway from the petroglyphs on Newspaper Rock for a bit of relaxation.

Fees

There are no fees or permits required to visit Newspaper Rock or to drive the Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway through Indian Creek National Monument, national park fees are required to enter Canyonlands National Park.

The area is open year-round, and the best times to visit are March through late-May and September through October. Feel free to bring your dog, but most places require furry friends to remain on-leash.

Explore Nearby

Travel Advisory

Visitors traveling to the areas surrounding of Bears Ears National Monument should be aware that the designation of monument status has not allowed for the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to develop their management plan, nor create new services or facilities. 

Review Travel Advisory

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead
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