Indian Creek Climbing Area is an internationally renowned climbing destination. Skirting the north side of the Abajo Mountains just north of Monticello, the Indian Creek Climbing area is located just past Newpaper Rock on the way to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. The approximate 150,000 acres in the Indian Creek Valley is currently managed under the San Juan Resource Area of the Bureau of Land Management.

With record visitation levels, a primary concern for the BLM is campsite proliferation and improper disposal of sanitary waste.  In 2006, Pam Foti, Department Chair of NAU’s Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation began monitoring a pilot project designed to control sanitary waste through the voluntary use of Wag Bags (sanitary waste disposal bags).  In addition, the project will assess dispersed campsite proliferation within the area. 

The non-profit support group, Friends of Indian Creek (FOIC), are working with the BLM, the climbing community, the Access Fund, and The Nature Conservancy to raise awareness regarding impacts to this fragile desert ecosystem. FOIC is spreading the word about both Wag Bags and actions to minimize development (restrooms and designated camping areas) at Indian Creek.

For further details and questions regarding the Indian Creek Climbing Area project please contact Janet Lynn at the EMA office: (928) 523-0714.