5 years have come and gone where every fall I make a pilgrimage to the Utah desert. Next to glaciated mountains the unique landscape of the desert is the place that I find rest and true solitude, it always leaves more to be explored and soaked in. The place seeps with history dating up to 2,000 years ago when carvings and housing were made by the Archaic, Basketmaker, Fremont, and Pueblo cultures who farmed the Puerco River Valley until a drought caused them to leave around 1280 A.D. A more recent history involves the BLM, a Dugout ranch, Heidi (the owner), her cowboys, open pastures and a mutual use agreement held between it and the tourists/climbers who flood into the area. Not many places in the world can offer what Indian Creek does; cowboys herding, ancient ruins, petroglyphs, worldclass climbing, and so little bureaucracy. I just hope that as the place gains popularity respect and appreciation will be given to such a delicate landscape.
Amazing story with an awesome flow. Really sorry we couldn’t make it down, but looking forward to seeing the next leg!
great pics, inspiring when you’re from the east and it’s 40 and rainy (not even snow yet) – thanks for the distraction
Stoked! Thanks for the inspiration. Can’t wait to hit the road in November.. Hope to see you guys out there, somewhere in the south.
Incredible photo essay – thanks so much for sharing!
Dang Garrett, good times in the creek. Tried to make it out but just coundn’t swing it. I’m sure our paths will cross soon…
peace
Thanks for sharing these. I love the photos up close of the gear. The climb is art, but so is the gear… The pics give it all a lot of respect. Well done!
Great photos. And there sitting on the back of the pickup is my old friend, George Jameson. The Creek is a hard place.
Paul’s dad, Tom
Thanks all…really glad you enjoyed the story and details.
Hey tom! Not sure if you remember but I met you before I ever met paul. You taught my level II avy course in Utah about 5 years ago…great course. Thanks for the note.