SouthWest Adventure Guides • Durango CO • 800-642-5389 or info@swaguides.com  
In the San Juans and beyond ... since 1989
Winter Programs

Indian Creek Crack Climbing

Overview | Courses | Schedule

Indian Creek is the undisputed home of crack climbing. Short approaches, impeccable rock, classic climbs, and an unmatched setting all describe Indian Creek in a nutshell. But beyond this lies the notion that the Creek is one of the best places in the world to learn, practice, and hone one's climbing technique. It's no secret that many of the best climber's around have spent their fair share of time in the Creek developing their pure climbing skills. Spending a little time climbing at Indian Creek will make you a better climber, period.

Our programs and climbing instruction will focus on helping you gain crack climbing proficiency in the most efficient manner. Hand jams, fist jams, finger locks, arm bars, and all the latest techniques that are used to crack climb will be introduced, discussed, practiced, and eventually mastered. It's certainly not the easiest climbing in the world, but a few days in the Creek will do wonders for your climbing ability no matter what your favorite type of climbing may be (traditional, sport, ice). We employ some of the best climber's and guides in the business, so send us an email or call 1-800-642-5389 to work out the details of your instruction.

Who's My Guide?

Our guides for climbing and instruction at Indian Creek include Ryan Nelson, Jared Ogden, Marcus Garcia, Bob Brockley, Keeton Caston, and Steve Crowthers. These guys, and gals, are some of the best Creek climbers around, and have the rack to prove it! Let them show you the basics on climbs like:

  • Chocolate Corner (5.9)
  • Generic Crack (5.10-)
  • Incredible Hand Crack (5.10)
  • 3 AM Crack (5.10)
  • Supercrack (5.10)
  • Binou's Crack (5.9)

We can also arrange for guided climbs on Towers in the area:

  • North Six Shooter: Lightning Bolt Cracks (5.10+)
  • South Six Shooter: South Face (5.7)
  • Bridger Jack Mesa: Many climbs (5.10 - 5.11)

When Can I Go?

The Fall (October - November) and Spring (March - April) are typically the best seasons to climb at Indian Creek, but the Winter months are also an excellent time to climb. In the Winter we tend to climb at sunny crags in order to be comfortable. Temperatures in the winter can be very pleasant (mid to high 50's) but it often feels like the 70's when you're in the sun. It's a great way to get some warm weather rock climbing in during those long winter months.

What Does It Cost?

Per day costs for instruction:

  • $285 for 1:1, $370 for 2:1, $455 for 3:1

Per day costs for Tower Climbs:

  • $295 for 1:1, $390 for 2:1

Trip Cost Includes: Guiding and instruction, all technical climbing gear (ropes, harness, helmet, etc.). Rock climbing shoes are available to rent. We can also arrange for transportation to and from Indian Creek for an extra fee.

Not Included: Hotel costs before, during or after the courses. 3% land use surcharge, 7.5% Sales tax on rental equipment, trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing or camping equipment, or gratuities.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit as early as possible prior to the trip date. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.

 
 
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(Corporate Partner)


Operating under special use permit in the Rio Grande - San Juan National Forest and the Grand Mesa - Uncompahgre National Forest - Wrangell St. Elias National Park - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Indian Creek BLM. Southwest Adventure Guides LLC provides services and employment opportunities regardless of an individual's ethnic or cultural heritage, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or physical handicap.