Indian Creek on a Bicycle?

JLP, I would have to confirm with the Mrs. I think the last time we were there about 4 or 5 years ago it was dry. We used to go to every Memorial Day weekend to warm our bones after the long winter, but the black flies got the better of us last few times out. I never could figure out what made the black flies so prevalent with or without water in the creeks?
Edit
Regardless if there is water in the reservoir or not, isn't it posted no trespassing?

Yes, the Reservoir is private and posted. Never hurts to ask, though.

Bike beta for j-tree is the same as for the creek - no water in the park. no food in the park either. resupply is your main issue, and if you are friendly and offer to pay for gas or something like that, you should have no trouble in either place hooking up with some other climber's resupply runs to town.

in both places, the camping-to-crag distance ranges from walking to less than an hour on the bike.

if you can't make friends to help out with supply missions (in which case, you don't have partners either, so you have bigger issues....) at j-tree, the closest water is at the entrance stations - 50mile round trip.

If you camped at the Cottonwood area (38.02839,-109.588385) you can easily walk to Bioturbation and the Rambo walls. A bit longer walk (additional mile +/- will get you to Sabbatical, Pistol whipped, and Tricks walls. A short bike ride (30 minutes) would get you just about any where else in cottonwood canyon (4x4, Technicolor, Critics choice, etc.) It would take a month (for me anyway) to put a dent in the climbing just on the walls I've listed. Riding on rd 107 would suck though, I think it would best be described as a dusty hell. You'd need some fat tires to make it ride-able. I was there last October and Cottonwood creek had water the whole time, Indian creek itself was dry. I've used a settle, boil, filter strategy to get water from the creeks and it's not bad at all. Use the message boards (everyone uses them to communicate as there is no cell service, come prepared with pencil, paper & give some thought on how best to meet up with people) to find rides to town, rides to Supercrack buttress etc. If you have many cams (3-4 each, especially hand size) to contribute it's easy to find rides all over the area. The climbers at the Creek are the most welcoming climbers I've found anywhere.

Okay. So to me this sounds totally doable on a bike. There might be some logistical challenges but nothing that beer and a smile can't seem to overcome.

Hauling gear/food/water isn't a big concern since I'll have a bike trailer. Making friends with cars shouldn't be an issue either since I personally wouldn't climb if I didn't like a good number of the people around me.

I've got a partner meeting me in Zion.

I'll figure out my jtree/red rocks plan along the way.

Hopefully this all works out and thanks for the beta! If you ever need a catch at Smith Rocks look me up!

Slightly off topic... Opposite of what you just said - I dislike climbing with lots of people around. I often try to find partners who will wander off during the weekdays or to less frequently climbed areas so we won't see anybody else. :)

Hope you make your trip! Don't forget to stop at Milts when you pass through Moab (sorry if someone mentioned that already).

Hiro wrote:Slightly off topic... Opposite of what you just said - I dislike climbing with lots of people around. I often try to find partners who will wander off during the weekdays or to less frequently climbed areas so we won't see anybody else. :) Hope you make your trip! Don't forget to stop at Milts when you pass through Moab (sorry if someone mentioned that already).

I'm actually more like you than you'd expect. I climb Monday-Friday most of the time to dodge crowds. I do however like meeting people while camping and then partnering up to find the remote stuff. The people who taught me were crazy about climbing privacy. So much that they would pull the rope and leave the crag if others showed up... I don't think they climb anymore.

I'll check out Milts!

If I may..

Fuck it, just do it. No need to worry about logistical issues as there will be a shit ton of peeps there and I'm sure if your an alright dude, which you seem to be, you'll have no problem getting back and forth. Too much planning takes the fun out of it.

MIYG wrote:If I may.. Fuck it, just do it. No need to worry about logistical issues as there will be a shit ton of peeps there and I'm sure if your an alright dude, which you seem to be, you'll have no problem getting back and forth. Too much planning takes the fun out of it.

You sound like a good global bike tour partner.

If you do it, have a blast. You'll love IC. BTW, I sent on your email to my friend (Aimee). Good luck!

Beer, Food, Water, Massive Climbing Rack, Firewood, Camping Gear, etc,.. on a bike?!
IC is very remote. If you don't bring it in with you, you won't have it.

valygrl wrote:Bike beta for j-tree is the same as for the creek - no water in the park....at j-tree, the closest water is at the entrance stations - 50mile round trip.

It's not a 50mi round trip to water. It's about 8 or 9mi from the west entrance (water) to HVCG, call it 17 roundtrip. It's barely 50mi RT all the way into the town of JT and back from HVCG . There is also usually standing water to filter during most of the climbing season if you are familiar with where to look. Hitching is easy. Rides to town for resupply from fellow campers is easy. I know plenty of people who've stayed here no car, no bike and been perfectly fine. It would be WAY better than trying to do the Creek on a bike, IMO (with the caveat that the climbing isn't as anywhere near as good...unless you get off on grainy slab).

Bob Dobalina wrote:Beer, Food, Water, Massive Climbing Rack, Firewood, Camping Gear, etc,.. on a bike?! IC is very remote. If you don't bring it in with you, you won't have it.

It is also very friendly. You could hitchhike there and be fine. Share a fire, pitch money for firewood, make friends. People will be happy to pick up some water or beer for you if you make friends easily.

You are going to have a great trip!