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Women’s Crack Climbing Retreat in Indian Creek

Duration
3 days
Season
April
Group size
Up to 8 people
Accommodation
Campground (tents)
Difficulty
Excellent fitness & climbing experience required, must be able to top rope 5.9-5.10 in the gym
What's included
Guide, lodging, yoga session, Thai massage

Indian Creek, also known as “Crack City”, is a truly seminal climbing spot – one of the best in the USA. With over 1,000 varied routes ranging from 5.9 to 5.12, anyone can master the art of the crack here. However, the climbing progression is only a part of this adventure. Off the rocks, you’ll enjoy yoga, a Thai massage, and life coaching sessions meant to soothe both body and mind and prep you for the climbs ahead. Nights will be spent in the Needles Outpost campground, which blends the rustic ruggedness of the desert with modern conveniences like showers, running water, and a general store. Explore awe-inspiring landscapes, connect with like-minded women, and grow from climber to crusher in Indian Creek.

Adventure highlights

  • Crack climbing 101
    Master crack climbing on over 1,000 varied sandstone routes
  • Peaceful retreat
    Find inner peace through yoga, massages, and life coaching sessions
  • Sleep beneath the stars
    Stay in the Needles Outpost campground, where desert charm meets modern convenience
Highlighted reviews from other travellers
T
Tamar M.

EPR is a great combination of the magic nature has to offer us and the right guides to see the show! The beauty of Moab is almost indescribable-definitely better experienced 🙂

K
Kristy M.

My experience with Earth Play Retreats was everything I expected, and much more! Heidi’s professional, yet relaxed, demeanor helped me accomplish far more than I thought possible in just a few short days. She encouraged me to keep going when I thought I couldn’t climb any higher, and helped me gain the confidence to climb my first multi-pitch route. Thanks to this retreat, I’ve found a love of climbing. I can’t wait to attend another one of these events!

Show all reviews

Itinerary

Join your AMGA-certified rock guide for a three-day crack climbing and wellness retreat in the stunning Indian Creek. Learn the fundamentals of crack climbing, hone your technical climbing skills, and take on new challenges in the company of like-minded women. Spend your time off the rocks in the cozy Needles Outpost, and enjoy a Thai massage, yoga, delicious food, and conversations with a life coach!

  • Arrive at your campsite in the Needles Outpost by 2 pm, check in, and get settled. Take the chance to meet the group and get an overview of the retreat, setting the goals and intentions for the climbs. Afterward, shake off the pains of travel with a Thai massage! Enjoy your dinner on your own or as a group, and hit the sack early—you’ll need to be well-rested for the climbs to come!

    A woman practicing yoga in Indian Creek
  • After breakfast, participate in a warm-up and some morning meditation. Today’s your first full day of climbing, and you’ll mostly be working on your crack climbing technique with your guide. Wrap up your time on the rocks with a debrief and a discussion of your crack climbing goals and intentions. Conclude the day with some sunset yoga and a delicious dinner on your own or with your group.

    Women's Crack Climbing Retreat in Indian Creek
  • Kick off your final day with breakfast, a warm-up, and some meditation. Time for some more crack work—fingers, hands, fists, off sizes, and more! Finish your tour up with a closing circle debrief and processing.

    Indian creek crack climbing
  • You can add an additional guided tower day to your booking at checkout. This full-day adventure includes all necessary gear and a guided climb of either the iconic Ancient Art tower or Looking Glass Rock, depending on skill level. It’s a rare opportunity to put your newly refined climbing skills to use and stand atop a truly unforgettable summit.

    Ancient Art

      • At Fisher Towers, the erosion of ancient seabed layers has created some of the most striking formations in the Moab area. Ancient Art rises nearly 350 feet from its base to its famous corkscrew summit, perched below massive towers that loom 900 feet above. It’s one of the most visually unique and gravity-defying summits anywhere.
      • Route: Stolen Chimney (II 5.8 A0 or 5.10), 4 pitches

    Castleton Tower

      • Castleton Tower became world-renowned after being featured in 50 Classic Climbs (1979). Considered one of the most scenic and iconic desert towers on Earth, it stands atop a 1,000-foot talus cone and rises another 400 feet to its true summit at 6,657 feet above sea level.
      • Routes:
        • Kor-Ingalls (5.9), 4 pitches (First ascent 1961)
        • North Chimney (5.9), 3 pitches
    Tower climbing Indian creek
Women-only adventure tours
Hikes & walks (25) | Wellness trips (7) | Food & wine tours (0) | Mountaineering (4)
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Meet your guides

Heidi
5.00
Heidi
AMGA Certified Rock Guide
Heidi is a climber, yogi and philanthropist at heart. She is one of the country’s few prominent female adventure climbers, climbing for over twenty years, and letting her passion for adventure and exploration lead her to exotic and remote places around the world. In the US, she is known as Heidi Almighty for her bold and technical climbing as well as speed ascents in Yosemite Valley.
Keiko
5.00
Keiko
Keiko is a climber, teacher, and lifelong student of the sport with nearly two decades of experience. Her first big wall was a solo ascent of El Capitan in 2015, and since then she has climbed ten big walls and established numerous first ascents across the West. She continues to expand her skills in traditional, ice, mixed, and aid climbing. In her spare time, Keiko volunteers with local climbing organizations, teaches clinics, and mentors young climbers. She is passionate about empowering others and creating a safe, inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. Her goals include establishing new routes on remote big mountains and teaching practical skills that help climbers reach their full potential. Dream BIG!
Sierra
5.00
Sierra
AMGA rock guide Sierra discovered her two biggest passions, climbing and photography, at a young age. A bachelor of cultural anthropology, she boasts over 20 years of guiding experience, both working for others and with her own company, and enjoys taking fantastic action shots of her clients. In her spare time, she enjoys all forms of creative expression, be it singing, writing, painting, or even costume design.

Lodging

5.00(2 reviews)
T
Tamar M.

EPR is a great combination of the magic nature has to offer us and the right guides to see the show! The beauty of Moab is almost indescribable-definitely better experienced 🙂

K
Kristy M.

My experience with Earth Play Retreats was everything I expected, and much more! Heidi’s professional, yet relaxed, demeanor helped me accomplish far more than I thought possible in just a few short days. She encouraged me to keep going when I thought I couldn’t climb any higher, and helped me gain the confidence to climb my first multi-pitch route. Thanks to this retreat, I’ve found a love of climbing. I can’t wait to attend another one of these events!

Show all reviews
5.00(2 reviews)
T
Tamar M.

EPR is a great combination of the magic nature has to offer us and the right guides to see the show! The beauty of Moab is almost indescribable-definitely better experienced 🙂

K
Kristy M.

My experience with Earth Play Retreats was everything I expected, and much more! Heidi’s professional, yet relaxed, demeanor helped me accomplish far more than I thought possible in just a few short days. She encouraged me to keep going when I thought I couldn’t climb any higher, and helped me gain the confidence to climb my first multi-pitch route. Thanks to this retreat, I’ve found a love of climbing. I can’t wait to attend another one of these events!

Things to know

  • Included:

      • Experienced, local climbing guides with extensive knowledge of the area
      • Campground accommodations for two nights
      • Two full days of guided rock climbing and instruction
      • Daily informational debriefs
      • One yoga session
      • A complimentary Thai massage
      • Expert advice from life coach Marta Czajkowska

    Add-ons (available to add at checkout):

      • Optional tower day

    Not included:

      • Transportation
      • Food, drinks, and snacks
      • Shoes and climbing harness (can be rented from your guides)
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
  • This crack climbing retreat is meant for women with a climbing background and excellent fitness levels. We recommend you can top rope 5.9-5.10 in the gym.

    You will be taking on strenuous climbs rated at 5.9 or above for two full days, learning the fundamentals of crack climbing. Make sure you’re healthy, in good physical shape, and ready for the climbs.

  • This tour is meant for women with some climbing experience looking to improve their climbing skills and work on their crack climbing technique. For intermediate to advanced climbers, Indian Creek has loads of crack climbing routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best-hidden gems the area has to offer.

  • Of course! You can add it to your trip at checkout. This full-day adventure includes all necessary gear and a guided climb of either the iconic Ancient Art tower or Looking Glass Rock, depending on skill level. It’s a rare opportunity to put your newly refined climbing skills to use and stand atop a truly unforgettable summit.

    Ancient Art

      • At Fisher Towers, the erosion of ancient seabed layers has created some of the most striking formations in the Moab area. Ancient Art rises nearly 350 feet from its base to its famous corkscrew summit, perched below massive towers that loom 900 feet above. It’s one of the most visually unique and gravity-defying summits anywhere.
      • Route: Stolen Chimney (II 5.8 A0 or 5.10), 4 pitches

    Castleton Tower

      • Castleton Tower became world-renowned after being featured in 50 Classic Climbs (1979). Considered one of the most scenic and iconic desert towers on Earth, it stands atop a 1,000-foot talus cone and rises another 400 feet to its true summit at 6,657 feet above sea level.
      • Routes:
        • Kor-Ingalls (5.9), 4 pitches (First ascent 1961)
        • North Chimney (5.9), 3 pitches
  • For this camp, you’ll need:

      • Helmet
      • Harness
      • Ropes
      • Climbing shoes (can be rented from your guide)
      • Chalk bag

    Your guide can provide all technical climbing gear. Contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

    Here’s a list of the private equipment we suggest you bring:

      • Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
      • Camping gear
      • Yoga mat
      • Water bottle
      • Food you can eat on-the-go
      • Toiletries (bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Sunscreen
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional

    The Needles Outpost has a well-equipped general store with ice, snacks, drinks, and other supplies you might need on your trip.
    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • The usual guest-to-guide ratio is 4:1, with a maximum of 8 participants per tour.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Indian Creek, UT, most people fly into Salt Lake City International Airport 6 hours away. From there, you can rent a car and head straight there. Alternatively, you can take a local flight or shuttle to Moab and drive to Indian Creek.

    Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the Canyonlands Needles Outpost campground or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
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