The Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is an elongated unit about 10 miles long from
north to south, and a little more than 2 miles from east to west at the widest
point. Located in the Canyonlands section of the Colorado Plateau
Physiographic Province, Bridger Jack Mesa is bounded by spectacular orange-red
cliffs. The WSA is in a natural state and has outstanding opportunities for
solitude and primitive recreation.

The Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is an elongated unit about 10 miles long from north to south, and a little more than 2 miles from east to west at the widest point. Located in the Canyonlands section of the Colorado Plateau Physiographic Province, Bridger Jack Mesa is bounded by spectacular orange-red cliffs. The WSA is in a natural state and has outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation.

Bird's eye view of the park

Bridger Jack Mesa WSA

The Indian Creek Special Recreation Management area contains the northern
portion of Bears Ears National Monument. Indian Creek has something to offer
everybody: rock climbers come to test their skills on world-class crack
climbing routes, bird watchers scan high cliffs for Golden Eagles and
Peregrine Falcons, and photographers seek to capture the moment when late
afternoon light illuminates canyons in a vibrant red. Whether you stop at
Newspaper Rock for a few minutes or stay at one of Indian Creek’s three
established campgrounds, you are sure to find something in this magnificent
landscape that speaks to you.

#### Climbing

Rock climbing is a popular recreation activity in Indian Creek. There are
thousands of crack climbs to choose from, but very few routes for beginners:
if you plan to climb in Indian Creek, be prepared for the challenges that
unrelenting splitter crack-climbing presents. Remember to recreate responsibly
so that future generations can enjoy the same experience. Please keep these
tips in mind while exploring the climbs of Indian Creek:

**Wait at least 24-48 hours to climb on sandstone following rain.**

    

Wet sandstone can erode more quickly and could result in weakened anchors, cam
slipping, and unintentional changes in the climbing route.

**Use existing trails and respect private property.**

    

Several popular climbs can only be reached by crossing private land. Unless
signs say otherwise, leave gates open or closed as you find them.

**Don’t bust the crust.**

    

Cryptobiotic soil is a living crust that plays an important ecological role in
many desert environments. When you or your animal walks on crust, it can take
decades to regrow.

Pack out human waste.

    

Desert soil lacks the necessary microorganisms for it to biodegrade naturally.

Visit archeological sites with respect.

    

Please visit archeological sites with respect. It is illegal to damage,
disturb or remove anything from archeological or historical sites.

Respect raptor avoidance areas.

    

Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons make their homes in the cliffs of Indian
Creek: disturbing them can impact their young and present a dangerous
situation for a climber if a raptor feels threatened. Raptor avoidance areas
are typically active through the summer, but they are lifted based on the
behavior of raptors each year and therefore may vary.

You can learn more about how to minimize your impact while climbing in Indian
Creek by contacting the Monticello Field Office (435-587-1500).

#### Camping

What could be better than sleeping underneath the expansive, starry skies of
canyon country? There are two options for camping on your visit to Indian
Creek: camping at an established campground or dispersed camping.

Indian Creek is home to three of Bears Ears National Monument’s established
campgrounds: Hamburger Rock, Superbowl, and Creek Pasture. These campsites are
first-come, first-served, the cost $15/night and the maximum stay is 14 days.
All of the first-come, first-served sites allow for Scan & Pay, so you can pay
electronically through the Recreation.gov mobile app once you have claimed an
available site. Group sites are available for reservation and can be found at
the Indian Creek Falls Group Site, Superbowl Group Site, and Creek Pasture
Group Site. All group sites can accommodate up to 50 people and cost
$65/night.

Dispersed camping is allowed 150 feet off designated routes in Indian Creek in
previously disturbed areas. Pack out all trash. Protect and conserve scarce
desert water sources by camping at least 300 feet from water sources or
streams to allow for wildlife access.

The Indian Creek Special Recreation Management area contains the northern portion of Bears Ears National Monument. Indian Creek has something to offer everybody: rock climbers come to test their skills on world-class crack climbing routes, bird watchers scan high cliffs for Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons, and photographers seek to capture the moment when late afternoon light illuminates canyons in a vibrant red. Whether you stop at Newspaper Rock for a few minutes or stay at one of Indian Creek’s three established campgrounds, you are sure to find something in this magnificent landscape that speaks to you. 

 

<h4>Climbing</h4>

Rock climbing is a popular recreation activity in Indian Creek. There are thousands of crack climbs to choose from, but very few routes for beginners: if you plan to climb in Indian Creek, be prepared for the challenges that unrelenting splitter crack-climbing presents. Remember to recreate responsibly so that future generations can enjoy the same experience. Please keep these tips in mind while exploring the climbs of Indian Creek: 

<dl>
	<dt>Wait at least 24-48 hours to climb on sandstone following rain.</dt>
	<dd>
	Wet sandstone can erode more quickly and could result in weakened anchors, cam slipping, and unintentional changes in the climbing route.  
	</dd>
	<dt>Use existing trails and respect private property.</dt>
	<dd>
	Several popular climbs can only be reached by crossing private land. Unless signs say otherwise, leave gates open or closed as you find them. 
	</dd>
	<dt>Don’t bust the crust.</dt>
	<dd>
	Cryptobiotic soil is a living crust that plays an important ecological role in many desert environments. When you or your animal walks on crust, it can take decades to regrow.  
	</dd>
	<dt>Pack out human waste.</dt>
	<dd>
	Desert soil lacks the necessary microorganisms for it to biodegrade naturally.  
	</dd>
	<dt>Visit archeological sites with respect.</dt>
	<dd>
	Please <a href="https://www.friendsofcedarmesa.org/tips-for-visiting-with-respect/" rel="nofollow">visit archeological sites with respect</a>. It is illegal to damage, disturb or remove anything from archeological or historical sites.  
	</dd>
	<dt>Respect raptor avoidance areas.</dt>
	<dd>
	Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons make their homes in the cliffs of Indian Creek: disturbing them can impact their young and present a dangerous situation for a climber if a raptor feels threatened. <a href="https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-lifts-voluntary-climbing-avoidance-areas-indian-creek" rel="nofollow">Raptor avoidance areas</a> are typically active through the summer, but they are lifted based on the behavior of raptors each year and therefore may vary.
	</dd>
</dl>

You can learn more about how to minimize your impact while climbing in Indian Creek by contacting the Monticello Field Office (435-587-1500).  

 

<h4>Camping</h4>

What could be better than sleeping underneath the expansive, starry skies of canyon country? There are two options for camping on your visit to Indian Creek: camping at an established campground or dispersed camping.  

Indian Creek is home to three of Bears Ears National Monument’s established campgrounds: <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10214768" rel="nofollow">Hamburger Rock</a>, <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10214673" rel="nofollow">Superbowl</a>, and <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10214735" rel="nofollow">Creek Pasture</a>. These campsites are first-come, first-served, the cost $15/night and the maximum stay is 14 days. All of the first-come, first-served sites allow for Scan & Pay, so you can pay electronically through the Recreation.gov mobile app once you have claimed an available site. Group sites are available for reservation and can be found at the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252280" rel="nofollow">Indian Creek Falls Group Site</a>, <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/257007" rel="nofollow">Superbowl Group Site</a>, and <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252281" rel="nofollow">Creek Pasture Group Site</a>. All group sites can accommodate up to 50 people and cost $65/night. 

Dispersed camping is allowed 150 feet off designated routes in Indian Creek in previously disturbed areas. Pack out all trash. Protect and conserve scarce desert water sources by camping at least 300 feet from water sources or streams to allow for wildlife access.

Indian Creek SRMA

Pine 4

Indian Creek - Bears Ears National Monument

The terrain in this WSA consists of sloping slickrock that drains
northeastward and low benches.The unit is very scenic. Red and buff spires,
knobs, and buttes contrast with green vegetationand blue sky. The highly
eroded sandstone features, including numerous pinnacles and the VanhemertArch,
provide for geologic study and viewing. The entire WSA is rated outstanding
for scenic quality

The terrain in this WSA consists of sloping slickrock that drains northeastward and low benches.The unit is very scenic. Red and buff spires, knobs, and buttes contrast with green vegetationand blue sky. The highly eroded sandstone features, including numerous pinnacles and the VanhemertArch, provide for geologic study and viewing. The entire WSA is rated outstanding for scenic quality

South Needles WSA

Landforms in the WSA include massive Navajo sandstone domes and fins, steep
cliffs, and several natural arches. Sixty percent of the area is barren of
vegetation with the remainder in juniper and desert shrubs. Recreational use
of the WSA is limited to hiking, fin walking and climbing. There are extreme
topographical constraints to foot travel within this WSA.

Landforms in the WSA include massive Navajo sandstone domes and fins, steep cliffs, and several natural arches.  Sixty percent of the area is barren of vegetation with the remainder in juniper and desert shrubs.  Recreational use of the WSA is limited to hiking, fin walking and climbing.  There are extreme topographical constraints to foot travel within this WSA.

Behind the Rocks

The Cameo Cliffs Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) is located
approximately 30 miles south of Moab, and 18 miles north of Monticello. The
Cameo Cliffs SRMA emphasizes motorized recreation, especially ATV use, on a
series of old mining routes that are marked for the public. A trailhead and
parking area is provided just east of U.S. Highway 191 (the sign on the
highway says “OHV Trailhead”) Approximately 50 miles of route are marked
within the area.

The ATV trail system accesses a beautifully scenic area. We invite you to
explore the trails and take in the scenery. We ask all users to stay on the
trails, in order to preserve the scenery for you and others to see. Please be
considerate of the next visitor, and confine all motorized and mountain bike
travel to designated roads and trails.

The roads that are not marked for ATV use are a heritage of both ranching and
minerals exploration activities. The Old Mail Trail from Monticello to LaSal
is a part of one of the trail loops. As you enjoy the Cameo Cliff Special
Recreation Management Area, think of the effort that early settlers went
through to create these travel corridors.

There are no fees in Cameo Cliffs, please just help us keep the area nice by
staying on the designated, signed trails and packing out your trash and any
other trash you may find along the way. Remember, responsible recreation keeps
trails open.

The Cameo Cliffs Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) is located approximately 30 miles south of Moab, and 18 miles north of Monticello. The Cameo Cliffs SRMA emphasizes motorized recreation, especially ATV use, on a series of old mining routes that are marked for the public. A trailhead and parking area is provided just east of U.S. Highway 191 (the sign on the highway says “OHV Trailhead”) Approximately 50 miles of route are marked within the area.

The ATV trail system accesses a beautifully scenic area. We invite you to explore the trails and take in the scenery. We ask all users to stay on the trails, in order to preserve the scenery for you and others to see. Please be considerate of the next visitor, and confine all motorized and mountain bike travel to designated roads and trails.

The roads that are not marked for ATV use are a heritage of both ranching and minerals exploration activities. The Old Mail Trail from Monticello to LaSal is a part of one of the trail loops. As you enjoy the Cameo Cliff Special Recreation Management Area, think of the effort that early settlers went through to create these travel corridors.

There are no fees in Cameo Cliffs, please just help us keep the area nice by staying on the designated, signed trails and packing out your trash and any other trash you may find along the way. Remember, responsible recreation keeps trails open.

Bridger Jack Mesa WSA

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Indian Creek - Bears Ears National Monument

South Needles WSA

Behind the Rocks

Cameo Cliffs/Hook and OHV Ladder Trail System