Climbing closed at Black Hawk Wall and between the Gunsight and Chimney Rock. This includes the bolted climb Saving Grace between the Gunsight and Chimney Rock and two bolted climbs on Black Hawk Wall called Wedding Bells and an unnamed route.
Dustin working towards the overhang. No idea wher...
Description
Bolted limestone, it is a long walk to the rock, but there are some really nice climbs.
Getting There
Heading North on 151 out of Monticello Iowa, turn right on Richmond, take Richmond Road till it tees out on Butterfield Road, and turn right. Stick with Butterfield Road where you have to turn right at the four way stop to stay on Butterfield and follow it down into the park. There are two parking lots, one right after you enter the park and one down by the river. The top parking lot is closer to most of the bolted climbs.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Indian Bluffs:
If you do find this park, a good idea is to try and get a guide of some sort or a local to show you the routes to get on and ones not to. there are some pretty fun climbing routes here and you should not have any issues with routes on private land here, but there are routes on PRIVATE land in Iowa. If you happen upon this place, and you will know you are not where you should be, best to turn around and go back the way you came. there are draws hanging on some routes and are not free for the taking-remember it's private property and if caught climbing, you will be walked off the property and into the open arms of the law.
so get a guide book and enjoy the climbing we really need to protect
Hi crimpandpeel, Where would one find a guidebook for Indian Bluffs? Do you live in the area? I'm in Dubuque and would like to see more of Indian Bluffs. Very cool area and I've only seen maybe 1/2 of the routes. I hear there's 30+. Thanks
There is an outdated general guidebook for Eastern Iowa. I have a copy/plus some other material on the area you can have if you like. I'm not sure how useful the guide is, as by the time I came across it, I knew my way around most the places in Iowa. I know IB pretty well, even crimpandpeel's super cool Blue Groove Wall. Sadly I don't have a whole lot of time left in Iowa before I move. IB is much nicer in the fall when the veg dies. There is hunting allowed on the land as well, so during hunting season be sure to wear bright colors - just to be safe.
There are some routes under voluntary closure which should not be climbed (Saving Grace, Wedding Bells, Louise)
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