indian creek lines

Ok so ive read about the lines that form at Indian creek on the popular climbs but how bad is it really. On a week day in the middle of march how many people will be at super crack buttress and how many people will be in line for IHC? Is it really a zoo or is it only bad on the weekends? Is it worth the wait, is it really that bad? Sorry, that’s kind of a lot of repetitive questions.

you'll be able to get on them. It's not like waiting for the batman ride at 7-flags.

Worse on weekends. But there is SOOOOO much at IC, don't waste your time standing in line for IHC or anything at Supercrack. That's the first main Buttress people come too, and is why it gets so crowded.

where do you suggest then? nothin harder than a 10 for me.

TKrosbakken wrote:where do you suggest then? nothin harder than a 10 for me.

you can use the search feature of this site to look for lines at IC in your range. Here's a list of 5.9-5.10d

search results

On my last trip, I climbed Supercrack for the first time. We arrived at the base about 5-10minutes before the hordes showed up. We had about 25 climbers stop by and ask, "Dude are you climbing Supercrack?". I am not a big fan of crowds, especially the super groups at IC that take over an area. So to answer your question, it really is that bad.

ya i know about that feature but thanks. i was just wondering of another area you would suggest. i was thinking way rambo, scarface and donnely canyon.

those routes on supercrack buttress just look so good though. i dont know if i can pass them up.

On a weekday there won't be too many people - it won't be deserted, but there won't be hordes. On weekends, watch out.

my wife has climbed over 200 routes at IC, and still has never done supercrack or IHC. after climbing the routes she has done out there, they would probably just be a disappointment anyway. they are OK, but they are definitely not in the '5 star mega' category.

also, keep in mind that middle of march is spring break. you can bet there will be full-on gangbang 24-7.

Yes super crack buttress (AKA: Super Crowded)is usually a zoo. Even if it isn't a zoo the two routes you listed will be a zoo. The issue is people TR the hell out of those routes. Usually there will be a group of people with only one person that can lead IC 5.10. That person sets up a top rope for the other 10 people in the party. Of course many of them don't have a dam clue about crack climbing. So they swing around yelling "take", "watch me", "fuck", and my favorite "there is no-way this is 5.10 b/c I climb 5.12 sport". Each person takes about 45 min each.

Those two route are really great. The good news is there are hundreds of other 5.10 routes at IC that are really great. If you are hell bent on getting on them either

A. get up very early before others arrive
B. Drive by the butte and check the base of the cliff. If it is crowded go somewhere else.

Try pistol whipped for a good intro to IC

TKrosbakken wrote:where do you suggest then? nothin harder than a 10 for me.

Blue Gramma has a full day's worth of worthy lines at the 5.10 and below grade.

Try Scarface. Wavy Gravy is awesome, and there are some great unnamed 9+ and 10- routes around (short, but that might be good for you).

I agree that SC Butt is a zoo (as is Donnley), BUT, all the times I've been there if you are persistent you will be able to get on IHC and SC. Just role up and ask the party on route how long they think they will be. But some pressure on them. If there are more than 2 parties queued up, comeback another day, or run back down to the car, grab some beers, and watch the noobers flail. This is great rest day activity, too!

Mid-week, you could get lucky (arrive early), or there could be 20 people in one group all taking laps (lame). Just give it a try! My .02

p.s. try "twin cracks" (9-/8+) at SC butt for your first route.

I would just like to thank everyone for their input. I had a very similar question as I will also be there mid-March.

-the guy behind you in line

TKrosbakken wrote:ya i know about that feature but thanks. i was just wondering of another area you would suggest. i was thinking way rambo, scarface and donnely canyon. those routes on supercrack buttress just look so good though. i dont know if i can pass them up.

DO not go to Way Rambo...there are not very many climbs there if your only looking at 5.10 range....the gems in that area are harder, and its not worth the hike for just the 10's. and yes it is that bad.

tony b has a good recommendation. blue gramma is a nice cliff that is loaded with shorter 5.10's, and you don't need an arsenal of any one size.

thanks everyone for your comments. i would way rather get more routes in and be in more seclusion than climb a mega-classic that sounds over-rated any way.

i think i will try blue gramma and scarface. ive never been to the creek and im sure ill have a blast with out going to SC butress. and after this weekend at a crowded ice crag i decided i dont like crowds. especially beta shouting noobs.

thanks again to everyone.