Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area, a wilderness study area in San Juan County, southeastern Utah, encompasses 6,870 acres of rugged red rock landscapes. This federally protected region is characterized by dramatic, northward-sloping canyons carved through vibrant Wingate sandstone, some reaching depths of 300 feet. The terrain features narrow, twisting tributary canyons and approximately 4 miles of perennial streams along Indian Creek, offering a primitive setting for several sports like hiking and jogging.
19
Routes
4.7
(139)
Average rating
2454
People visited

4.9
(59)
1,146
hikers
2.95km
01:04
170m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

665m
00:13
10m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(11)
178
hikers
2.87km
00:58
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(6)
28
hikers
15.9km
04:22
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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8
runners
11.3km
01:26
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
runners
15.5km
02:01
310m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
15.9km
02:03
320m
320m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
runners
20.2km
02:37
420m
420m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area is a 6,870-acre federally protected region in San Juan County, southeastern Utah. It is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is known for its rugged red rock landscapes and primitive recreation opportunities.
Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area offers opportunities for primitive recreation, primarily hiking and jogging. The area emphasizes a non-motorized experience with off-trail navigation through rugged canyon terrain. More than 9,000 visitors have rated activities here an average of 4.89 out of 5 stars.
The Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area does not have developed trails, offering an off-trail hiking experience through rugged canyon terrain. Nearby, popular hiking routes include the Confluence Overlook trail (9.9 miles / 16 km), Slickrock Trail Loop (2.7 miles / 4.3 km), and Big Spring Canyon Overlook (5.4 miles / 8.7 km). For more information, see Hiking in Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area.
Jogging is an available activity in the Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area, which provides a primitive, off-trail experience. The area's rugged canyon terrain offers a challenging environment for runners. Detailed information can be found in the guide Running Trails in Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area.
The Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area offers options for family-friendly hikes, though the terrain is generally rugged and off-trail. Specific routes catering to various skill levels are available in the guide Family-friendly hikes in Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area.
The WSA is characterized by northward-sloping canyons, some up to 300 feet deep, carved through red Wingate sandstone. It features narrow, twisting tributary canyons and approximately 4 miles of perennial streams along Indian Creek. Two 150-foot pour-offs along Indian Creek create scenic waterfalls during periods of intermittent water flow.
The terrain is rugged, dominated by red Wingate sandstone canyons and approximately 75% exposed bare rock. The remaining areas support sparse desert shrub. Navigation is primarily off-trail, offering a challenging wilderness experience.
The provided information does not indicate that permits are required for general recreational activities in the Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for primitive recreation.
The provided information does not specify regulations regarding dogs in the Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area. Visitors should contact the BLM Monticello Field Office for current pet policies.
The Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area supports diverse wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep. Potential habitats exist for peregrine falcons, golden eagles, bald eagles, and Mexican spotted owls.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area, Easy hikes in Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area, and Running Trails in Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area.
The Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is part of the BLM's National Conservation Lands program.
For specific inquiries regarding the Indian Creek Wilderness Study Area, contact the BLM Monticello Field Office. Their phone number is +1-435-587-1500. Additional information is available on the BLM's National Conservation Lands page for Indian Creek WSA.

