Indian Creek
Indian Creek is a crack climbing oasis outside of Moab, Utah. Kat is among the first ascensionists of the area, putting up the most climbing routes with over 175 to her name. She is highlighted for her contributions to the area in the Indian Creek guide book “Creek Freak”. She continues to spend time there and put up new routes.
Highlights
These are some of the routes that stick out most to Kat, either because of their pure brutality to put up or because of the stories around them.
High Horse Wall
Kat Whipple developed this wall in the Spring of 2015 with her climbing partner at the time Devin Finucane. When they arrived at the wall they were in disbelief that there were so many beautiful lines that hadn't been put up. By the spring of 2015, they had been climbing partners for a while and consistently putting up first ascents together. This was the second wall they developed together and they put up one to two first ascents per day: from ground up and hand drilling in the anchors.
Together their ethics were strong and the climbs they didn't get on the first attempt weren't named or claimed until they were finished freely, without falling. In the end they added 14 climbs including their friend Caroyn's first FA ever. Whether being humbled or walking on cloud nine, they finished their days with a smile, surrounded by good friends, a bag of salt and vinegar chips and a swig of tequila. In the end, there is now a wall where few climbs can be done without at least one piece of wide gear!
Developing a new wall requires all of you…
During this climb the gear she was carrying up clipped itself behind her and nearly strangled her while half way up. She had to dig deep to finish the climb and then hand drill anchors to descend. As soon as her feet hit the dirt her system flooded and Kat took a nap right there on the rock before functioning as herself again!
Kat squeezed the rock with her thigh and immediately a brick size piece of the wall broke off the side of the crack. It fell, hitting her partner while he was belaying, breaking his rib.
Butt Shots & Random Takes
The stories of butt shots…Kat has more butt shot climbing photos than any other type of photo. It’s always the moment when you’re trying to capture the insane/beautiful/awesome thing happening with your phone camera…all while belaying your partner!
