Breaking barriers scholarhsip for Indian Creek Women's Crack Climbing Retreat! April 22-25th, 2023- with Optional Tower Day April 26 or 27th
4 Days of Climbing, Life Coaching, Yoga, Thai Massage & Life Coaching
Skill level: Intermediate - Advanced
Overview
Scholarship for EPR Women’s Crack Climbing Retreat, Indian Creek Utah
This is an opportunity for individuals within our community to join this trip that would otherwise financially not have the means. There is an application process that is outlined below.
If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity please submit your application packet to Heid at info@earthplayretreats.com
Application process
- Submit application packet by March 15th, 2023
- Review process March 16-22nd, 2023
Scholarship Details:
We are offering:
1 x full retreat package: this includes: 2 full days of guided climbing and instruction on all things crack climbing, 2 yoga classes, 2 group life coaching sessions during the retreat, 1 private life coaching session before the retreat, professional photos that you can access for free to have as amazing memories from the trip and 3 nights camping at the Needles Outpost in Indian Creek.
This does not include transportation, camping equipment, food, and gratuities for guides.
We do require that the winner invest $200 to reserve this space as we feel that having some investment is important to make this experience hold value for this individual.
Applicant Requirements:.
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be able to get to the event and attend all 4 days. We can try and help if you have no way to get to us.
- Must submit a written review with 10 photos from the retreat.
- Must be able to climb 5.9 at a minimum in the climbing gym. Not trad climbing experience necessary.
Application Instructions
In order for your application to be considered please submit the following items prior to the application deadline. Application deadline: March 22nd
Email application packet, in a google drive folder, to Heidi Wirtz at info@earthplayretreats.com
Please submit in your application packet:
- Climbing Resume.
- Two photos of yourself: 1 action shot and 1 headshot
- Make sure you include your Name, Email and where you are from
- Essay Questions: limit 250-500 words per category.:
- Why do you want to join us in Indian Creek and what do you hope to gain?
- What attributes do you have that will be valuable to the rest of the group/what do you have to contribute?
- What is your financial situation that precludes you from being able to afford this trip?
- Why should we pick you over all other applicants?
Location
We will be staying out in Indian Creek surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes. Our home base will be the Needles Outpost campground. Located just a short drive from all of the world class crack climbs that Indian Creek has to offer. We will be staying in our individual tents, vans or campers with access to bathrooms with running water and coin operated showers. There is also a small general store on property in case you forgot anything or need a cold drink or ice cream at the end of our days.
Canyonlands Needles Outpost that operates completely off-grid with a campground right outside the entrance of the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, only 1.5 miles from the parks’ visitors center. Needles Outpost combines the fun of rustic camping spots with a few modern conveniences. The Needles Outpost can accommodate both RVs and tents and tepees.
Services include gasoline, propane, RV dumping, a well-stocked general store with ice, treats, drinks, and a private safe campground and bathhouse with flush toilets and showers. The store and bathhouse both run off of solar power. All water is purchased and hauled in 1,000 gallons at a time. When staying with us, please help us conserve power and water.
The Needles Outpost campground features a beautiful unique landscape and is right next to the park. Visitors staying with us fall asleep to warm desert sounds and wake up to a symphony of natural morning light shining on the Needles of Canyonlands National Park.
What It Includes
Includes:
- 3 nights camping
- 2 Yoga Classes
- 2 full Days of Guided Rock Climbing and Instruction
- 2 Group Experiential Life Coaching workshops
- Logistics and intros zoom meeting before the trip
- 1 Pre trip private life coaching session. This will take place before the trip via zoom.
Not included:
- Transportation to Moab or to the retreat location
- Meals
- Beverages
- Tips for Guides
Optional Tower Day
This is a full day and includes all gear and guided experience up iconic Ancient Art tower or Looking Glass Rock (depending on skill level).
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to use your new and improved climbing skills to reach a spectacular summit.
Ancient Art
At Fisher Towers, an ancient seabed layer has been worn away to make some of the most intricate formations in the Moab area.
Ancient Art sits near the base of the large towers, which loft 900′ above. Still, rising almost 350′ from its base to the corkscrew shaped summit, Ancient Art is one of the most gravity-defying summits in the area.
Route: Stolen Chimney (II 5.8 A0 or 5.10) 4 pitches
CASTLETON TOWER
Desert towers were made famous when Castleton Tower was published in the 50 Classic Climbs (1979). This tower is one of the most scenic and iconic monoliths in the world. Standing atop a 1,000' talus cone, Castle Rock, as the locals refer it, rises 400' to its true summit 6,657' above sea level.
Route: Kor-Ingalls (5.9) - 4 pitches [First ascent 1961)
North Chimney (5.9) - 3 pitches
Basic Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrival by 2 pm
- Check in and get settled
- Get to know the group intros, overview of retreat.
- Setting goals and intentions with our life coach Marta
- Shake off the travel with Thai massage
- Dinner on your own or as a group
Day two:
- Breakfast on your own
- Warm up and meditation
- Rock climbing: all things crack technique
- Days debrief and processing. Goals and intentions.
- Sunset Yoga
- Dinner on your own or as a group
Day three:
- Breakfast on your own
- Warm up and meditation
- More crack work: fingers, hands, fists, off sizes and more!!
- Closing days debrief and processing
Day four:
- Restorative Yoga
- Experiential Life coaching
- Closing Ceremony
- Departures for those not joining for the tower day. Late evening departures are best!
Our Guides On This Trip
Heidi is an accomplished climber in all realms of the sport. She has been guiding for over 20 years and is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and professional climber. Along with her passion for climbing she has taught yoga for climbers for over a decade. She works with people to get them back into the flow state and help them realize that this is a natural state of our being. We will work on the mat and on the wall to help us grow and develop.
Marta is a Positive Intelligence Mental Fitness Coach and Creative Mind Coach. She also has 20+ years of climbing guiding experience including Navy Special Warfare Teams. She is a mental climbing coach and teaches in three languages.
Notes From Past Adventurers

“I was looking for an experience like no other. One that would challenge me, inspire me, and leave me smiling wanting more. I found it!!! I spent a week with these ladies becoming one with nature and pushing limits of all kinds! I was inspired each day! I learned something new each day! Challenges and laughter were shared each day! AND each night as I drifted off to sleep, I smiled while wondering what the next day would bring! I was never disappointed!!! Exciting, inspiring, and fantastically fun!!! Loved it so much, I’m joining this tribe again for Cuba in 2018!" Cory Foard

"EPR is a great combination of the magic nature has to offer us and the right guides to see the show! The beauty of Moab is almost indescribable- definitely better experienced :)" Tamar Melen

“My experience with Earth Play Retreats was everything I expected, and much more! Heidi's professional, yet relaxed, demeanor helped me accomplish far more than I thought possible in just a few short days. She encouraged me to keep going when I thought I couldn't climb any higher, and helped me gain the confidence to climb my first multi-pitch route. Thanks to this retreat, I've found a love of climbing. I can't wait to attend another one of these events!” Kristy Mitchell