Kiss of the Lepers Buttress

Seasonal raptor closure at Monument Area MORE INFO >>> Rock climbing is not allowed 1/4 mile either side of the Monument due to a nesting pair of Golden Eagles. The birds are using Staender Ridge as a perch therefore it is also within the closure area. The trail which is on the backside of the Monument is open to through traffic, but hiking is not allowed around the cliff faces. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Description 

The Kiss of the Lepers Buttress is the distinct formation due north of Monkey Face featuring three huge blocks that staircase up from the river.

Getting There 

After a long hike from the parking lot to where the trail forks at the west base of Monkey Face take the hikers trail downhill and north, descending slightly, until you reach the base of the first major formation - the beginning of Kiss of the Lepers Buttress.

The Classics