The Marsupials

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

Staender Ridge and the Marsupials

Description 

The Marsupials are a remote collection of rock outcrops and towers on the east side of the park. The long approach keeps many away but those that make the trek will enjoy classic climbs and perhaps feel what Smith was like decades ago. Recently the marsupials have seen a great deal of new route development.

Like most places at Smith the rock varies. Many of the new routes still have loose nubbins but should improve with time.

Getting There 

Plan on about an hour to reach most of the Marsupials formations.

From the parking area head down the main trail, cross the bridge and turn right. Follow the trail until you near a series of basalt collumns. Head left up a series of switchbacks to an old road. From the road you can access any of the Marsupial formations.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Marsupials

Cave Route 5.6 X  OR : Smith Rock : ... : Brogan Spire

Smith's version of Stolen Chimney on Ancient Art.Easy climbing to an airy summit makes for a worthy mini adventure.Pitch 1: What used to be a 5.6 solo has now been bolted. Climb a short steep section to a slab above and end at a bolted anchor or continue to the tunnel.Pitch 2: Continue up to a tunnel through the formation, climb through the tunnel and turn right. Follow a run out groove (couple of bolts) to the shoulder above and belay at a bolte...[more]   Browse More Classics in OR