monument area

I’ve lived in Bend for a few years before the world of climbing was opened up to me. Every year, I’d hike Misery Ridge at Smith Rock and feel, “yes, I know Smith.” Eventually, I got into climbing, and this small slice of land became a world of new untouched moments. Entering into the Monument Area is quite accessible, just a different turn than most take at the park. Walking under and through the large ponderosas, this section of the natural rock area opens up, with monumental spikes coming out of the ground and into the sky.