Despite the modest grade, Cave Crack is one of the best routes in the park. Fun climbing, great protection, and a unique location make this climb a must do. The start of Cave Crack is located above Jack Knife (see Throne Rock). While it's possible to scramble through the boulders to reach to base, climbing Jack Knife is a lot easier (and more enjoyable). From the top of Jack Knife, scramble down the back side of the summit block and scamper through a small opening under a large detached boulder. Once you stand up, you'll be in a narrow, chimney-like space with a hand crack that splits the back wall. Follow the crack for about fifty feet until you reach the top of the cave. The crack starts as a hand crack and gradually widens as you move up. At the top of the cave, step left onto the face, continue around the corner, and work up the widening crack. Above the cave, the angle eases significantly, and you can walk up the rest of the climb until you find a comfortable spot to belay. To descend, scramble down the easy slab to the anchors above Orange Peel and rap with a single rope to the base. Great climbing in the summer when the rest of E-Rock is too hot to touch.
Edited: The 'Throne Rock' version of Cave Crack should be pulled. Cave Crack is more apart of the 'Peel' thank Throne rock, though the best approach is via 'Jack Knife'. It is still pretty easy to get to it scrambling up the back side.
By Stich From: Colorado Springs, Colorado Apr 18, 2008
The bottom of Cave Crack is a good hand/fist size. If you want to hone your jamming skills, this is one of the cleaner cracks without a lot of crystal facets to gouge your hands.
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