The Butcher's Hand  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  518. Good page?    Administrators:  Andrew Gram, Peter Gram, Greg Parker, Andy Busse, Mike Housiaux, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Tater Tot on Jul 13, 2010 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 76° | 52° 82° | 52° 77° | 50° 75° | 48° 70° | 50°

Description 

The Butcher's Hand is a long narrow fin of rock on the North end of the gully between the formations Meat Counter and Cleaver. There are three known routes on this formation. There is a 5.5 Bill Gilson route first climbed in 1959 (First ascent of the formation.) There is also a Phinney route called Pinkie Rib (5.9) and a new sport route called Blood Sausage (5.11). When viewed from the south, this rock looks like a needles style spire and is very aesthetic!

Getting There 

There are several possible approaches to The Butcher's Hand. One of the better ones is to enter the Chopping Block area via the trail near the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial sign. Head south up the hill until the trail goes either left or right. Go left until you see a gigantic boulder chockstone tunnel. Go under this. On your left will be Cleaver, on the right will be The Meat Counter, and straight ahead will be The Butcher's Hand.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Butcher's Hand

Blood Sausage 5.11  SD : Mount Rushmore National Mem... : ... : The Butcher's Hand

This route climbs an awesomely aesthetic line direct up the south face on some extremely unique features. It's a real power piece - there are few rests on this short but tough little fella! The real climbing begins on the large pedestal, and any way you get to that point is fine. Staying left of the bolts, climb direct through the huecos and crystals to the summit. This route is short, wild, exposed, aesthetic, and fun!Do not bail left onto the west face up the easy crystal trough at the 4th...[more]   Browse More Classics in SD