The Cube  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  8,500' Page Views:  1,746. Good page?    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Rob Kepley on Jun 11, 2006 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 55° | 37° 64° | 37° 61° | 39° 70° | 43° 72° | 45°

Gut Buster climbs through the tightly clustered se...

Description 

The Cube is a worthy destination if you are in the area climbing at the popular "Ironsides". Consider warming up somewhere else, since the routes here start at about 11b. There are easier routes nearby, but not on The "Cube" itself. The main attraction here is, hands down, "Gutbuster". A sporty route worthy of three stars. This area can be quite windy considering its high location. All the routes face in a westerly direction giving them morning shade and afternoon sun. The rock quality at The Cube is a little less than perfect but pretty much good granite.

Getting There 

Approach is the same as for the Nose and Ironsides. However, it is possible to continue further in your car if you want to but would probably only shave about 10 minutes off the hike in. Use your own discretion since the unmarked roads tend to be confusing in the area. The first formation you will see is the "nose" just above the tree tops. Try to park as close as you can to this. Hike up to the nose and contour around to the right. You will eventually find yourself on the flat saddle between two domes as described in the approach for the "Ironsides". At this point, look up and to your right. The highest formation you see is your destination, The Cube. Don't get suckered into the lower formation with overlapping roofs which looks similar to the route "Gutbuster". Head straight up using low angle slabs and a faint path. The cube is quite obvious once it comes into view. Gutbuster gives it away immediately.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Cube

Gutbuster 5.12a  CO : Estes Park Valley : ... : The Cube

Not to worry, abs of steel are not required to climb this route. Climb and layback thru a couple of small roofs clipping two bolts along the way (10+). At the final roof, reach high for a bolt before deciphering the crux section. This is where your "onsighting" skills are put to the test. Power up using hidden incuts and sidepulls with poor feet to an undercling. Once here, it's still quite strenuous and balancy. Move up and left using small crimps and sidepulls past two more bolts until y...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO