Yellowcard is one of the steepest routes in Rifle.  Unfortunately, it's also one of the most manufactured.  A pure power-endurance climb, with each move a little harder than the last, this route feels easy until you start putting it all together.

Located on the far right side of the Nostril Cave, Yellowcard climbs directly out the cave, ending at a set of chains above the lip.  Since the first bolt is easy to reach, and the second bolt is poorly placed, most people stick-clip the first two bolts.  Expect some tough clips.  To avoid hitting the ground, an attentive belay is also recommended on this route.  A 50m rope will get you back to the ground.

Yellowcard

Mr. T

Master P

In contrast to its neighbor, Mr. T climbs a clean, relatively unaltered, minimally-reinforced section of rock through the center of the Nostril Cave.

Slightly easier than Yellowcard, this route slowly builds in difficulty.   Make some easy moves past the first three bolts, thrutch through some slopey pinches and underclings, and then execute the crux- a sequence of pockets ending with a committing, dynamic slap for the lip of the roof.

I pity the fool that doesn't like this route.

A scrambly rampy bit leads quickly into an extended boulder problem. Sustained and shouldery movement on mostly good holds (but some poor feet) leads to a somewhat climactic (for most) exit to a good jug. One or two moves appear to be fairly height-dependent although not insurmountable for the clever or persistent amongst the vertically challenged. It finishes on jugs. Look for a Colorado Etrier or two.

This is definitely worth the epic approach.

Description

Protection

Routes in The Nostril Cave