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Rumor Has It

5.11b, Sport, 100 ft (30 m),  Avg: 3.5 from 217 votes
FA: Richard Wright and Mark Tarrant
Colorado > Rifle > Rifle Mtn Park > Sapper Cave

Description

By most accounts, this was the first route put up at Rifle and is, in my opinion, the best route of its grade in the Canyon. The Wright/Tarrant combo have made some great contributions (largely unsung) to the climbing community, but their "find" near a small town on the Western Slope has to be their most important. For more information, see the comments under the route Never Believe.

Looking at the Sapper Cave/Wall, there is an obvious light grey streak on the right side of the wall. The grey streak is Rumor Has It. Begin with burly lieback moves to gain a jug/ledge. These are probably the hardest moves, but the route remains pumpy and technical to the finish. Almost exactly a 30m pitch, so use at least a 60m rope.

A lot of people prefer 80 Feet of Meat of the Rifle "warm-up" routes, but given the choice, I'd take Rumor Has It anyday.

Location

This is the rightmost route in the Sapper Cave.

Protection

11 bolts to a 2 bolt anchor w/ lowering biners.

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Rumor Has It.
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Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Jay Knower
Plymouth, NH; Lander, WY
 
[Hide Comment] This has to be one of the best 5.11s anywhere. RHI offers thought-provoking climbing up a beautiful gray streak. Jul 5, 2007
426
  5.11
[Hide Comment] Tricky to onsight...keep your composure and be prepared for lots of slickness and sidepulls. Apr 20, 2008
[Hide Comment] I replaced the first 2 bolts and a new anchor to Rumor Has It. The new hardware is ASCA glue-in bolts. September 2013. Oct 7, 2013
davedad
Carbondale, CO
 
[Hide Comment] Great. So nice it is long and consistently engaging. Aug 9, 2015
Luke Bertelsen
Tucson, AZ
  5.11b
[Hide Comment] Best 5.11 in Rifle. Oct 10, 2016