Rattlesnake Arches Hiking Guide

Updated on May 31, 2021

Rattlesnake Arches trail is a hidden gem of western Colorado. Rattlesnake Canyon contains the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the country. If you like adventurous hikes, you can’t miss Rattlesnake Arches Trail. How to find the fabulous arches of Rattlesnake Canyon? And how to prepare for this challenging desert hike and drive? How long is the hike? How to get to the trailhead? Check our Ultimate Hiking Guide to Rattlesnake Arches to find answers and lots of tips.

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What is Rattlesnake Canyon?

Rattlesnake Canyon is a scenic area in west-central Colorado, near Grand Junction and Fruita. Is next to Colorado National Monument. Rattlesnake Canyon is located at the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, part of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The entire McInnis Canyons Conservation Area, which spans over 122,000 acres, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. 75,550 acres of wilderness are designated as the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness.

What makes it special is that it contains the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the United States, after the famous Arches National Park in Utah. The landscape of Rattlesnakes Canyon is remarkable. The Rattlesnake Arches are off the beaten path, but when you get there, you will truly amazed and delighted by this nature’s wonders.

There are nine Rattlesnake Arches in the Canyon. But during Rattlesnake Arches Trail, you can admire seven of them. The most impressive Rattlesnake Arches are:

• Cedar Tree Arch with a span of 76 feet and an opening height of 43 feet. It’s also known as Rainbow Arch.
• East Rim Arch has a span of 40 feet and an opening height of 120 feet. Moreover is also known as Akiti Arch or Centennial Arch.
• Bridge Arch, also known as Hole-in-the-Bridge Arch. It has a span of 40 feet and an opening height of 30 feet.

Geologic features in this area also include spires, windows, giant alcoves, and desert patina. Between these canyons are pinon-juniper-and sagebrush-covered mesas that slope downward to the Colorado River. The area provides habitat for wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and bald and golden eagles.
Extensive Rattlesnake and Mee Canyon and majestic uplands offer spectacular scenery and solitude. Rattlesnake Arches trail is one of the best hikes in Colorado. It’s worth your effort and adding to your Colorado itinerary.

How to get to Rattlesnake Arches?

But it’s not easy to get there. Rattlesnake Canyon is a remote wilderness. The hike itself is moderate to strenuous and is long. However, getting to the trailhead is challenging and its adventure itself.

Access to the Rattlesnake Canyon is either by

• a strenuous seven-mile one-way hike from the Pollack Bench trailhead,
• or by the Black Ridge access roads, which offers a shorter hike, but a challenging drive.

You can get to Black Ridge roads via the Colorado National Monument. These dirt roads are open seasonally. You can get there only with the high ground clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle and only under dry conditions. But most of all you need an off-road experience to get there safely.

Moreover, there are two roads and two trails that lead to Rattlesnake Arches. Below you will find a detailed description and tips for both of them. So, you can choose which option is better for you, a longer hike from the Pollack Bench trailhead. Or maybe hike via Black Ridge roads.

Regardless of which variant you choose, please read all our desert hiking tips below because it is a demanding hike in remote terrain. It’s a hike for the whole day. You have to prepare for the Rattlesnake Canyon Arches trail properly. So, plan ahead and prepare. This remote and rugged area
contains few amenities.

Pack a map. McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area with Rattlesnake Canyon is adjacent to the Colorado National Monument. Therefore, in this map, you will find the area and the trail to Rattlesnake Arches.

Rattlesnake Canyon Hike Important Facts

Distance:

• Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail 6.2 miles round trip (but you must have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get to trailhead)
• or via Pollock Bench Trail 14 miles round trip

Difficulty: moderate to strenous

Time Required: at least 6 hours up to the whole day

When to visit Rattlesnake Canyon Arches?

The best seasons to visit this desert area are Spring and Fall when the temperatures are moderate. Summer days are sweltering, so plan your hike for early morning or evening. Summertime temperatures can exceed 100° F (37° C) with little access to shade. Stay hydrated, and whatever season you are going to hike, please check our desert hiking tips at the end of the article. But also avoid this trail if rain is imminent.

How to get to Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead?

Option 1 Rattlesnake Arches Via Pollock Bench Trail

This is an OPTION 1 – it’s a longer hike over 14 miles roundtrip, but you DON’T NEED a 4WD to get to the trailhead. This trailhead is easily accessible from the mild dirt road running along the Colorado River. The Rattlesnake Arches Trail shares the same beginning as the Pollock Bench Trail. It splits off to the right, almost two miles into the trail. This route is recommended for backpackers, is a perfect idea for an all-day trip or as a weekend trip with camping over the stars (but check our tips below to see camping rules in the area).

Directions to the Pollock Bench Trailhead

Pollock Bench Trail, Rattlesnake Arches Trail, and Flume Canyon trail begin at the Pollock Bench Trailhead. To access the Pollock Bench Trailhead from Grand Junction, travel west on I-70 to the Fruita exit. Then take a left and travel about 1,5 miles to Kingsview Estate. Take a right and drive through the subdivision. Head left when the road turns to gravel. You will pass the Devils Canyon trailhead on your left. The Pollock Bench Trailhead is located at a parking area about 3,5 miles in on the left side. The parking is free. There is no hiking fee as well.

The Pollock Bench and Rattlesnake Arches Trails share the same initial route for about the first 1,6 miles. The elevation gain during the first part of the Pollock Bench Trail is difficult. In the later part, we describe the hike in detail.

Hike to Rattlesnake Arches via Pollock Bench Trailhead

From the Pollock Bench trailhead (P1), follow the signs for the P1 and R1 trail. The Rattlesnake Arches (R1) and Flume Canyon (F1) trails depart from this same trailhead. The Pollock Bench, Pollock Canyon, and Rattlesnake Arches trails share the same route for the first 1,6 miles. Then focus on the R1 route.

It is a long and strenuous hike via rock-walled canyons, scrambles over sandy slabs. After five miles, the trail reaches the Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail. From this point, you will have a four-mile, go-and-back hike to the arches. There is no water, no shadow, so pack a large water reservoir and a platypus platy water bottle per person. There are no water sources all the way. So, take much more than a gallon of water per person and lots of healthy snacks and electrolytes, like hydration drink mix and energy gel. Remember about sun protection.

We did this hike in April, and it was pretty hot. We used sunscreen to protect our hands and faces, we had hats. Our bodies and legs were covered with long pants and sleeves because the sun was strong. During summer is sweltering.

Option 2 Rattlesnake Arches Via Black Ridge Access Road 

This is an OPTION 2 – it’s adventure driving to Rattlesnake Canyon Arches but a shorter hike. As we mentioned above, you MUST HAVE a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high ground clearance or an ATV. And a lot of driving experience in rocky and desert terrain. There are hundreds of sharp stones on the roads, lots of deep sand. It’s pretty easy to stuck or cut the tire.

The 13-mile drive on Black Ridge Access Road west of Colorado National Monument takes you to the trailhead. Due to you will have a much shorter hike. If you drive via Colorado National Monument, there is a fee – $25 unless you have an annual America the Beautiful Pass.

Directions to Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead via Black Ridge Access Road

From Grand Junction, take I-70 west to Fruita, exit 19. Take Rim Rock
Drive through the Colorado National Monument. Drive to 16.5 Road and turn right (sign for Glade Park Store turnoff). In 0.2 miles, turn right onto
Black Ridge Access Road. Take the Upper or Lower Black Ridge Access Road depending on which is open. Both meet at a “T” intersection with a kiosk. You will get to the gate to the road. It is worth stopping because you will find a board with an access map next to it.

All this 13 miles long Black Ridge Access Road is challenging, but the last two miles are terrible, a rocky obstacle course with steep grades. Well, we had a car four-wheel drive and Kris has a huge experience with off-road driving, also in such terrain. But we had a rented car. So, when we checked the last part of the road, we decided to park our car and made a 2-mile longer hike. The risk was too high. But below step by step, we explain this road. It was a truly amazing adventure! This road is much worse than you can see in the photos. Before you set off on the 13-mile road, read the maps and alerts on the information board.

• First of all, the road is impassable when wet, so check the weather before your trip. You won’t get there after rain or snow. The great idea is also to visit the BLM office in Grand Junction and asked the ranger about current conditions. The address is 2815 H Road Grand Junction; phone: (970) 244-3000.
• Secondly, the Black Ridge Access Road road is open seasonably. The first section of the track is divided into the Upper Road and Lower Road. But both are open seasonally from mid-April to mid-February.
  Upper Road is open 4/15 – 8/15
  Lower Road is open 8/15 – 2/15.
  So, when you get to the sign choose the proper one. Motorized travel is prohibited from February 15 – April 15 on both roads.
• Third, drive with extreme caution. This road is tough. If you have any doubts as to whether you will be able to drive through, turn back. Or, park your car safely and walk to the start of the trail. There is no shame. We were worried about the rented vehicle, so we made a longer hike.
• So, it’s worth starting this trip early in the morning. Driving this 13 miles road can take about one hour or even two.

Rattlesnake Arches Trail Description

Once you have reached the parking lot safely, you can start your trek. Below we present a detailed description of the Rattlesnake Arches trail. Remember to take a backpack with all the necessary things. Check out our suggestions on what to pack below.

What’s important, the Rattlesnake Arches Trail is split into two sections and is not a full loop. You can hike to the top of Rainbow Arch, which is easy and short (it’s an Upper). But if you want to see all the spectacular arches you must use the Lower Arches Trail. So, follow our tips below, to have a fabulous adventure. We describe both of these parts for you.

When arriving from the parking lot, you first follow a 0,5 mile one lane to the split. You will find a post with a fork on the Upper (on the left hand) which leads you only to the top of Rainbow Arch and the Lower (on the right).

Our advice – start with the Lower part. It is longer, more demanding, and tiring. When you get back and have enough time, head to the Upper, which is much easier. Both are worth seeing, but only from the Lower Arches Trail will you see all seven of the amazing arches hidden in Rattlesnake Canyon. Only two arches are visible from the top. And the perspective is completely different.

Top of Rainbow Arch

It’s an easy and short walk of 0.5 miles one way. As you will see the fork post, go to the left side. The route goes over the canyon. The views are spectacular. You will reach the top of Rainbow Arch. This is not a loop. People often go down or climb up. But this is not an official trail, and we do not recommend this option as it is dangerous and against regulations. Admire the view and head back to the fork in the trail.

Rattlesnake Arches Trail

To see all seven arches, you must use the Lower Arches portion of the trail. To hike to the ‘Lower Arches’ trail, take the trail that descends down a steep, rocky 0.2-mile section of trail at the intersection around 0.5 miles in. You will reach a fork with a sign on it: Lower Rattlesnake Arches Trail (2,2 mile one way) and Pollock Trailhead (5 miles). Turn left at the bottom of the steep descent, following signage. This section of the trail will end at the bottom of Rainbow Arch.

On the way, you will admire all seven arches. The road leads along amazing rocks for the first mile. When the trail turns left, arches will start. When you reach the end of the trail – turn back. You will see a sign “the end of the trail.” It’s at the bottom of the Rainbow Arch. We do not recommend climbing up. It is very steep. The wall is smooth. If something happens to you, you don’t have to count on help in this remote area. Besides, it is an extremely delicate rock formation, still damaged by wind, sand, water, and frost. By climbing a rock, you also contribute to its devastation. Let us preserve this extraordinary miracle of nature for future generations.

Desert Hiking Safety Tips

It’s a wilderness area so prepare for this hike. You’re on your own in this high desert. Although it is marked pretty well, it’s easy to lose. It’s not crowded places. During all day we met few people. Check our tips.

• Before your trip check the weather. If it’s rain or snow don’t go via Black Ridge Access Road. If it’s extremely hot consider camping in the area, to start the hike just after sunrise.
• Most of all bring a lot of water. A gallon per person is a minimum. We did this hike in April, and it was scorching. At the end of the trek, we were exhausted because of the sun. So seriously, hydrate yourself before that hike. Pack a lot of water. A large water reservoir and a bottle of water per person should be ok. Take some sports drinks with electrolytes, especially during Summer.
• But also pack more water into your car. When you back from the trail, the driving back will be more challenging because you will be tired after the hike. So again, drink a lot of water before your drive to focus on the rocky and tough road.
• Pack a paper map and guide or GPS or take a good GPS watch. We use Suunto 7 and Garmin Fenix 6 Pro. There is no telephone coverage in this area. So, a good navigation device will be of great help.

• Wear hiking shoes with a good sole. The ground is rocky. There are also some bushes. It is worth having a well-protected foot and ankle.
• Wear clothes that will protect you from the sun. Remember the hat on the head and the long sleeves. Long-sleeved light clothes protect you from sunburn. In addition, it protects you from rubbing against rocks or scratching bushes, as well as against insect bites occurring in this desert area. After all, it’s Rattlesnake Canyon, so snakes or lizards can be hidden in rocks or grass. Therefore, before you sit somewhere, check whether the area is safe. Pack sunscreen and don’t forget to apply it.
• Watch your body and listen to it. Even experienced hikers have weaker days. Rest in the shade if you feel tired. Remember to drink often but only a few sips of water.
• Trekking poles on this hike will be also very useful. They relieve your spine and joints and make your trek easier. Check out our article on the benefits of trekking poles.

• It’s an intense, energy-aggressive adventure, so pack more hiking food. High-protein snacks come in handy. This trail does not seem long. An experienced wanderer will tell you that it is only a few miles. We are also experienced, and we spent much more time in this place than we assumed. First of all, these Rattlesnakes Arches are delightful. And because the access was difficult, we wanted to stay in this place as long as possible. We wanted to take pictures and feast our eyes on these wonders of nature. Secondly, it was hot, so we rested several times in a small amount of shade by the rocks.
• Biting gnats are prevalent May-August, so take some repellent with DEET.
• Also, pack a first aid kit. A warmer jacket will come in handy because it gets cold quickly after sunset. Take a flashlight or headlamp in case you come back after dark.

Camping in the Rattlesnake Canyon Arches area

It is possible to spend the night and camp in this amazing area. But Camping is NOT permitted within 1/4 mile of the Rattlesnake Arches Loop and along the access road to the trailhead. The parking at the trailhead and trail are day use only. Do not camp there. Check the rules on the BLM website.

If you want to stay in Fruita or Grand Junction, check our guide to Colorado National Monument.