Venture a short 0.4-miles on the trail to an overlook above Cedar Tree Arch. Distance was over 5 miles as others have noted. For one, a short drive from Fruita, CO to the Pollack Bench trailhead begins a strenuous round trip hike of at least 15 miles. The total distance for the out-and-back hike is 6.2 miles, although it can be shortened to 3.6 miles if you scramble up a steep slab behind Cedar Tree Arch, though some climbing skills are recommended. Rattlesnake Canyon is home to the second largest concentration of natural arches in the nation and possibly the world. It takes effort to reach the Rattlesnake Canyon Arches, but the reward of breathtaking scenery and solitude through canyons and across scrubby mesas is well worth the challenge. Starting from the Pollock Bench Trailhead, follow signage for the trail Pollock Bench Trail - P1 as it climbs up out of the parking lot. Plan on a full-day adventure and carry plenty of water, at least two liters per hiker. The trails are easy to follow and well-marked so while it’s hard to get lost, it never hurts to use an app like COTREX or Hiking Project to track your real-time location. Hundreds of miles of world-class mountain biking trails such as the Kokopelli Trail. status date description; Nov 20, 2020 @ 7:55am. get hike. To read about the other great places we have been go to www.panafoot.com photo by John Strother. The Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail is a 2.7-mile footpath that circles along a wooded area (known in geological terms as a bench) below eight of the area’s major arches. Last part is a lot of gravel which can be scary since you are on the side of a mountain, Pretty cool hike with mini waterfalls on the way. To do the loop, bear right and follow the path as it parallels Rattlesnake Creek. You’re on your own in this high desert, with no parking lots, visitor centers, rangers giving directions, or pavement. The first being Arches National Park in Utah. The adventure begins at one of two small parking areas just off Ox Creek Road at Bull Gap (view maps and driving directions), following the Mountains to Sea Trail eastbound. There is an old homestead from the 1930s along the way as well. Then the track turns sharply right and the trail continues up a drainage (which is the Eastern-most tributary of main Rattlesnake Canyon), staying generally in the gukky or just East of it. The main Rattlesnake Trail in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area offers 8 km (5 mi) of gently climbing multi-use trail, groomed for classic skiing, foot travel, and winter biking. Rattlesnake Canyon is said to have the highest concentration of arches in the nation outside of Arches National Park, but is not easy to reach, all three options pose challenges. I attempted this hike I traveled wth my todler 4-18 months in between. Look up to catch turkey vultures, golden eagles, and hawks flying above the arches. Put on sunscreen, wear a hat and protective clothing on sunny days to avoid sunburn. The northern end of western Colorado’s Uncompahgre Plateau comes alive with remote canyons that slice through colorful sandstone layers to form cliffs, pinnacles, alcoves, and—most impressively—arches. Nittany Mountain Bike Association. For experienced and adventurous hikers, this trip is not to be missed. All three of the hiking trails in McInnis Canyons (Flume Canyon, Pollock Bench, and Rattlesnake Arches) described on this page begin at the Pollock Bench Trailhead. Even with their official titles, many locals still refer to them by their longstanding nicknames. There are two ways to get there: one is a long hike from the Pollock Canyon trailhead near Fruita, and the other is driving from the Colorado National Monument, via the Black Ridge Hunter Access road (closed in winter). Rattlesnake trail is marked by a very large, wooden sign, and a metal sign instructing you to clean up after your dog. A good workout if you’re looking to get in some cardio! Eldorado Canyon is open from sunrise to sunset year round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Directions: Use the driving directions on this page. A half-mile side trip down the Pollock Bench route gets you to Window Rock Tower, also called Aztec Arch, an opening in a standing rock that’s the area’s ninth major arch. Hike data Great shade and stream early on; last stretch was super hot and dry. Leave No Trace principles: Named for obvious reasons, this bicuspid-like monolith sits perched upon a small peak overlooking Rattlesnake Canyon. While many people associate natural arches with Utah, Rattlesnake Canyon is a unique opportunity to hike an arch right here in Colorado. Trail isn’t marked well so may help to follow someone else’s recording, Amazing shaded trail with a good elevation gain, Great hike recommend taking the trail up the ridge to the left after the grassy and dry open area if you like a challenge but was 7 miles there and back from the los padres national forest sign at the top but was a great hike completed it in 2 hrs and 15 mins. Accessible only by a rough drive on a 4x4 track and a moderate hike or about a 15-mile round-trip trek from a trailhead west of Grand Junction. Summer days can be hot, plan your hike for early morning or evening. The strenuous hike threads up rock-walled canyons, scrambles over sandy slabs, and skirts strangely eroded hoodoos and spires, but gets you to the same jaw-dropping scenery as the upper trailhead. While the arches have always had affectionate nicknames, it wasn’t until 1972 that any of the arches was officially named. Search for exclusive lodging deals in Grand Junction. Directions to the Pollock Bench Trailhead. Bikers who ride down this route should expect to encounter uphill pedestrians. 6.0 miles – Out and back; 600′ Moderate A side trail to the right forks towards and across Saddle 6,150, separating Rattlesnake from Wide Canyon. Rattlesnake Canyon, a remote desert wonderland of rock spires, red-walled cliffs, plunging canyons, and dramatic arches, await the hiker that explores this isolated landscape within Colorado’s Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness—but first, you have to reach the trailhead via a high ground clearance four wheel drive access road. Expect a wild experience and be prepared to rough it. Find deals and coupons for activities and more in Grand Junction. Rattlesnake Canyon is a scenic area within the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness which in turn forms the core of the Bureau of Land Management administered McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area in west central Colorado.The canyon contains nine natural arches, the second highest concentration of such arches in the United States, after the much better known Arches National Park. Is the pandemic over? These soaring spans, protected in the 123,400-acre McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, form the world’s second largest concentration of arches outside of Utah’s Arches National Park. The high desert landscape makes for a unique hiking experience in Rattlesnake Canyon. Rattlesnake Canyon is filled with cascading waterfalls and deep pools. Awe-inspiring natural beauty and the dramatic red rock landscape of the Colorado National Monument. From there the trail heads west and south, skirting the edge of the monument and then drops into the wilderness area. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Willow Hole via Rattlesnake Canyon, located in Joshua Tree National Park, California. Got lost a couple of times, recommend downloading a map. get views of Santa barbara. The overall elevation gain is around 4,000 feet. The 13-mile-long drive on Black Ridge Access Road west of Colorado National Monument takes you to the upper trailhead, which makes for a much shorter hike. The Rattlesnake Canyon Arches and the surrounding McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, despite lying only 20 miles from Grand Junction, is a forbidding land dissected by deep canyons and lorded over by towering cliffs and buttes. Finally got a chance to try it alone. Short but good climb. The Rattlesnake Canyon Arches are one of Colorado’s most spectacular wonders, but also one of its best-kept secrets. To get to the trailhead, take I-82 to the Benton City exit 96. The trail is primarily used for nature trips and ohv/off road driving and is best used from March until November. Rattlesnake Canyon : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. This portion of the Rattlesnake Arches Trail follows along the upper rim of the canyon and allows you to experience 9 total arches within about 2 miles of hiking. It’s easy to follow and passes eight arches, including Hole-in-the-Bridge Arch, Eye Arch, Centennial Arch, Overhanging Arch, Trap Arch, and the stylish Cedar Tree Arch. Not much to see at the “top”, but that didn’t detract much from the experience! Instead of turning off onto the Tunnel Rattlesnake Connector Trail after passing Tin Can Meadow, you might consider continuing on the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail to its end at Gibraltar Road. Rattlesnake Lodge: the hike. If you hike up the creek from the trailhead or take one of the many side trails leading down to the creek you'll find the remains of a dam built in the early 1800s to service the Mission. The trailhead is located on Desert Loop Road about 2 miles from the Visitor Center. They will lead you to the nearest parking area to the Rattlesnake Gulch Trailhead. It's the first point of access to the Pipeline Trail from the entrance on the canyon road, which makes it very popular with hikers and runners. Wonderful water and rock features. What I was looking for this morning. There was a lot of shade, and we saw some great creeks and a little waterfall. Though … Anyway: Rattlesnake canyon is supposed to have the second biggest concentration of arches in the country; second only to Arches National Park in Utah. This trail is closed due to fire danger until at least 10/1/2020. If you hike up the creek from the trailhead or take one of the many side trails leading down to the creek you’ll find the remains of a dam built in the early 1800s to service the Mission. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and horses and is accessible year-round. Four Ways to Enjoy Fall Foliage on the Western Slope, Visit Grand Junction Staff & Board of Directors. The views up and down are stunning. I passed a group of more than 20 people, some of them seniors. Stay on the main road which turns into Horn Road/Highway 225. From wineries to excursions, find deals on great Grand Junction experiences. Great trail. Trickling water later enlarged the holes, leaving today’s magnificent parade of arches. pretty heavily trafficked in the late morning middle afternoon. Check out special dining offers for local Grand Junction restaurants. Stay hydrated, carry ample water, sports drinks, and snacks and food. As of 2019 NF-1504 is washed out near the Mount Aix viewpoint, adding a 1.7 mile road walk. Check out page 26 of the Grand Junction Adventure Guide. Venture a short 0.4-miles on the trail to an overlook above Cedar Tree Arch. Here, you'll find a small parking area and the trailhead for the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail in the back right corner (northwest). The alder cover provides shade and a lovely green canopy. Beautiful hike, challenging for sure!. This trailhead is easily accessible from the mild dirt road running along the Colorado River. Take a right heading downhill on NF-185 at a sign for Rattlesnake trailhead and follow NF-185 for 0.8 miles to a roundabout at the trail-head with parking for 6 vehicles. The Rattlesnake Canyon Arches, formed in a 150-foot-high layer of Entrada sandstone, scattered along a mile of the canyon’s upper rim. Would hike again. This trailhead is easily accessible from the mild dirt road running along the Colorado River. Upper Trailhead (37.6625, -112.839) The upper trailhead is located just north of the Cedar Breaks north entrance, along Hwy 143. Views of the Continental Divide – A moderately difficult trail leading 1.4 miles (one way) past spectacular views of the canyon and eastern plains to the remains of historic Crags hotel, 600 feet above the trailhead. MEE CANYON: The trail into Mee Canyon is primitive and only marked with rock cairns. One of our favorite hikes in SB. lots of water and places for the dogs to get wet. Sponsor. The trailhead starts at the end of the 4x4 road and descends down to the bench. Our fire crews are extremely stretched thin right now, please take that into consideration before you continue on this trail. This is a 4.2 mile out-and-back hike with 1100 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 5-7 hours to complete. Rattlesnake Canyon One of our favorite hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, this hike is notable for great canyon scenery, a variety of cacti and other desert plants, and some history. This hiking area is on the Rattlesnake Mountain Recreational Preserve. Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, tubing, or wading along the Colorado River. We found the trailhead on a quiet residential street and parked nearby. Perfectly challenging! That caused me to drop my rating by one star. With almost no shade, steep ledges, and rocks that can burn the pads of their feet, it’s best to leave furry friends behind. The first section of the track is divided into the Upper Road and Lower Road, both are open seasonally from mid-April to mid-February. The hike along the upper rim is relatively easy. Details. Alert hikers will spot wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, desert bighorn sheep, grey foxes, cottontail rabbits, lizards, and occasionally a midget faded rattlesnake, a small, seldom-seen rattler. John Strother. Bring water. Rattlesnake Canyon is a 4.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Santa Barbara, California that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. What will you find during your visit to Grand Junction? Nov 20, 2020. (This hike departs from the western of the two trailheads, closest to the Blue Ridge Parkway access from the Elk Mountain Scenic Highway.) Start planning your trip with special offers on hotels, dining, activities and more. Share. The climb is moderate with plenty of rocks and boulders along the way. recommend staying along the creek, less obvious route but much more fun! Want to learn more about McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area? NOTE: There is no charge for traveling through the Colorado National Monument to access the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. First time The couple times It's more like 5.2 miles distance. If you’re looking for something fun to do outdoors that blends a bit of art, Grand Junction is alive with the holiday spirit – check out this line-up of. Scenery, solitude and the opportunity for wildlife viewing including big horn sheep, deer, mountain … Camping is NOT permitted at the Mee Canyon Alcove. The Rattlesnake Arches are off the beaten path, but those willing to make the journey will be rewarded with one of Colorado’s most remarkable landscapes. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The route steeply descends sandstone layers with exposed cliffs. At least everyone was wearing a mask. Activities. Turn left on an easy to miss trail that heads north into a tributary of Rattlesnake Canyon. Bridge Arch within Rattlesnake Arches in Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, Colorado. Start the trail as it tracks to the northwest, descending through the desert shrubland and the numerous species of cactus, shrub, and grass. Plan on a full-day adventure and carry plenty of water, at least two liters per hiker. Just a little off the open field grass/dry about another 20-25 mins u reach jibralter (east camonino cielo rd. Fee: None Parking: Free parking is available at the start of the TH. The best seasons to visit are spring and fall when the temperatures are moderate. Challenging hike especially on a hot day. Visit Grand Junction | 740 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81506 | Call 970-256-4060All rights reserved, copyright 2020 | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us. The Rattlesnake Arches trailhead is approximately 13 miles ahead. To access the trailhead from Grand Junction, travel west on I-70 to the Fruita exit. Centennial Arch, also dubbed East Rim Arch or Rattlesnake Arch, is the site’s most elegant archway with a thin 40-foot span above a 120-foot-high window. Cedar Tree Arch, also called Rainbow Arch, is the longest arch in the group, with a span of 76 feet and a vertical opening of 43 feet. I would suggest renaming the area Canine Canyon as it is overrun with dogs, mostly unleashed. The Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail is a 2.7-mile footpath that circles along a wooded area (known in geological terms as a bench) below eight of the area’s major arches. You can get some nice views towards the end. At 0.7 mile, you reach another junction. Today, several of the arches retain unofficial designations. Rattlesnake Canyon OHV Route is a 27.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Landers, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. Incredible whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. Make a four-mile, out-and-back hike to the arches before retracing your steps down to the trailhead. After five miles, the trail reaches the Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail. Exhilarating outdoor adventures including hiking, camping or skiing on the Grand Mesa. As the ancient inland sea disappeared, erosion started sculpting contoured alcoves in the cliff with wind-blown grit, frost wedging, and quick runoff thinning out the alcoves until holes appeared. Camping is NOT permitted within 1/4 mile of the Rattlesnake Arches Loop and along the access road to the trailhead. Want to learn more about McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area? Rattlesnake Canyon is a 4.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Santa Barbara, California that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The most difficult part is the initial descent from the trailhead, which is only about a quarter-mile long. McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. If you’re looking for a longer hike or just want to avoid the 4x4 route, the Pollock Bench Trailhead is another option. Fee: There is an $8 parking fee per car or you can use your Colorado State Parks Annual Pass; Trail Map for Eldorado Canyon State Park: Trail Map Link Rattlesnake Canyon is the next major canyon to the west of San Ysidro Canyon and Cold Springs Canyon. Exploring the Arches. Around 1.6 miles there will be a junction, head left to enjoy the P1 - Pollock Bench Trail while cruising downhill. It was early on a Sunday, so we were careful to be quiet so as not to disturb the neighbors. Best hike I’ve done in the SB area. The Rattlesnake Arches are off the beaten path, but those willing to make the journey will be rewarded with one of Colorado’s most remarkable landscapes. The next stretch is pleasantly wild and rugged for a suburban hike as you enter thick riparian vegetation. A trail leads from the parking area across a mesa for a half mile where it descends to a bench that it uses to travel around the cliffs until it is above Rattlesnake Canyon. At the top of the next climb you'll reach a junction with the Flume Canyon Trail network. More. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and horses and is accessible year-round. Gibraltar Dam Loop via Gibraltar Road and Matias Trail, La Cumbre Peak and Inspiration Point Loop, Cold Spring Canyon Trail to Forbush Flat Camp, Rattlesnake Canyon Figure 8 via Rock Garden and Mission Crags, 3 Peaks Loop (Arlington, Cathedral, La Cumbre). Adventures and explored. The smooth, salmon-colored sandstone was deposited more than 175 million years ago in the form of sand dunes on an ancient coastline. While it’s only a short drive from Grand Junction, you get the feeling that you’re alone in the world, taking in incredible natural structures millions of years in the making. However, a high-clearance vehicle is mandatory, and four-wheel-drive or an ATV is required for the last two miles, a rocky obstacle course with steep grades. 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