Rattlesnake Arch - the biggest of the arches in th...
Description
Not really a climbing destination but definitely a cool place to go if you're in the area. Although this is referred to as a canyon, the normal destination is a ridge above and west of Colorado National Monument with numerous arches.
Getting There
Approach by a long, arduous trail from the river or a rocky road from above. This road connects from Colorado National Monunemt - you'll have to drive through the monument to get there. Ask at the visitor center for directions / road conditions.
A passenger car can be driven (carefully!) to a spot about 3 miles from the trailhead. A relatively macho car like my Subaru could probably get all the way there, but I opted to use my mountain bike for the last three miles. From the end of the road, it's one mile to the arches.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Rattlesnake Canyon:
Get on the water near Fruita and take out at the base of Rattlesnake Canyon. This is one of the best hikes I have ever done! Obviously river access makes this a less traveled trail. Absolutely amazing!
Print a Mini-Guide - Includes Routes!
RSS Feed
