Rattlesnake Canyon  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  2,221. Good page?    Administrators:  Jesse Zacher, Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  John Peterson on Jun 1, 2008 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed 81° | 46° 73° | 48° 72° | 46° 81° | 52° 88° | 54°

Rattlesnake Arch - the biggest of the arches in th...

Description 

This is not really a climbing destination, but it is 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

Featured Route For Rattlesnake Canyon

First Arch Shortcut 4th  CO : Grand Junction area : Rattlesnake Canyon

This is a place where minimal climbing skills can make you a hero to your non-climbing friends. There are two trails: one that wraps 2.2 miles around the base of the arches and then dead ends and another that goes to the top of First Arch. Linking these two trails is this route - an excellect way to turn your hike into a pleasant round trip.The route goes through the slab under the arch. It is somewhat exposed and sandy but just 4th class. Some good approach shoes will make things easier. I...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO