Hiking The Rattlesnake Arches In Colorado

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 Rattlesnake Canyon (shown below), is located just outside Grand Junction, Colorado. This spectacular canyon is home to the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the U.S. Nestled within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, this remote desert gem delivers stunning red‑rock scenery and plenty of solitude. The canyon boasts nine arches, with six on the loop trail and an additional three more that are worth the small detours.

The two largest arches in Rattlesnake Canyon are:

  • Cedar Tree Arch (aka Rainbow Arch - shown below): 76 ft span × 43 ft high

  • East Rim Arch (Centennial/Akiti): 40 ft span × 120 ft high

As you follow the loop, you’ll pass Bridge Arch (shown below), Left‑Side Arch, Eye Arch, Centennial Arch, Overhanging Arch, Trap Arch, and finally Cedar Tree Arch, with optional detours for Window Rock Tower. There are other arches in the area as well, including Arete Arch, Bulwark Arch, Protractor Arch, Trail Arch, and West Pollack Arch.

Why It’s Worth It

Rattlesnake Canyon’s arches are remote and uncrowded, offering expansive views, engaging scrambles, and a profound connection with desert wilderness—without needing to go to Utah. Whether you drive in or hike from Pollock Bench, the payoff is a breathtaking series of sandstone portals illuminated by light and shadow in a one-of-a-kind Colorado setting.

Family-friendly: Maybe

Pet-friendly: Yes

Distance & Route Overview

There are two routes into the canyon. The shorter route is about 6.2 mi round‑trip from the Black Ridge trailhead (GPS 39.13718, -108.83332) off a rugged high‑clearance 4×4 road. The upper Black Ridge Road (open seasonally) drops you close to the rim trail. Expect 700 ft of elevation gain and a moderate 3-hour hike to complete the full loop, including a scramble over Cedar Tree Arch.
 

 
The longer route is a difficult 14 mi out-and-back hike, starting at the Pollock Canyon Trailhead (GPS 39.15588, -108.77883). This requires roughly 2,500–3,000 ft total gain and drop, is rated strenuous, and has some Class 2–3 scrambling. It takes most people
7-8 hours to complete the full route out-and-back. This route can be done with a regular
2-wheel drive vehicle.

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