Upper Rattlesnake Arches Trail

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Features Cave · Views · Wildlife

Driving here is probably the hardest part, and if you are up for a longer hike, the Pollock Bench Trailhead and Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail - R1 are highly recommended. To get to the trailhead, find your way to the junction of Rim Rock Drive and Black Ridge Road within the Colorado National Monument (near the radio towers). Depending on the time of year and current conditions, either the upper or lower road will be open and it will be clearly signed. If it has been wet or it is raining this route is not advised.

Take either the upper or lower road to the point where they converge on top of the mesa and proceed west and then north taking every right when a junction appears. You should eventually end at the Upper Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail - R1 parking area. From there, head west .5 mile to reach a junction. Stay left to head towards the top of Cedar Arch. Around 1 mile from the parking area you'll reach Cedar Arch.

You can either view it from above, or scramble down through it to reach the Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail - R1 where you can view more of the arches from the better vantage point, from below. The Upper Rattlesnake Arch trail continues for .6 miles along the top of the mesa with sweeping views of the entire Grand Valley. Retrace you steps to the car when you are done exploring and get ready for a long drive back. This trail is best used as a connector section on the loop section of the Rattlesnake Arches and Pollock Bench Hike.