Rattlesnake Canyon : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. 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. 6.0 miles – Out and back; 600′ Moderate The most difficult part is the initial descent from the trailhead, which is only about a quarter-mile long. Is the pandemic over? The trailhead is located on Desert Loop Road about 2 miles from the Visitor Center. Limited street parking. Bikers who ride down this route should expect to encounter uphill pedestrians. The alder cover provides shade and a lovely green canopy. It was early on a Sunday, so we were careful to be quiet so as not to disturb the neighbors. 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. The overall elevation gain is around 4,000 feet. Named for obvious reasons, this bicuspid-like monolith sits perched upon a small peak overlooking Rattlesnake Canyon. 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. Activities. With almost no shade, steep ledges, and rocks that can burn the pads of their feet, it’s best to leave furry friends behind. 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. Great shade and stream early on; last stretch was super hot and dry. The Rattlesnake Arches trail from Pollock Bench requires advanced preparation. Exploring the Arches. If you’re looking for a longer hike or just want to avoid the 4x4 route, the Pollock Bench Trailhead is another option. For experienced and adventurous hikers, this trip is not to be missed. 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. Hikers without a four-wheel-drive vehicle can park eight miles after at the junction of the two roads and either hike or mountain bike the last couple miles to the trailhead. Incredible whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. Most dogs promptly poop right in the creek and/or right on the trail after the first creek crossing, making the trail a stinky mine field, and polluting the water. Check out special dining offers for local Grand Junction restaurants. The best seasons to visit are spring and fall when the temperatures are moderate. The route steeply descends sandstone layers with exposed cliffs. MEE CANYON: The trail into Mee Canyon is primitive and only marked with rock cairns. Summer days can be hot, plan your hike for early morning or evening. Check out page 26 of the. Highlights. Trail Supporters, Builders & Maintainers of Rattlesnake Canyon (lower) Trail. 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. 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. Starting from the Pollock Bench Trailhead, follow signage for the trail Pollock Bench Trail - P1 as it climbs up out of the parking lot. Best hike I’ve done in the SB area. Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, tubing, or wading along the Colorado River. While the arches have always had affectionate nicknames, it wasn’t until 1972 that any of the arches was officially named. It's the same distance and elevation gain, but with the added benefit of a good coastline view at Gibraltar Road. You will need to pay a fee to enter into the Colorado National Monument if taking the Black Ridge Access Road. It is a chore getting to the arches and once there you get to turn around and do it all again to get back to the trailhead. Upper Trailhead (37.6625, -112.839) The upper trailhead is located just north of the Cedar Breaks north entrance, along Hwy 143. The high desert landscape makes for a unique hiking experience in Rattlesnake Canyon. NOTE: There is no charge for traveling through the Colorado National Monument to access the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. Trail Reports. Stay hydrated, carry ample water, sports drinks, and snacks and food. John Strother. Even though this hike is exceedingly beautiful, it’s not a dog-friendly trail, especially in the summer. What I was looking for this morning. Exhilarating outdoor adventures including hiking, camping or skiing on the Grand Mesa. Not to be confused with over a dozen other Rattlesnake Canyons/mountains all over the USA, this Rattlesnake Canyon is located in the Santa Ynez Mountains to the north of the city of Santa Barbara, California. Uphill almost the entire way. There was a lot of shade, and we saw some great creeks and a little waterfall. get views of Santa barbara. Contacts. 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. 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. The climb is moderate with plenty of rocks and boulders along the way. Plan on a full-day adventure and carry plenty of water, at least two liters per hiker. Distance was over 5 miles as others have noted. Adventures and explored. Directions: Use the driving directions on this page. 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