Rattlesnake Arches and Pollock Bench

About

Rattlesnake Arches and Pollock Bench is a strenuous, approximately 16-mile loop near Fruita, Colorado, leading to the second greatest concentration of natural arches outside of Utah. The route begins at the Pollock Bench Trailhead, accessible via Kings View/Horsethief Road, where ample parking exists for vehicles and horse trailers. The trail climbs out of the parking lot, follows the Pollock Bench Trail (P1) for roughly 1.6 miles, and navigates junctions that separate hiker and equestrian paths. The path traverses sandstone slickrock, climbs ridges, and drops into canyons before reaching a cluster of arches within a mile of each other, including the main Rattlesnake Arch and Cedar Arch. Elevation ranges from approximately 4,500 to 5,700 feet. The trail is marked with signposts, cairns, and a well-worn track. Hikers should bring plenty of water, as there are zero reliable water sources and none at the trailhead. Flash floods and sticky mud are common after rain. Overnight camping is prohibited in and around the arches, along the last 1.5 miles of the access road, and in the parking area. Fire restrictions may apply. The trail sees equestrian use on lower sections but is generally wide enough for passing.