Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail - R1

About

The Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail is a 6.1-mile out-and-back hiking route starting from the Pollock Bench Trailhead near Fruita, Colorado. The trail is classified as difficult and typically takes about four hours to complete. Hikers begin by following the Pollock Bench Trail (P1) out of a parking lot equipped with vault toilets. The route climbs approximately 1.5 miles before reaching a junction where hikers stay right to join the main Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail (R1). The path is well-marked with signposts and cairns, winding through washes and over sandstone slickrock. After a loose climb, the trail levels out for a long traverse across flat ground. The destination features multiple natural arches within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, including Rattlesnake Arch and Cedar Arch. The area contains high-desert pinyon-juniper ecology and is considered prime mountain lion terrain. Overnight camping is permitted in the broader area but is prohibited within 1.5 miles of the arches, along the access road, and in the trailhead parking area. Firepan use may be restricted during high fire danger periods.