Colorado National Monument and Rattlesnake Canyon Arches

Rattlesnake Canyon in Colorado's Mcinnis Canyons National Consrvation Area boasts around 35 natural arches, including eight significant ones, making it the second-highest concentration of arches in the United States, second only to Arches National Park. Key arches include the large Cedar Tree Arch, Rainbow Arch, Arrowhead Arch, and the unique Hole-in-the-Bridge Arch. The Rattlesnake Canyon boasts nine arches, with six on the loop trail and an additional three more that are worth the small detours. We will try and see all nine arches. We are allowed to scramble on the arches making this a unique trip.

We will be Car camping in the Saddlehorn Campground in Colorado National Monument. I have reserved camp sites 49B, 51B and 24B. Both sites have great views. Drive up Friday afternoon or evening depending on your schedule. We can car pool from the Wooly Mammoth Park and Ride. Feel free to get additional camping sites if you want, but don't wait they will not be there long. It was $132 to reserve them. So $8 per person.

Saturday morning after breakfast we will drive through the park to the road that takes us to Rattlesnake Canyon. Road access to Rattlesnake Canyon is within Colorado National Monument. The road to Rattlesnake canyon/Blackridge trailhead requires 4x4 with some clearance. I was there about 8 years ago and I had to park once the road got to rough and hike the rest of the way in. There is another trail that we can use, it is close to 14 miles RT with 3,000 feet gain. Driving in and getting as close to the main trailhead is a better option. Hike is approx. 10 miles and 1,400' elevation gain from my previous time there.

We can explore Colorado National Monument Saturday Evening or Sunday Morning.

CONTACT: Dan (615) 337-8561

ATTENDEE LIMIT: 14 Hikers

PARK FEE: is $25 or a National park pass.

SIGN-UP: This is a Strenuous hike. We will be scrambling at times. Please only sign up if you are ready for this challenge.

Please RSVP yes only if you definitely plan to come. If you change your mind, please update your RSVP. By joining this group you agree to the Policies and Terms of this group.

CARPOOL OPTION: Wooly Mammoth Park and Ride Lot AA
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CzruRkpLQesLSCuQ6

NOTE: There are no restrooms at the trailhead.

MEET: Meet at the Saddlehorn Campground Colorado National Monument.
Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sT6NRoe4hmcyYEDa6

WHAT TO BRING: Car Camping gear (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and food. Hiking gear (food/snacks, first aid kit, layers, jacket, Rain Poncho, gloves, water, sun screen, hat, hiking poles, etc).

DISTANCE/GAIN: 10 miles RT with 1,400 ft. elevation gain. (Strenuous)

DISCLAIMER: Hiking is risky. People are hurt and killed every year because they go beyond their abilities, get lost, or bring the wrong gear. I am not a professional guide. You are responsible for yourself. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike and the gear and conditioning required. Anyone choosing to hike with our group should carry personal health insurance.