Rattlesnake Canyon (Colorado) facts for kids
Rattlesnake Canyon is a beautiful place in western Colorado. It's part of a bigger protected area called the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. This canyon is special because it has nine amazing natural arches!
In fact, Rattlesnake Canyon has the second highest number of natural arches in the entire United States. Only the famous Arches National Park has more. These arches are natural rock formations that look like giant bridges or windows.
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Getting to Rattlesnake Canyon
Reaching Rattlesnake Canyon can be an adventure! You have two main ways to get there.
Hiking to the Canyon
One way is to hike about seven miles from the Pollack Bench trailhead. This hike is long and can be quite challenging. It's a great option if you love a good outdoor trek.
Driving to the Canyon
Another way is by using the Black Ridge access roads. You can get to these roads through the Colorado National Monument. These are dirt roads, and they are only open during certain times of the year. It's very important to use a vehicle with four-wheel drive and high ground clearance. The roads can be steep and rocky. Make sure the weather is dry before you try to drive them.
Exploring the Arches Loop Trail
The arches loop trail is a fantastic way to see many of the canyon's natural wonders. The trail first goes down into the canyon. Then, it circles around a flat area inside.
As you walk, you will pass by six different arches. Eventually, you will reach the impressive Cedar Tree Arch. After that, the trail goes up steep sandstone slopes. There are special "moqui steps" carved into the rock to help you climb. This part can be a bit tricky. Once you reach the top, a trail spur completes the loop.
Amazing Natural Arches
Rattlesnake Canyon is home to several incredible natural arches. Each one has its own unique size and shape. Here are some of the most well-known ones:
Cedar Tree Arch
Cedar Tree Arch is also known as Rainbow Arch. It is a very large arch. The opening is about 76 feet wide. It stands about 43 feet tall.
East Rim Arch
East Rim Arch has a couple of other names, too. People sometimes call it Akiti Arch or Centennial Arch. This arch is about 40 feet wide. What makes it stand out is its height, which is an impressive 120 feet!
Bridge Arch
Bridge Arch is sometimes called Hole-in-the-Bridge Arch. It has an opening that is about 40 feet wide. The height of this arch is around 30 feet.
