Bob's Arches - Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Including Rattlesnake Canyon and Colorado National Monument

Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Including Rattlesnake Canyon and Colorado National Monument

This huge area, near Grand Junction, Colorado, is the major portion of the even larger Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area. Colorado National Monument is adjacent to, but not part of the Wilderness area. Rattlesnake Canyon is located within the Wilderness area and is said to contain the second largest concentration of arches in the U.S. There are also many arches to be found in the Wilderness area outside of the Rattlesnake Canyon area. There are three routes to access Rattlesnake Canyon: the Upper Trailhead, Pollock Bench, and the Colorado River. The Upper Trailhead is the most popular, having the shortest hike. The Upper Trailhead is accessed by the Blackridge Hunter Access Rd. This 13 mile long trail is 2wd except for the last mile and a half where 4wd is required. None of the 13 mile trail is navigable in wet weather.. Most of the arches are visible along the 3 mile round trip Loop Trail which starts at the Upper Trailhead. To access the Black Ridge Hunter Access Rd., from the north entrance station to Colorado National Monument, drive 11 miles and turn right at the sign for Glade Park Store. Drive 0.2 miles south and turn right onto the Black Ridge Hunter Access Road. To access other trailheads, instead of turning right, continue on south to the Glade Park Store. The trail to arches in Mee Canyon follows a closed 4wd trail starting at a junction 11 1/2 miles along the Blackridge Hunter Access Rd. For helpful BLM literature (e-mail contact GJFO_Webmail@co.blm.gov). The author can supply some additional information regarding particular arch locations..