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Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead
4.3 ★★★★☆ 8 Google reviews · Running trail in Fruita, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead
This trail is a good one. You will need a 4x4 with a little clearance. At the end of the trail, there is a trail that takes you past several arches. Bring some snacks and plenty of water. Funshares offers side by side that you can take there yourself, or they can drop them off at the trail head and pick them up.
The Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead, also known as the Upper Trailhead, is located in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area near Grand Junction, Colorado. As of February 1, 2026, the Lower Black Ridge Access Road is currently open to motorized vehicles.
Rattlesnake Arches Trail was a really unique experience, especially accessing it by OHV. We rented an OHV and took the Upper Access Road, which got us to the trailhead in about an hour.
Trail conditions & character
“The Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead, also known as the Upper Trailhead, is located in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area near Grand Junction, Colorado.”
“Overall it took us a bit over three hours for the whole hike, the trail started off quite rocky and eventually get easier with soft dirt trail.”
Plan your run at Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteblm.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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