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Rattlesnake Dance Ridge Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in Ellensburg, Washington · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Rattlesnake Dance Ridge 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 Dance Ridge Trailhead
“There are great views the whole way up, but be prepared for no shade or water available.”
Only rating 4 stars due to the misleading label from google...”good for kids”?? I’m not sure about that. This hike is just over 2 miles so that is definitively reasonable, but in the ~1 mile up you gain over 1,000’!
Initial elevation gain but great views along the way. The camera can never do the area justice. If you are in the area and have time, give it a go. I didn't run into any snakes along the way, but there is a danger sign posted. Some loose rock along the way so where some sturdy shoes.
This trail is a fun one to hike. It is fairly steep, and rocky, but not crazy extreme. It is a little slick and muddy if you go in the winter or spring, but the view at the top is worth the whole hike!!!!
Amazing views! Must do when you go to Yakima River Canyon. Easy to access, at first there is a steep hike up but then it gets very easy once you gain main elevation. It’s one of those hikes where you really feel like “at the top of the mountain”!
Trail conditions & character
“It is a little slick and muddy if you go in the winter or spring, but the view at the top is worth the whole hike!”
“Easy to access, at first there is a steep hike up but then it gets very easy once you gain main elevation.”
“It is fairly steep, and rocky, but not crazy extreme.”
“Easy to find with google maps, but no sign or marking at the Parking lot.”
Plan your run at Rattlesnake Dance Ridge Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewta.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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