Best Hike in Western Colorado - Rattlesnake Arches

Come experience one of the best hidden gems in Western Colorado. Starting with a drive through Colorado National Monument, the hike to Rattlesnake Arches takes you past up to 40 arches, the second largest grouping of Arches outside Arches national park.
I chose the longer of the two trails to reach this area but learn more about all the trails and options over on my blog.
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Whether you’re looking for travel vlogs, travel tips and inspiration or want to know how to travel like a professional, then Alice’s Adventures is the travel vlog you’ve been searching for. With my in-depth destination guides and travel vlog series you get the trip specific information you need to know before you go. If you are looking for the best outdoor destinations to do around the world, best of guides for National Parks and World Heritage Sites then I'm the travel vlogger you’ve been looking for.
I’m Alice an outdoor junkie, curious explorer and environmentalist that grew up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire now living in Los Angeles. I’ve traveled and hiked all over the world, climbed some of the world’s tallest mountains, explored National Parks, scuba dived in reefs on all the corners of the planet and much more. I haven’t been everywhere yet, but I hope to bring new destinations, beautiful wilderness, animals and new cultures to you.
Take a moment, look around at my channel, but don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications, because we are taking YOU AROUND THE WORLD!
#Colorado #hiking #trekking

[@tinderkeep5652]

I love the desert - the smell of sage, the dry air, the quite, the colors that often change with the movement of the sun.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Yes!!! Me too especially after a fresh rain

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Do you have a favorite desert hike? I've got a few but this one had to be in the top 5.

[@davidreed5443]

Red rocks Lake Meade national recreation area. Though I didn't hike in the Muddy Mountains in Lake Meade I sure wanted to but not enough time to.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

@@davidreed5443 I’d have to agree with Red rocks canyon Nevada near Las Vegas, that was some super epic and beautiful stuff there!

[@mikekuhl2658]

Some of my favorites are Buckskin Gulch/Paria Canyon, Coyote Gulch, the Zion Narrows from the top/down.

[@TheGodExperiments]

Not sure it qualifies as a desert hike, but Alkali Flat Trail in White Sands is definitely an experience. Particularly on a windy day or just after a rainstorm.

[@joshkrebs1999]

I'm hoping to thru-hike the AZ Trail at some point. If I had to "narrow it down " I'd start at section 10 just south of Tuscon and go through section 26 just north of Phoenix. I'd make sure to add climbs up Mt Lemmon, and Picacho Peak and a zero day visit to the 309th AMARG airplane graveyard!

[@paolobalocchi6180]

Very nice geological landscape. You can see the bed of sandstone and sedimantary structures.

[@radisson8627]

Thanks for sharing! Great hike! A suggestion: Native American flute music could have been a spiritual sound in the background.

[@cowboypalaboy0723]

Your so brave hiking alone and I like it but hopefully you stay safe ♥️

[@thymoral]

This place really is a hidden gem. Especially if your go down around the bottom. There are a few other secret arches in the area you can get to as well.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

I wish I’d started slightly earlier so I could have explored a bit more. But yes such a great spot

[@ThaneR0248]

I am excited to get back to Colorado. Not sure what I have planned just yet. but this makes me want to head west. So many beautiful places. Thank you for always giving me some place new I want to go.. just need more time .. Once again awesome video. Thank you for sharing.

[@ACoupleofDrifters]

Yes, like a mini Grand Canyon indeed! This region of the country is our favourite for all sorts of hiking and stunning scenery.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

It really is!

[@jasoncombs7545]

Watching this video makes me wish I stopped while driving from Canyonlands to Black Canyon of the Gunnison. No regrets though, Black Canyon is beautiful and didn't have time for both. Just need another trip. Some people just don't understand how going off the trail leaves a footprint, literally, in the desert that can remain for decades, even centuries. Simply not enough weather to change the landscape. I fear the amount of water I'd have to carry would prevent me from making the entire hike. Good video. Thanks.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Thanks Jason. Black Canyon is awesome it really is hard to find enough time to do Colorado justice there’s just so many awesome places. Way too hot now for this trail but maybe you can come back in the fall

[@jerrymestas1231]

Awesome hike, need to add this to my bucket list.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Awesome

[@rayleo529]

You are so right......it is so much better being able to explore these places without all the crowds. That is definitely on my bucket list now. Thanks.

[@donfilkins298]

Thanks Alice!...that was fun!

[@hessranch]

Wow, great video. What a beautiful place

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Thank you it certainly is

[@TravelsWithPhil]

I was pleasantly surprised to see this place. I had never heard of it before, and considering how big the arches are, that is rare. I've watched several of your videos. They are very good. I joined you in not completing the last stretch of the Angels Landing hike in Zion. I wish I had had a drone or stabilizer when I did my travels of 2016 & 2017.

[@davidreed5443]

I like all the terrain alongside the trail too. Lots of places to stop and rest and soak in the quiet beauty

[@AliceFordAdventures]

That’s for sure! And a lot of options for shorter desert hikes too

[@awitnessuntoallnations]

Nice job highlighting the beautiful landscape of western Colorado! Although parts were challenging, this hike did look spectacular with all of the views and arch formations. Thanks for sharing this hidden gem with us! 😊

[@1custom1234]

I don't hike as much as I use to, but your videos inspire me to want to hike more.

[@ramsesmorales9151]

Hi Alice, that was a pretty cool hike and place all together. I couldn't get my head around those rock formations and those arches. They are quite unique indeed and thanks for showing the ground surface there and reminding hikers to stay on trail. It is a great reminder. Would you say this hike is a difficult one scale wise? Great video over all! Take care.

[@ramsesmorales9151]

A bit off topic here, but how are things in Mexico? Looking forward to seeing some more material from there? I was thinking if this deserts hike are a go to for you, perhaps you could find similar terrains to explore in Mexico. You might find the plant where they make tequila from. Hope all is good? God bless.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it! This week wasn't too difficult in comparison to a lot of higher altitude hikes, but it was a lot of ups and downs and obviously quite long. Hoping to put together some more Mexico content although now I'm back home in Los Angeles

[@gerryacacio1900]

The scenery looks wonderful. Despite the challenge of reaching the arches, Alice makes the hike seem relaxing and enjoyable. She provides valid insight on the importance of staying on the trail @ 3:11. It's surprising that Alice lost her hat @ 5:36. It shows that anybody, including smart, experienced hikers, can lose their hat on a hike.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Haha thank you Gerry. It was a very windy day although hard to always show it in the video. I thought about including a montage of all the times my tripod blew over while filming. Thanks for watching

[@MichaelRoney]

New viewer here. Love your hiking choices and the production!

[@scottmckenzie5772]

This is a top notch video! Thanks for posting!

[@AliceFordAdventures]

You’re welcome

[@RETIRE2024]

Very nice work. Thank you

[@leecheever903]

Great video never knew it was their .

[@christophercrews1380]

Beautiful place. I should go there. I’ve been to Zion and Bryce but not CNM.

[@518travelers]

Hi Alice! No, haven't hiked in any desert yet. Mostly in the Adirondack Mountains ⛰ and hiked in the grand tetons last year.

[@burnsraps7884]

This is so awesome thanks for sharing ❤️

[@Hefmier]

Looks like a great place to go for a hike. I am in Washington state, but long overdue for a trip to Colorado, and will consider going here, for at least a visit. Loved seeing the Indian Paintbrush along the trail. :)

[@PHM00]

More amazing video, well done as always. My bucket list is growing the more of your videos I watch. Thanks for sharing. I am packing for Alaska as I watch your video. Stay safe!!

[@AliceFordAdventures]

So jealous I’m still hopeful I can get to Alaska this year

[@johnalden5821]

Wow -- so beautiful. This is what I love about the West, and the desert in particular. Everywhere you look are unique rock formations, and with just a little bit of elevation, you can see for miles. Thanks for bringing us this little-known gem!

[@juddoutdoors7015]

Awesome video!! Great Job!

[@JoshuaHearnOfficial]

Great video, as usual!

[@runningman4459]

What an amazing place, and awesome hike.

[@bobmariano3731]

Looks awesome 👏👍😘thx for sharing just moved to Ridgway, CO

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Nice

[@bobmariano3731]

Are you living in Maine ? ?

[@1121gsm]

Beautiful scenery. My favorite desert hike was Guadalupe Peak, Texas. You can see the desert floor all the way up and when you get to the top, it feels like you're on top of the world (or maybe the top of Texas which it is). Thanks for sharing another wonderful video.

[@weedhopp]

Hutches Pool In Sabino Canyon urban hike Tucson 7 falls is close also

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Love Sabino Canyon :) haven’t been to 7 falls yet

[@weedhopp]

@@AliceFordAdventures might not be seven this year

[@mattblack7876]

Great to see you back with a supreme video Alice-methnks that those arches are wow!-🇬🇧

[@AliceFordAdventures]

I wish I could have shown more in the video too, I was so afraid I would get stuck in the dark in mountain lion territory that I skipped walking on top of the arches and climbing up in them. There is a secondary trail accessible from a 4wd road which is much shorter if you ever get to try it.

[@cmcer1995]

Just got through watching your video on Solo Hiking and I appreciate your independence and confidence. I just found another channel called Bryan's Mysteries and Adventures on Trail and thought of you. I do love your videos about your adventures and travels. Be Safe out there.

[@randykerckhoff6324]

I’ve done the delicate arch hike in Arches national Park in Utah. That was my favorite.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Also a great hike. I took my sister and mom to that one

[@COOLDUDE090]

Hey Alice, since you are an expert, can you make a video on “safety tips against wild animals” what you carry and did you faced any while hiking. That would be very helpful

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Yes I sure can. And that’s a great idea because I have some downtime right now, and was looking for some topics I could make at home

[@pacnwhiker1213]

Nice video! When are you coming to Washington state for some hiking? Bring the Jeep!

[@ImStillLooking]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[@TheMoofy8]

beautiful photography as always!

[@TheWeatherSpotters]

Great hike

[@AliceFordAdventures]

thanks

[@timvandusen4192]

Looks pretty cool. Nice videography. I live in the east, but very much like the west.

[@rommelnavarrette2831]

Great Video Alice. Learning more about places to go. Thank you and great video. Su fan le manda un saludo.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

I’m so glad thanks Rommel

[@holl3308]

Love your videos, great job as always. You are very inspiring!

[@roger_is_red]

wow very nice I have put it on my list!

[@PHM00]

Super video! I applauded for $5.00 👏👏

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Thank you so much Patrick! I really appreciate that. Every dollar helps in finding the next adventure

[@DestinationEarth]

I don't know much about CO, but every video I have seen is stunning - this one being no different. Is the whole state rater dry like this? I appreciate the info you gave - it's bringing back to university! (I studied Bio). Oh! Mountain lion tracks. That's not an animal I would be too pleased coming across in the wild, lol. Those arches are wild. Very beautiful.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Western colorado Is desert and canyon country like Utah and meets the mountains half way

[@wildernesscapes]

I'm a new follow to your channel, and I can tell you that I can relate to and admire you alot! I've done many of the things you're doing, including some of the continental Highpoints, Orizaba, and other things.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Thanks so much! That’s super awesome can’t wait to check off some more

[@Kliffy123]

Hi Alice. Thanks for the awesome adventure and another bucket list item! I'm curious on the altitude there. Never heard you so winded.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Well the starting altitude is around 4500 I believe but the hike is about 4500 feet of gain with all the ups and downs so it’s a lot

[@2manysigns]

Sweet ! Don't loose that drone ; )

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

I was totally planning to do this one but when I realized it was wilderness and no drone flying I gave up. Was really looking forward to getting some wild shots while climbing that awesome scene. Excellent composition on the arch shots! I did manage to find something decent though, please come check it out!

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Will do! I need to revisit this from the top sometime for sunset

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

@@AliceFordAdventures hard to beat an awesome desert sunset with that kind of foreground! I was thinking about doing the camping thing myself. It really allows you to get those golden hour shots without getting up crazy early or being out dangerous lately.

[@evancurry1279]

I live here in fruita wanted to ask where you started from this hike and if you have done any of the slot canyons in grand junction

[@rayngrace]

Looking for suggestions for those just passing thru for one night Would consider campground with clean toilet and shower. Never been to any camping for years now, so now sure on how the Check-In procedured. Leaving the campsite to see Arches, star gazing, then coming back Thanks

[@AliceFordAdventures]

You can camp along the rim at Colorado National Monument or there are quite a few campgrounds in Grand Junction with clean facilities. Monument RV resort is nice there’s also a ton of hotels. Primitive camping is also allowed in some areas in Mccinis Canyon check with the BLM for details

[@wildernesscapes]

yikes, your backpack at the end looked awfully big and heavy for a 15 mile day hike! I know you went over all your video kit in another video, have you thought about paring it down to the bare essentials for trips like this? (like one zoom lens on your Sony, one microphone, 1 gimbal, 1 travel tripod, and thats it). I know from experience it takes a little of the fun out of it, having to lug around a heavy pack everywhere! I see you flew the drone at the beginning of the trail - haha, smart, then you can go back and leave it in the car :) Best wishes on Orizaba and Ixta this month! Are you down in Mexico working on a film project? I know you don't talk much about that career on this channel!

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Thanks. I try to pair down my equipment and only carry one lens but that’s till takes up a lot of room. Water and a tripod are the next bulkiest and no way to really save there.

[@wildernesscapes]

@@AliceFordAdventures maybe your backpack just looks bigger than it really is, haha

[@xpfcwintergreen_2219]

I noticed a rock pile along side of your trail in one shot.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Yes that’s how the trail is marked

[@user-zi1mn5ok5o]

❤️

[@joeyblueeagle2707]

Love this kind of videos because I have never hiked a desert or rocky, mountain trail; I live in FL., and trails here are flat, swampy, lots of heavy underbrush and bayous. As usual, captivating video.

[@jeffwilson4715]

Omg, did you get nervous when you saw mountain lion tracks? That would have freaked me out.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Yes! I certainly didn’t want to go back through there at night which is why I skipped climbing up through the arches. I didn’t see another soul on my 8 mile walk back that way

[@uk2488]

👍

[@metallampman]

where does the trail start plz specifically im near there

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Here’s a link to the trail Rattlesnake Arches Trail on AllTrails www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/rattlesnake-arches

[@russlanders6518]

Can you camp there ? I live in western Colorado.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

At Colorado National Monument you can definitely camp.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Looks like a place that a mountain lion would hang out at, maybe it should have been called Mountain Lion Arches.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Haha yeah glad I didn’t see any Rattlesnakes either although I’m sure there were plenty out there too

[@AmericanPatriot-bp7cu]

Biological crust? Oh. Yes.

[@donnapfeffer3659]

Aren’t you afraid of the mountain lions?

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Yes certainly but attacks on hikers are almost in heard of. And it’s rare for them to be out lurking in the heat of the day. I saw the tracks going in the other direction. But I certainly had my guard up after seeing those