Not far from I-70 and the Colorado National Monument, a few intrepid explorers enjoy getting away from it all in a rugged, high desert canyonland made up of 75,000 primitive acres. Part of the Black Ridge Canyon Wilderness, Rattlesnake Canyon is a hiker's paradise, laced with plenty of natural arches, spires, giant alcoves and countless acres of solitude. Here in this section of the Uncompahgre Highland there are no visitor centers, snack bars or gift shops, just the second greatest concentration of natural arches in America. This Colorado canyonland is truly a wilderness area, accessed by rugged roads and trails. Rattlesnake, Devils, Mee and Horsethief canyons may be one of the only remote wilderness areas with cell phone service as I-70 passes within a few miles. Even with limited cell phone service, this area is not for the unprepared. Although it's a day-use area, getting there, stopping for photographs, side trips to First Arch Overlook and Window Rock Tower, and tackling the five mile hike (r/t) could take up the entire day.
   A large part of Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, and within McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Rattlesnake Canyon is filled with intriguing side canyons and spectacular cliffs lined with a variety of arch formations. This wonderful scene features a chilly January view of West Pollock Arch (aka as Window Rock Tower and South American Arch). A closer study of the opening reveals why some backcountry hikers like to call this arch South American Arch.

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