black ridge wilderness study area

We've done (or almost done) this trip "both ways." Our first attempt was to follow the Pollock Bench trail (so aptly described by ColoradoBen1). This is a looooooooooong trip. As he correctly comments, you're going up and down and across multiple canyons / arroyos on your way to the "primary" trail that takes you to the arches. At one point we reached a traverse across a 45 degree slab of slickrock . . . one of our party wasn't comfortable, given the long drop if we slipped. So we turned around at this point. Still, it was an enjoyable trip. We saw one other hiker the entire day - so a great way to "get away." You'll definitely need a good map and route finding skills. This trail is NOT obvious.The easier way is to take the upper or lower road to the Rattlesnake Arches trailhead. These roads are closed from, I believe, mid-October to mid-April. The first 10-12 miles of the road isn't too bad - a normal passenger car could make it most of the way (not a low profile sports sedan, though). The last couple of miles on the road pretty much require a high-clearance vehicle (or you can walk / bike the last bit).Once at the Rattlesnake Arches trailhead, the trail(s) are very obvious (but I still recommend having a good map). I recommend taking the lower trail. The arches are spectacular - be sure you're routinely looking up and to the left so you don't miss any. Once you reach the final arch (you'll know - the trail ends), you can either retrace your steps (recommended by BLM) or climb up through the arch and arrive at the upper trail. The climb through the arch isn't too bad if you have "grippy" hiking boots and some crazy friends who might be able to lend a hand. That being said, the trail isn't terribly long, so retracing your steps (remember, recommended by the BLM) you just get to see the magnificent arches a second time!

This is a great destination to "get away from it all" -- but it is NOT a casual hike. From this approach, it is a 14-16 mile roundtrip (depends on how comfortable one is ascending through Cedar (also known as Rainbow) Arch to make the "arch loop" or not. So -- to have a good time, planning is pretty darn important! You are rewarded by seeing one of the jewels of the Black Ridge Wilderness Study Area -- and one of the largest arch complexes outside of Utah. The trail is rarely flat -- and in that way it's both frustrating and challenging. One travels over the benches and then down to a canyon floor and back up to the next bench. There is very little water along the trail -- and most of the water is confined to Pollock Creek or nearby pools (Pollock is not perennial). It's not exactly tasty even with a filter! Bring as much water as you can reasonable carry. Also -- juicy fruit snacks like apples, oranges, pears and grapes are good! As one proceeds on this trek; you can usually see the Grand Valley and there are nice views of the Colorado River -- but while these landmarks help reassure, they don't help with navigating cliffs! So -- it is very helpful to have a good map, GPS if at all possible (assuming one is comfortable using it), and good trail finding skills. In the desert and uplands area, watching for signs of human footprints are important (worn rock, etc) because these may be your only clues at times. Having said that, the trail is marked at most important intersections! While most of the trail is up and down, the last 1.5 miles before reaching the Entrada layer with the arches are more earnestly "up" -- so be ready for that! So, a buddy and I did this as a "day trip". He did not feel comfortable climbing through the last arch so our hike was 16 miles. With stops and such, it took us 8 hours. Some of the extra time was spent trail-finding and others around some of the steep climbing sections in and out of the canyons (but all do-able!). We went on a weekday -- and never saw another human being. We also saw no rattlesnakes despite the warm day -- ha! The best close view of the arches is from the "lower arch trail" -- and they sort of sneak up on you. Afterall, you've been hiking almost 7 miles before you reach your first one -- and then suddenly, there it is! The arches are all different and all amazing. You just want to linger there forever! We also saw a number of raptors in the local area as well -- they clearly have the cliffs scoped out! The arches are magnificent -- and you will feel very tiny in comparison. You will also be one of rare privileged few to see these arches for yourself -- they are simply magnificent! Some of them also create amazing "echo" opportunities! I did have cell service (Verizon) on most of the upland benches -- but none in the canyons (East Pollock, West Pollock and Rattlesnake Canyon). There is a pit toilet at the trailhead -- and no where else (pack a shovel -- ahem!). Some advice. The weather is important. If it has rained or is muddy, you will be slowed down. If it has snowed, the trail-finding may be much more challenging. If you go in the summer, it's hot and you are very exposed with only juniper and pinon for shade -- go early, hang out, and return later. This is not a place to hike at night -- even with headlamp. The first 1.5 miles are pretty obvious (an old road) -- but when it becomes a foot path, it's easy to miss turns in the dark even with a headlamp or GPS. Of course, all of the usual advice applies around desert hiking -- sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bandana, boots (lots of cactus!) -- applies. This is "the other Colorado" away from the coiffed ski resorts and huge urban shopping malls of the Front Range or Grand Junction! It's not for everyone -- but I appreciate civilization so much more when I get out of it now and then! It's so amazing to sit in your car after you have hiked/climbed 16 miles. There is an REI and a Cabela's in Grand Junction. There are also BLM offices. These are good places to ask for advice and the latest information! Enjoy and savor this great Colorado "western slope" experience!