Rattlesnake Arches – McInnis Canyon NCA

16-10-04-grand-junction-104-rattlesnake-arches
On the trail again – it was 48 degrees when we started and 64 when we finished. Perfect!
16-10-04-grand-junction-084-rattlesnake-arches
Is that the trail down there? We were not expecting all the elevation gain – we ascended and descended three mesas – both ways!
16-10-04-grand-junction-086-rattlesnake-arches
We are over half way to the arches – it is 7-miles in and 7-miles out!  Most of this trail is in the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness section of McInnis Canyon.
16-10-04-grand-junction-088-rattlesnake-arches
There are 7 arches – a very high concentration for one hike. They were breathtaking and not just because we had hiked 7-miles!
16-10-04-grand-junction-091-rattlesnake-arches
Very fun to appreciate on such a gorgeous day.
16-10-04-grand-junction-093-rattlesnake-arches
This got our vote as the most beautiful arch we have seen. Sorry Utah…
16-10-04-grand-junction-097-rattlesnake-arches
We took too many photos but this upward looking panorama seems to capture the awe of being there.
16-10-04-grand-junction-095-rattlesnake-arches
Walking past it gave a different viewpoint that was also interesting.
16-10-04-grand-junction-100-rattlesnake-arches
This is the last arch we hiked to – there might have been one more but we stopped here to eat and enjoy before heading back.
16-10-04-grand-junction-101-rattlesnake-arches
Fun to climb up for a closer view. Really amazing what nature can do, given enough time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.