Segment 4

Rattlesnake Arches & Colorado National Monument

  • Distance: 63 miles

  • Vertical: +8944', -7888'

  • Highlights:

    • Rattlesnake Arches

    • Independence Monument

    • Ute Canyon

  • Main Challenges:

    • Extremely long water carries

    • Desert heat

  • Scrambling Grade: One Class 3 move, mostly trails.

  • Exposure: Minimal

Independence Monument, Colorado National Monument

Ask yourself if you’re still in Colorado or accidentally crossed into Utah while exploring the Rattlesnake Arches and Colorado’s eponymous National Monument.

From Fruita, the GCR enters McCinnis Canyons National Conservation Area and Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness as it serpentines its way towards the Rattlesnake Arches.

The Rattlesnake Arches are the second largest collection of naturally occurring arches in the world, and the GCR takes you directly through them as part of the route!

The GCR then connects to Colorado National Monument along a road before exploring its two primary canyons: Monument and Ute Canyons. It then works its way past Devils Kitchen Picnic Area before leaving the park for the Lunch Loops trail system including a cool cave. The segment concludes at a trailhead that is a short hitch (or Uber) to Grand Junction for resupply.

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

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Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

McCinnis Canyons National Conservation Area

Seasonal Closures

The access road to/from Upper Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead alternates seasonally: Upper road in summer, Lower road in winter.

  • Both roads are always open to pedestrians.

Rattlesnake Arches

Permits & Fees

Permits:

  • Free, walk-up backcountry camping permit at visitor center for camping inside the National Monument.

    • They will want to know where you’re camping, whether Monument Canyon, Bench Trail, or Ute Canyon.

Fees:

  • Entrance Pass to Colorado National Monument

    • Either $15 pass (purchase online or at visitor center) or America the Beautiful Pass.

Monument Canyon, Colorado National Monument

Water

These are the longest water carries of the entire GCR!!!

There are only two reliable water sources along this entire segment, and both are manmade water fountains:

  • Colorado National Monument Visitor Center. ~33 miles from Fruita.

  • Devil’s Kitchen Picnic Area. ~28 miles from the visitor center.

  • If not going into Grand Junction at the end of this segment, your next reliable water source isn’t until the town of Whitewater in Segment 5.

Due to how little water the area gets, collecting water from streams inside the monument is prohibited.

Cow troughs and ponds are unreliable and foul.

You might get lucky with cars offering you water, but do not rely on this.

You can DoorDash water to the Lower Monument Trailhead if needed.

Ute Canyon, Colorado National Monument

Camping

Camping is not allowed within a quarter mile of the Rattlesnake Arches or the road that accesses them.

Camping between Rattlesnake Arches and Colorado National Monument is limited to designated areas only, noted on map.

Camping inside Colorado National Monument requires a free backcountry camping permit (see above).

Lunch Loops

Other Considerations

  • Don’t Bust the Crust: Please hike and camp on durable surfaces. This area is home to cryptobiotic soils that take years to grow and should not be trampled.

  • If you insist on not getting a ride to town for resupply, you’re next walkable town stop is Whitewater in Segment 5, though there is only a post office, gas station (further out), and no good place to recharge electronics.