NABSQNO 12S-685935-4335002
East Rim Arch, Mesa County, Colorado
Photo by Jay Wilbur
NABSQNO 12S-685935-4335002. East Rim Arch first evolved as an alcove, cave, or pothole natural arch, but there is no longer any evidence that clearly indicates which. Because it is obviously old, it is best classified as an arc natural arch. East Rim Arch is one of several important natural arches clustered above Rattlesnake Canyon on BLM land west of Colorado National Monument. This area has often been proposed as an addition to the Monument, and there is much merit in that proposal. Not only is it one of the most scenic examples of canyon country anywhere in the country, the large cluster of natural arches here deserves special protection and management.
East Rim Arch is eroded through Entrada sandstone. It has a span of about 65 feet. Access involves a lengthy and complicated four-wheel-drive route, followed by a somewhat strenuous loop hike of about 3 miles that visits most of these arches. A short, easy hike to the top of the arch is also an option. The Vreeland catalog includes this arch as 18-20.
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