I discovered Rattlesnake Canyon with my hiking buddies a couple years ago. James, Tony, Paul, and I have been back there (and over top of) the canyon several times.
Despite it’s name I’ve yet to see any Rattlesnakes. Bear poop yes, snakes no. Our original trek was in search of the Treasure Vault Mine which we fell short of. There’s an old road that quickly becomes overgrown by forest before you reach the mine. Rattlesnake canyon has a parking area and is well maintained. The canyon eventually connects up with the network of trails in Madera Canyon.
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One thing the canyon isn’t short of are spectacular views. The Canyon quickly rises providing views above the vegetation and onto the horizon caped by mountains. I frequently visit here to picnic under the sunset.
This canyon is a little trickier to get into. It’s a minimal maintenance forest service road back in there. That said, it’s got lots of traffic for what it is, and the road is in decent shape. I’d think a minivan or possibly car could make it with little or no issue. I’ve seen multiple Subaru’s back there. That said I go in my truck.
I hope to explore more back here. It’s a large area and a little more remote.
Directions to Rattlesnake Canyon
I’m going to provide basic directions as anybody can click the map above and get directions from Google Maps.
Access to the canyon is through Amado. You head towards the telescope museum and veer off the road to the north just once the museum is in sight. There’s a marked road though easily missed to head back into the canyon. This takes you on an easement through a short piece of private land then comes at an intersection. You head to the left of that intersection and into the canyon.
Probably the only piece of information you really need to know is to STOP at the parking area marked on the map. This is the LAST turnaround before you climb up the mountain with Antennas on it. If you miss the parking spot you may find yourself driving up that mountain to turn around again.
The trail head is a short distance from the parking area. You can see the marker from there.