i live and work in rattler country. some as long as 5 feet (they grow them even bigger in places like texas). 25 years of seeing them often and i've never run into a problem. (fyi - we don't wear special gear of any sort)

suggestions:

watch where you step.

step up onto logs, then step over in big steps (don't just step directly over the log as they may be under it and within striking distance of a leg if frightened).

don't reach under ledges/logs/rocks/decks/etc without first checking the area.

don't climb steep hills hand-over-hand, as its easy to find yourself eye-to-eye with one.

don't expect all rattlers to rattle. they often don't or can't.

leave them alone, just walk around them.

but if you do have to kill one, don't handle it after wards. very dead ones, or even fully cut-off heads, can & do bite.

... don't know if you have anything like that up there, but keep the kids from exploring holes just in case...

Careful, Jac. I saw Rango, and rattle snakes can shoot bullets from their tail like a machine gun! But don't be taken in by the desert tortoise. It's tons worse than the rattle snake!

Nomad & Wiley really nailed it. I am in the desert of trail, on trail quite often. I mostly see rattlesnakes soaking up sun on car trails in direct heat or on rocks.

The only other advice I'd give aside from reading each of their points 3 times so it soaks in, is stay on the path or trail, don't cut it just to shave a few extra feet of walking.

And I suppose regarding a hiking staff or poles, they don't need to be special. Its the thumping that will get them moving. A straight branch you picked up on the ground, a set of $10 Walmart hiking sticks, or a $120 set of Leki's will all sound the same to a snake.

And I suppose a FINAL note. Don't let the fear of snakes interrupt what should be a fun time. I have been with people who have fixated on the mere idea that snakes could be in the area once out of a car and it ruins the whole trip.

I've run into many snakes - all of the North American poisonous ones - in my life. When I was living in Texas. On only one occasion did I ever think a snake was aggressive. That was a water moccasin (a.k.a. "cottonmouth"). He did not "attack" or anything like that, but he stood his ground and wouldn't move out of the way. I've run into many water moccasins and it was only this particular one who appeared belligerent. Most will hightail it towards the water. Don't confuse them running for the water with an attack if you happen to be standing between them and the water. They'll just fly right past you. Every other snake I've run into, including many many rattlers, were more than happy to run away when given the opening to do so.

Walk down the middle of the trail. Not to the sides.