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I was actually closer than you might think -- just a few feet but out of striking range. If you are within 6 ft they will get into that defensive pose -- I actually had to stay close to keep him in that position (otherwise they just turn and slither away) -- but as long as you move slow you can get within 4ft-5ft and they will rattle a bit but just watch you. So you can hold them for a while and get your shots and then back off a few feet and they will go away. You see he actually got a bit bored with me and I was able to get the profile because he was no longer directly looking at me.
Their effective striking range is about half their body length and this snake wasn't all that big so it was ok. I believe this is the only poisonous snake in Colorado. We also have a bull snake that is bigger and will also take this pose when you get near, and also wiggles his tail like a rattle (even though he has no rattle), but does not have a poisonous bite. (Of course you don't want to get bit, poisonous or not.) Both of them are rather common in the prairie areas. This is the first time I've seen one while hiking with my camera ready -- I usually see them when I'm on a bike (they sunbathe in the path).
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