Get more hikes. Become a Hiker America Adventurer. Sign up Today!

Get detailed maps, area weather, and more by becoming an Adventurer. Learn More.

Home › Utah › Corona Arch

About the Trail

This trail leads to a spectacular arch known as Corona Arch. The hike features two other smaller arches as well: Pinto Arch and Bowtie Arch. There is a very steep area with very small steps on the trail to Corona Arch. There is no way to get to Corona Arch and Bowtie without climbing this. If you are afraid of heights, just visit Pinto Arch instead.


Map


View Larger Map

Directions

From Moab, drive north on US 191 for 4.1 miles and take a left onto UT 279 (Potash Road). Drive UT 279 for 10 miles to the entrance of the Corona Arch Trailhead on the right.


Description

From the trailhead, hike up the switchbacks to a flat area where the trail crosses active train tracks, After the crossing, the trail climbs gently below a bluff on the right. Soon, the trail curves to the right and heads above a canyon. The footing is a little rough as the trail climbs above the canyon. Next, a junction with a trail to Pinto Arch is reached. Take a left if you want to see Pinto Arch first. The spur soon reaches another spur that leads back to the Corona Arch Trail. This is a slight shortcut after viewing Pinto Arch. Take a left and ascend the slickrock. Soon there is a minor scramble up to a higher shelf. Once on the shelf the Pinto Arch Trail curves to the right and remains mostly flat to Pinto Arch. Retrace your steps back to the second the junction and take the shortcut. The shortcut ascends a sandy hill before descending to a junction on the Corona Arch Trail where you will take a left for Corona Arch. The Corona Arch heads into a wide canyon where you can see both Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch. After the view, the trail curves left and climbs at an extremely steep grade. There are small rock steps and cables to assist you on the brief ascent. After, the steep area, the trail climbs a small ladder and levels out on a shelf. There are spectacular views of Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch from here. Next, the trail curves towards Corona Arch. Look up on the left for Bowtie Arch. After this, follow the slickrock to Corona Arch. The trail ends at the arch. It is possible to go a little bit pass the arch but there are sheer drop-offs below a slant.

Hike Facts Trailhead Facts Location
🥾 Trail Features: Arches, views and canyons 🥾 Parking: A large parking area for all types of vehicles. 🥾Nearest Services Moab, Utah has all types of services like food and gas.
🥾 Milage: 3.0 mi/4.83 km 🥾 Acccess Road: Paved 🥾 Nearest Lodging: Moab, Utah has plenty of lodging options.
🥾 Elevation Gain: 250 ft/76.2 m 🥾 Trailhead Features: Parking, signs and a vault toilet. 🥾 Nearest Camping: There are many camping options nearby. Williams Botton Campground (first come first served) is the closest regular campground. Gold Bar Group Campground is across the street from the parking area and requires reservations.
🥾 Trail Use/Surface: 🥾 Trailhead Elevation: 3992 ft/1216.76 m
🥾 Pets: Yes 🥾 Park Hours: 24
🥾 Crowds: Yes 🥾 Fee: None
🥾 Bugs: Minimal 🥾 Best Season: All year

Handicap Acccessibility

No

Tips for a Great Hike

🥾 Carry plenty of water and wear footwear with good traction.

🥾 While this hike is short, it has a challenging area that might deter those who are afraid of heights. Make sure you can get back down if you decide to climb the steep area. Pinto Arch makes for an excellent destination if you can't climb the steep area.

🥾 I don't recommend this hike if the ground is wet from snow or rain. It will make the already challenging climb harder. There is a very real possibility of slipping in the steep stretch up the small steps.

🥾

🥾

Recommended Resources

trail info page link