The Corona Arch Trail near Moab is an easy-to-reach trail just outside Moab that leads to The Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch.

The trail is dog-friendly and is fully exposed to the desert sun, so go in the cooler hours of the day and take plenty of water for you and your four-legged companions.  The elevation gain is 440 feet.

The round trip hike is about 3 miles of fairly easy terrain through Bootlegger canyon, with one climb up carved footholds and one over a ladder, just before reaching the arches.

However, the arches are fully visible (and best photographed) at the point just before the climbs.  It is still a great hike with arch views even if you stop at the bottom of the footholds section.

Corona Arch Trail: Getting there

Head north out of Moab on Hwy 191 (Main Street).  Turn west on Hwy 279/Potash Road and drive about 10 miles.  The drive is scenic, with rock climbers scaling the formations just beside the road.  The Corona Arch Trailhead is clearly marked on the right, with a good-sized parking lot.

Corona Arch Trail: The hike

The first section of the trail ascends rather steeply, flattens out, then crosses the railroad tracks. After reaching the registration box, the trail continues with numerous cairns along the path marking the way.

The trail is a mostly rock and sand, with beautiful views of the slickrock formations along the way.

Near the end of the hike, fixed safety lines have been placed.  The area following the fixed lines is a great photography spot, with both Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch fully visible.

To reach the arches, one must climb up the steps that have been cut into the slickrock next to the second fixed line.  Next, on the right is a short ladder leading up and over a small ledge.  Once over the ledge, it is a short walk to the base of Corona Arch. The Corona Arch spans a spectacular 140 ft by 105 ft.

Additional Moab, Utah hikes

Hiking Moab overview
Negro Bill Canyon Trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge
Arches National Park

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