If Delicate Arch is the star of the show, Corona Arch is the cult favorite. It is huge, dramatic, and somehow still feels a little bit off the beaten path.

Perched above a sweeping bowl of slickrock outside Arches National Park, Corona Arch gives you everything you want in a classic Moab hike without the park gate lines or heavy crowds.

 

Corona Arch: Moab's Other Iconic Arch

Corona Arch is a massive sandstone arch: about 105 feet tall and 140 feet across. It stretches from the cliff like a stone rainbow, framing the sky and distant canyon walls.

Nearby, Bowtie Arch punctures the rock face with a perfect circular window, adding to the sense that you have wandered into a natural cathedral.

Instead of feeling fenced in, the area around Corona Arch is wide open. You can move around, find your own vantage point, sit on the warm rock, and just take it all in. It feels wild and spacious in a way that surprises a lot of first-time visitors.

 

Corona Arch Hike Guide: Distance, Difficulty & Best Time

  • Distance: About 3 miles round trip

  • Elevation gain: Around 400–500 feet

  • Difficulty: Moderate (some exposure, cable and ladder sections)

  • Best time: Morning or late afternoon

The trailhead sits off Potash Road, along the Colorado River west of Moab. The hike begins on an old railroad grade, then transitions to open slickrock marked by cairns.

Along the way you will:

  • Climb a short metal ladder

  • Use a fixed cable to traverse a tilted rock slab

  • Walk across open slickrock with big views of the river corridor

For most hikers, these features add a fun sense of adventure without feeling overly technical.

You will know you are close when the walls open up and Corona Arch comes into view: huge, graceful, and bigger than you expected.

A few things to know:

  • Limited shade; avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.

  • Cable and ladder sections can feel exposed for some; take your time.

  • Stay on marked routes to protect fragile soil and cryptobiotic crust.

  • Parking is smaller than park lots; arrive early in peak season.

 

What Nobody Tells You

  • The approach along the old railroad grade is flat and uneventful. Do not judge the hike too early.

  • Corona Arch feels more relaxed than many park viewpoints. People linger longer.

  • Overcast days are fantastic. The color of the rock becomes richer and more dramatic.

  • On windy days, the gusts rushing through the arch sound like a giant invisible river.

  • Spring and fall have the best weather, but winter is underrated for peace and solitude.

 

Why Corona Arch Sticks With You

Corona Arch is one of those hikes that leaves you wondering, “How is this not world-famous?”

It has everything: big views, fun terrain, and a destination that actually exceeds the photos.

You remember clearing the final rise and seeing the arch, larger than expected and more graceful than imagined.
You remember sitting on sun-warmed rock: no railings, no crowds, no rush. Just sky and stone.
You remember the quiet. Not silence, but wind and maybe a raven. The kind of quiet that settles into your bones.

For many, Corona Arch becomes their hidden gem. The one they tell friends about. The one they hesitate to share.

 

Stay at Corona Arch Cabin

After a hike that feels this big and open, you do not want to go back to a generic hotel room with sealed windows and hallway noise. You want a place that matches that feeling of space and freedom.

That is why we named one of our tiny homes Corona Arch Cabin.

All of our tiny homes are located at 1251 Millcreek Dr, Moab, Utah, a convenient basecamp for Potash Road, the Colorado River corridor, and all the parks around Moab.

At Corona Arch Cabin, you will find:

  • A full kitchen for hearty breakfasts and easy post-hike dinners

  • A cozy, private space to relax, recharge, and stretch out

  • Climate control for hot days and cool nights

  • Soft linens and a quiet bedroom that actually lets you recover

Guest Tip: “Corona Arch was our favorite hike. Staying in the cabin with the same name made it even more memorable. Felt like it was meant to be.” — Amanda R., Oct 2023

You are minutes from:

  • Potash Road and the Corona Arch trailhead

  • The Colorado River scenic drive and overlooks

  • Downtown Moab’s restaurants, coffee shops, and outfitters

Primary CTA button:

  • Text: Check Availability for Corona Arch Cabin

  • URL: /cabins/corona-arch

Secondary CTA button or link:

  • Text: Explore All Moab Tiny Homes →

  • URL: /cabins

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Corona Arch hike kid-friendly?
A: Many families hike Corona Arch with older kids (around 8 and up). The ladder and cable are fun for adventurous kids, but close supervision is important.

Q: Do I need a permit to hike Corona Arch?
A: No permit is currently required. Always check for updated regulations or weather alerts.

Q: How long does the Corona Arch hike take?
A: Most people take 1.5–3 hours, depending on pace and how long they stay at the arch.

Q: Is Corona Arch less crowded than Delicate Arch?
A: Yes. It is usually quieter, especially in the early morning or shoulder seasons.

Q: What should I bring for the hike?
A: Water (about 2 liters per person), good shoes, hat, sunscreen, camera, and a small daypack. Headlamps are smart if you will be out near sunset.

Q: When should I avoid this hike?
A: Avoid midday in summer due to heat. Ice in winter can make the cable section sketchy, so check conditions before you go.

 

More Moab Adventures from Your Cabin

→ Mill Creek Falls: Desert Oasis and Swimming Holes (/activities/mill-creek-falls)
→ Delicate Arch: Moab’s Most Iconic Hike (/activities/delicate-arch)
→ Slickrock Trail: Mountain Biking Mecca (/activities/slickrock-trail)
→ Fisher Towers: Towering Walls and Classic Desert Views (/activities/fisher-towers)
See All Moab Activity Guides → (/activities)

 

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