Escape the crowds of the National Parks and embark on the moderately adventurous Corona Arch Trail, one of Moab's most rewarding and accessible hikes. This trail leads to the colossal Corona Arch, a spectacular natural arch that rivals its famous neighbors in size and beauty, boasting an opening of 105 feet high and 140 feet wide.
This 3-mile roundtrip hike, located just off Scenic Byway 279 (Potash Road), offers a fun blend of traditional hiking and light scrambling. Along the way, you'll encounter a few exciting features that make this trail memorable:
Fixed Safety Cables: Navigate a steep section of slickrock with the aid of a safety cable bolted into the sandstone.
Short Metal Ladder: Climb a small, bolted metal ladder to ascend a final ledge before reaching the arch.
Bonus Arches: The trail also passes right beneath Bowtie Arch (a unique "pothole" arch high in the cliff) and offers an optional short detour to see Pinto Arch.
The Corona Arch Trail is perfect for those seeking an uncrowded, moderate challenge with an incredible payoff. Be sure to look for the trail markings (cairns and green painted dots) on the slickrock, and bring plenty of water as the trail offers little shade. It's a must-do for a true taste of Moab's magnificent slickrock country!