Exploring the Corona Arch Trail in Moab, Utah

The Corona Arch hike in Moab, Utah offers a beautiful and easy trek to three stunning natural sandstone arches.

This relatively simple hike is suitable for hikers of all ages and leads you to the Pinto Arch (optional), Bowtie Arch, and the grand 140-foot-wide Corona Arch, which you can actually walk through.

This detailed guide provides insights on how to navigate the Corona Arch trail, where to locate the trailhead near Moab, and essential tips for your trip preparation.

Quick Facts

*The following data pertains solely to the trek to Corona Arch and does not encompass Pinto Arch and Bowtie Arch.

Corona Arch Trail: Overview

The Corona Arch trail leads hikers through a canyon, showcasing two impressive arches – Corona and Bowtie. There is also a third optional arch, Pinto, for those with extra time to explore.

Overall, the hike is relatively easy, with the only potential challenge being the mid-day heat and a brief section that requires climbers to ascend a small ladder and stairway, which poses no significant danger.

Due to its proximity to Moab, Corona Arch is a popular choice among hikers. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to tackle the trail on weekdays or during the mornings.

Corona Arch viewed from the front, highlighting the scale with a small figure in the middle.

Trail Commencement

The journey of the Corona Arch trail starts with a steep ascent up a hillside, followed by a crossing of the operational Potash Railroad tracks.

Although the trail becomes slightly rugged thereafter, markers like rock cairns and green paint on the slickrock guide hikers in the right direction.

Modern additions like the green paint markings have significantly reduced the risk of hikers losing their way on this route.

Pinto Arch

Located about half a mile into the trail, Pinto Arch is an optional side trip offering a pothole arch at the canyon’s summit.

Exploring Pinto Arch is not mandatory as it involves a gradual uphill ascent and is similar to Bowtie Arch, which you will encounter on the way to Corona Arch.

The unique aspect of Pinto Arch is the ability to stand directly underneath it for a close-up view, unlike Bowtie Arch due to the elevated step.

If you choose to visit Pinto Arch, simply follow the signs and green paint marks on the slickrock for an additional 0.6 miles (one way) with an elevation gain of approximately 340 feet.

Stairway / Ladder Section

The challenging part of the Corona Arch hike involves navigating a steep slickrock stairway with a cable, followed by a ladder ascent.

While dogs and children can manage this section with some assistance, the primitive stairway is relatively straightforward, although relying on the cable for stability is necessary.

The ladder stands at approximately 6 feet tall and may seem daunting. Negotiating the last step, which is quite large, can be a bit awkward during both ascent and descent, although it is more manageable than it appears.

Upon reaching this point, you are greeted by the sight of Bowtie Arch and Corona Arch in the distance. Once you conquer the ladder, a leisurely walk along the slickrock shelf leads you to the stunning arch formations.

Bowtie Arch

As you approach Corona Arch, Bowtie Arch will be on your left side. No additional hiking is required to see Bowtie, as it is just 150 yards away from Corona Arch, giving you two arches to admire in one visit.

The beautiful colors and texture of Bowtie Arch are a sight to behold. This pothole arch was created when water filled a pothole above the canyon and wore down to form a cave below.

Corona Arch

Finally, your journey leads you to the magnificent Corona Arch!

This natural sandstone arch spans 140 feet in width and rises to a height of 105 feet. Visitors can pass through the arch to discover a colossal stone visage on the canyon wall beyond.

Although Corona Arch is not situated within Arches National Park, it stands out as one of the premier arch formations in the Moab region!

Corona Arch Trailhead: How To Get There

Situated just outside of Moab and Arches National Park in eastern Utah, the Corona Arch trailhead is easily accessible via Potash Road. This road features fascinating attractions like prehistoric dinosaur tracks, making the journey to the trailhead an adventure in itself.

For precise location details, you can refer to the GPS coordinates: 38.57806231735949, -109.63267036129403

To streamline your trip, utilize the Google map provided above to guide you directly to the parking area. The trailhead is approximately a 20-minute drive from Moab, Utah.

Trailhead Conditions

The path leading to the Corona Arch trailhead is fully paved, eliminating the need for vehicles with high clearance or special features to access it.

Upon reaching the trailhead, amenities such as a vault toilet, information signs, and a trail map are available for visitors.

Optimal Timing for Visiting

The Corona Arch trek offers breathtaking views regardless of the time of day, although mid-day visits may experience higher temperatures and more crowds.

Our images captured around 2 PM showcased the arch from both angles with minimal sun glare, taken in mid-September.

In the early morning or late afternoon, sun glare may limit photography to one side of the arch.

For sunrise visits, consider walking through the arch to photograph it from the opposite side, while sunset or late afternoon visits are best for front-facing shots.

Corona Arch Swing

In 2011-2012, videos went viral on YouTube showing individuals rope swinging off Corona Arch, which was dubbed as ‘the world’s largest rope swing.’

Tragically, in 2013, a man from Utah accidentally leaped to his death while attempting the swing due to using a rope that was too long.

The Bureau of Land Management implemented a ban on this activity in 2015, leading to the discontinuation of the Corona Arch swing. While initially intended as a temporary measure, the ban remains in place without any reassessment to date.

Below, you can view one of the original viral rope swing videos. Undeniably, it appeared to be an exhilarating experience.

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We appreciate your interest! We trust you found the information valuable for exploring the Corona and Bowtie Arch trail close to Moab, Utah.

Ensure you also explore our other Utah hiking guides for more travel insights before embarking on your adventures!