(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

One of the many beautiful and naturally occurring arches in Moab is Corona Arch. This 105 foot tall arch is just a short and enjoyable hike away from Potash Road and has several points of interest along the way. 

Corona Arch 

Distance: 3 Miles Round Trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Trailhead Location: 38.5748, -109.632

If you drive approximately 10 miles down Potash Road (also known as Highway 279), you’ll arrive at the Corona Arch Trailhead parking lot. It’s located just across the street from the Gold Bar Campground, so if you’re staying there overnight this is a must-do activity. The hike is moderately strenuous, but any hiking ability should be able to make it to the arch if given enough time. The trail winds uphill for a few hundred feet and then mostly levels out, crossing the train tracks and winding through wide swaths of slick rock. 

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

The trail is primarily in the sun and both me and my hiking partner shed our winter layers within 10 minutes of hiking. Bring extra water for sure! 

As you hike through the slick rock, make note of the split in the trail, you can come back to that on your way back. The trail to Corona Arch is the right fork in the road and will continue on for approximately a quarter-mile until you reach several guard railings. The trail is safe, but the railings are there as guides to keep visitors from getting too close to the edges of the cliff bands. If you have a difficult time with heights, just keep your eyes on the railings and enjoy the beautiful cairn stacks in front of you! 

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

One of the unique aspects of this trail is the massive display of cairns that visitors have stacked for years. Cairns are typically used by the park service and other trail maintenance folks to direct lost hikers towards an established trail and to help keep visitors from creating social trails or doing damage to the natural environment by wandering off. However, in this case, the cairns have been added to and added to until what you have is a literal field of cairns in the foreground of the Corona Arch.

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

If you walk a few hundred feet past the field of cairns, you will come across two semi-technical obstacles. If you are hiking with very young children, dogs, or the elderly, this might be a great place to stop and enjoy the view from afar. However, the staircase and ladder are sturdy and safe so don’t feel intimidated or unprepared. Most fit adults will have no trouble navigating the short steep section on this trail. 

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

After the staircase and the ladder, you’ll come to a shelf of slick rock with scattered stacks of boulders that will lead you directly to the arch! It is a marvel to look up at. You can walk directly below it and stare up at the dark red sandstone, the pillar of stone standing in dark contrast to the insane clear blue of the sky. 

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Just to the left of Corona Arch is Bowtie Arch, a smaller bowl-shaped arch that is settled into one of the cliff bands. While not quite as impressive as Corona Arch, it is worth a look and a few photos! 

Once you’ve had an opportunity to enjoy Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch, it’s time to head back towards the parking lot. While on the return hike, if you haven’t had enough of arches, take the left fork in the trail at the slick rock split and check out Pinto Arch. 

Pinto Arch

Distance: About 1 Mile 

Difficulty: Easy

Trailhead Location: 38.5748, -109.632

Getting to Pinto Arch is a much shorter trail than Corona Arch and can be done easily on the way back. At the split in the trailhead left and across the slick rock section until you reach a very small (but steep) incline. There are a few human carved steps for you to take advantage of while going uphill, but remain vigilant, particularly if it is icy or snowy. 

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay) 

Pinto Arch is similar to Bowtie Arch, in that it is connected on both sides by a cliff band and has a similar “bowl shape” that so many of the arches are known for. As a visitor, you can stand in the bowl-like amphitheater of the Pinto Arch and peer through to see a brilliant blue sky on either side of this sandstone formation. 

Three Arches for the Hike of One

As moderate hikes around Moab go, the Corona Arch Trail gives you an opportunity to see three beautiful and naturally occurring arches. While Corona Arch is definitely the crown jewel of the hike, Bowtie Arch and Pinto Arch are worth the photo opportunities on their own. If you’re looking for an enjoyable afternoon with plenty of fresh air, fun hiking, and unique views, then the Corona Arch Trail is the hike for you. Enjoy, stay on trail, pack your trash, (maybe pick some up on your way out), and remember to bring your camera!