We recently went to Moab, Utah for Spring Break. We took our trailer and camped out at Utah Raptor State Park (then known as Willow Springs) and then drove into Canyonlands, Arches, or Moab (and beyond) for our adventures every day. My husband grew up there so he knew a lot of great places to take us and we had so much fun. One of the best hikes we did while we were there was the Corona Arch hike.
It is located down Potash Road (map and GPS coordinates below). It is very easy to get to although requires some driving. The turnoff for Potash Road is about 4 miles north of Moab. Then you will drive about 10 miles down that road to get to the Corona Arch Trailhead.
On the way to the arch, be on the lookout for the amazing Petroglyphs on the right along the canyon wall (they go for a way down) as well as all of the talented rock climbers. You can also stop for a few and see (or hike to) the dinosaur print and petroglyphs near that.
Once you arrive at the Corona Arch trailhead, you will be able to use the bathroom, get your hiking pack ready (I recommend taking snacks and lots of water), and then head out. We also had walking sticks, so it helped on uneven or sandy areas.
I would recommend going in the early morning or starting later in the day. I would allow about 2-3 hours (depending on how fast you want to go and how much time you want to spend at the arch). We took food and ate in the shade once we were there. It can also be really busy on weekends, so if you can, plan to do this on a weekday. We went at about 3 in early April and didn’t see very many people. It was nice and not too hot.
What to expect on the Corona Arch Trail:
The Corona Arch trail is 1.5 miles one way (so 3 miles RT). If you want to also go to Pinto Arch you will add about 1.2 miles (roundtrip) to go see that. We didn’t do that on this visit because it was getting late, but we will add it next time.
The elevation gain is 400 feet (going from 3,995 to 4,395). This trail is rated as moderate difficulty. There are no bikes or motorized vehicles allowed, but dogs are allowed. Just remember to clean up after them and be courteous.
There are painted lines on the ground that mark the trail as well as cairns (piles of rocks). (These are also fun to make). At about 0.4 miles in you will reach the first of two trail junctions. This is where you can do the optional 1.4-mile RT hike to Pinto Arch, or just keep going to see Corona and Bowtie Arch.
To get to Corona Arch, you will keep straight at both junctions. Just follow the painted lines to the base of the cliff. This is where you will see the first cable.
You can walk here without holding on, but it is steep and the rock can be slippery. And then you will come to the second cable where the steps have been cut into the slick rock. You can see Corona Arch from this point, but I highly recommend you finish the hike and go to the base of the Arch.
Next, you will climb the 8 ft ladder and follow the paint and cairns to the top of a large, broad, Slickrock bench.
From here you will just walk along the bench to the base of Corona Arch. There are several steep drop-offs along the trail, but there is plenty of room to stay back away from the edge. I highly recommend going back to the arch to the backside and seeing it from that view. I have a picture of it from that angle at the bottom of this post – and you will see why. It is simply stunning!
Corona Arch is a freestanding arch (just like Delicate Arch). It is a whopping 140 feet across and 105 feet high. Just to give you a reference, the opening of Delicate Arch is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide. I believe the actual height of the arch is about 52 feet. Corona Arch is about double the size of Delicate Arch.
Be sure to stop and take some pictures with Bowtie Arch on the way there or back. It is really beautiful as well.
This is friendly for all ages (just keep an eye on your kiddos) and dogs. The smaller dogs will need help climbing some of it or will have to be carried. Going back down the ladders and cable climbs were just as fun as going up.
Be sure to pin the image below and/or share this post so you can find it easily when you are ready to visit. This is one you don’t want to miss!
Looking for other things to do in the Moab area?
Double Arch Arches National Park
Sand Dune Arch Arches National Park
Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers – Arches National Park
The Windows Arches National Park
Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Balanced Rock Arches National Park Utah
We will be sharing more about Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Wilson Arch, Hole in the Rock, and more! So be sure to check back soon.
Thanks for sharing, I never really think of Utah as a travel stop but this is getting added to my bucket list. That hike length (3miles, ever the additional 1.2 miles) seem very doable. Great photo opportunities. I am bookmarking this post for future plans.