Corona Arch
4.9(1.2K)google
5.0(18)yelp
Rock FormationHikingGeologyPhoto SpotAdventurous
Overview
Aching with dramatic scale, this massive, partially freestanding sandstone ribbon arch arches gracefully across a vast slickrock canyon bowl. The hiking route offers outdoor enthusiasts moderate cable-assisted climbs and completely uncrowded views.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeBest visited during the cooler months (October to April) to conquer the fully exposed 3-mile backcountry slickrock hike comfortably. Stroll along the boottracks early between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM; morning cross-lighting hits the colossal 140-foot freestanding red rock arch beautifully, framing crystal-clear sky angles without lines.
Getting ThereSituated along the Potash Road scenic route (UT-279) west of Moab. Accessible strictly by car: follow UT-279 S south along the Colorado River for 10 miles. The Bureau of Land Management trailhead is clearly marked on your right, backed by its own high-capacity, free public gravel parking field situated directly opposite the river rail spurs.
Travel Tips
- Safety Chain & Slickrock Scaling: The 3-mile round-trip trail requires conquering a steep, exposed slickrock face. You must pull yourself up using installed steel cables and carved footholds; it is highly unsafe for anyone wearing smooth-soled shoes or suffering from severe vertigo.
- Strict Rope Swinging & Rappelling Ban: BLM regulations permanently prohibit rope swinging, ziplining, or rappelling from the arch span to protect the fragile rock structure. Violators face immediate federal citations, heavy fines, and equipment confiscation.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Active Railroad Track Crossing: The initial section of the trail directly crosses an active commercial rail freight line. Standing, sitting, or placing cameras on the tracks for photos is prohibited; look both ways and cross immediately without lingering.
Reviews
Positive
- This massive bow-tie-style sandstone arch hanging over the smooth canyon wall delivers visual power matching anything in Arches; highly authentic.
- Being public Bureau of Land Management land, it is completely free, offering peak value without rigid timed entry reservation constraints.
- The 3-mile roundtrip hike is exceptional fun, requiring using installed safety chains and climbing rock steps, adding fine adventure to sightseeing.
- Tourist density is a fraction of Arches; you can peacefully lie under the massive arch's shade and listen to the wind, enjoying pure desert silence.
Heads up
- The trail has a steep, slick bare incline; though equipped with safety chains, it lacks sufficient safety for vertigo sufferers or elderly guests.
- The approach to the trailhead lot lacks prominent multilingual road signs, making it easy to overshoot on Potash Road; no transit exists.
- The entire trail provides no intermediate rest seating, shade shelters, or bins; the single portable toilet at the start smells foul in summer heat.
- At a few steep junctions, rock cairns are collapsed or confusing; first-time global tourists easily lose the track without offline maps.