Information
Landmark: Corona ArchCity: Moab
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America
Corona Arch, Moab, USA Utah, North America
Overview
Just outside Moab, Utah, Corona Arch rises from the red desert, a sweeping curve of sandstone that’s among the region’s most unforgettable sights.Hidden in the remote desert canyons west of the Colorado River, the arch rises like a bold marker of millions of years of shifting stone, inviting hikers and photographers to chase adventure and take in the sunlit sweep of the landscape.Corona Arch sits tucked inside a rugged canyon, hemmed in by towering red sandstone walls, scattered boulders, and stretches of sun-baked desert.The trail to the arch winds through sandy washes, over rough rock ledges, and into tight gullies, pulling you into the stark, sun-bleached beauty of the high desert.The air hums with adventure and awe as the soft morning sun washes over the arch, its reddish-orange stone glowing while long, cool shadows stretch across the canyon floor.By midday, the sun sharpens the sandstone’s hues, bringing out its rough grain and the pale bands stacked one over another.In the evening, golden light sharpens the arch’s silhouette, casting long shadows and offering striking shots for any photographer.The trail winds through quiet, open country, and just as you round a bend in the canyon, the arch bursts into view-like stumbling onto a hidden treasure.Corona Arch stretches roughly 105 feet across and towers about 125 feet above the canyon floor, its red sandstone glowing warm in the afternoon sun.Its smooth, freestanding curve rises tall, one of the biggest shapes you'll spot in the area.Bowtie Arch is a smaller formation just up the trail, its curved sandstone catching the afternoon light and offering hikers one more spot worth stopping for.Sandstone formations rise all around-narrow fins, scattered boulders, and sheer cliff faces-each bearing the rough textures carved by relentless wind and rain.In the desert, sagebrush and pinyon pines dot the dry ground, while a quick lizard or a distant bird call reminds you how delicate this ecosystem really is.Light slips through cracks, shadows deepen in the folds, and colors flare against the stone-together they turn the place into a striking scene worth a hundred photographs.The trail to Corona Arch stretches about three miles round trip, with a moderate climb that includes a few ledge crossings and short rock scrambles.Well-marked paths guide you past sun-warmed stone and open views, offering just enough challenge to keep fit hikers engaged.Photography is at its best at sunrise or sunset, when the arch glows gold against the deep, quiet stretch of desert.Many visitors hike to Corona Arch, then wander over to Bowtie Arch and a cluster of smaller rock formations, rounding out the trip with sandstone curves glowing warm in the afternoon light.You can’t climb the arch-it’s strictly off-limits-but the rugged rocks nearby are fair game if you tread carefully, watching for loose gravel underfoot.Hike the trail and you’ll earn sweeping canyon views, with the arch appearing at the end like a giant stone window catching the afternoon light.Visitors often say the hike to Corona Arch feels like a true desert adventure, with red rock cliffs glowing in the sun and each step more rewarding than the last.A steady climb past sunlit canyon walls, ending beneath the arch’s towering span, leaves you feeling both proud and a little awed.Spotting a jackrabbit dart across the sand, pausing to admire blooming cactus, and soaking in wide-open views all add to the trail’s charm, delighting nature lovers and anyone who craves the outdoors.The arch’s unusual curve and bursts of color pull in photographers and weekend hikers alike, especially when the late-afternoon sun drapes gold across its stone.Compared to the busy national park spots nearby, the relative seclusion here makes the experience richer, with only the wind in the trees to keep you company and a deeper, more personal bond with the land.Just west of Moab, Utah, you’ll find the Corona Arch Trailhead off UT‑279, with parking and clear trail signs-but no restrooms or water, so bring your own.The moderate path includes a bit of scrambling, making it a poor fit for wheelchairs or strollers.Spring and fall bring perfect hiking weather; summer heat can press down like an oven, while winter offers a peaceful, uncrowded experience.For anyone exploring Utah’s desert, Corona Arch is worth every step.With its towering cliffs, fiery red sandstone, and a trail that feels like an adventure in itself, it’s a hike you’ll never forget and a scene you’ll want to capture again and again.Tucked deep in a remote canyon, the arch reveals itself after a winding trail that feels like a quiet secret, creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of Utah’s red rock country.
