During another one of our road trips to Moab, Utah, Mike made sure that this one would be unforgettable by taking me on hikes to new places. One of those hikes was to Corona Arch. The best part of this hike is you get to see three arches along the way in a short 3-mile round trip trek. 

View While Hiking The Corona Arch Trail

Corona Arch, also known as Little Rainbow Bridge because it resembles the well-known Rainbow Bridge in southern Utah, is located only 17 miles from Moab, but it takes about an hour to get there. Corona Arch is also compared to Delicate Arch nearby in Arches National Park, but it is much larger in size. 

Delicate Arch Overall Size -  64 Feet Tall, 45 Feet Wide  -  Corona Arch Opening Size - 140 Feet Tall, 105 Feet Wide  

To reach the trailhead, start by heading northwest on Highway 191, then go south on Potash Road (Highway 279). The parking area is located across from the Gold Bar Campground.

Corona Arch Trailhead Parking Lot and Potash Highway (Hwy 279)

The hike offers spectacular views along the way. The trail begins with an incline, crossing over active railroad tracks, which is an impressive sight considering the effort put into blasting the sandstone for the tracks. After crossing the railroad tracks, the trail ascends a bit more (200 feet total elevation gain at this point) before leveling out. There is no shade, so it's essential to be well-prepared with a hat and plenty of water.

Union Pacific Railroad Potash Line

The first arch you will come across is the smaller-scale Pinto Arch, which has been carved by water through the sandstone over time. You will notice the path veering off to the left, and you'll need to hike about a half mile further to see it. We haven't been there ourselves, but we've heard that the views from above the arch are amazing, overlooking the canyon and the trail to Corona Arch below. 

The hike is moderately difficult due to some height exposure and a section that involves climbing a ladder and holding onto a couple of cables to prevent sliding down the slickrock into Bootlegger Canyon. It may sound sketchy, but it adds to the thrill of the adventure and the sights are worth seeing. If it feels unsettling, you can stop after the first cable and enjoy the views from there.

Steel Cable Helps With The Climb

As you stay on the trail to Corona Arch, you will go around a ravine and see the first cable to hold onto as you walk along slickrock. After that, there is a short ladder to climb up a rock pitch. The views ahead of the arch make this part of the trek worth the effort and will hopefully lessen any intimidation you may have. With one more cable there for support, you have almost reached the incredible arch.

When you reach the end of the trail, it's a wonderful time to explore, relax, and admire the vast opening of Corona Arch. As you take in the view, try to picture some of the popular images of small planes flying through it. When you look down into Bootlegger Canyon, you can see the railroad tracks that you crossed over at the beginning of the hike. If you look up and to your left, you will spot Bowtie Arch, another pothole arch.

Bowtie Arch

We enjoyed this adventure and can't wait to go back again, this time adding the loop to Pinto Arch. After all our visits to Utah, Corona Arch is one of my favorite arches and hikes. I like that it’s off the beaten path protected by the BLM and doesn’t require a reservation. 

Hotel Recommendations: 

Hyatt Place - Large rooms, updated, heated pool, large hot tub, hot breakfast with a lot of variety, pet-friendly

Wingate by Wyndham - Clean, hot breakfast, large pool, hot tub, pet-friendly 

Hotels that we haven’t stayed at yet but would like to:

The Hoodoo by Hilton (new, nice pool, pet-friendly)

The Element (new, pool, pet-friendly)

The Radcliffe by Gravity Haus (newer, pool, good food, pet-friendly)

Best for kids - Fairfield Inn and Suites & Spring Hill Suites. They share a large pool with waterfall features.