Corona Arch Trail: Moab's Best Free Hike
Ten minutes from downtown Moab, the Corona Arch Trail climbs slickrock above the Colorado River to a 140 foot arch bigger than Delicate — with no entry fee, no reservation, and a fraction of the crowd.
The arch locals send their friends to
Ask anyone in town for one hike outside the national parks and you'll hear the same answer: Corona Arch. The opening spans roughly 140 by 105 feet — big enough that small planes have famously flown through it — and it rises straight out of a sweeping slickrock amphitheater above the Colorado River corridor. Old timers call it Little Rainbow Bridge, and once you're standing under it, the comparison makes sense.
Because the trail sits on BLM land off Potash Road rather than inside Arches National Park, there's no entrance fee, no gate line, and dogs are welcome on leash. The route packs real variety into 2.4 miles: a railroad crossing, cairned slickrock, carved moki steps with a safety cable, and one short metal ladder. It's the kind of trail kids talk about for the rest of the trip.
You can hike it self guided with the directions below, or go with a local guide who adds rigging safety on the cable sections and the geology story behind the arch — browse the Corona Arch Trail guided hike to see current times and pricing.
Local Tip The drive alone is worth it. Potash Road hugs the Colorado River beneath 400 foot walls, passing roadside petroglyph panels and climbers on Wall Street. Leave 15 extra minutes so you can pull over — legally — and look.
The Corona Arch Trail, section by section
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Sign in and start climbing
The trailhead sits on the right side of UT-279 about 10 miles from the US-191 junction, with a vault toilet and a trail register. No water here — bring everything you need. The trail climbs a short, steep pitch away from the river right out of the parking lot, the biggest sustained grade of the day.
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Cross the Potash line
You'll step over an active rail line that serves the potash plant downriver. Trains are infrequent but real — look both ways, cross quickly, and keep kids close. Beyond the tracks, the trail contours onto open slickrock with the canyon spreading out below.
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The fun part
Two short sections of safety cable bolted to the rock help you up the steeper slabs, and a run of moki steps — footholds carved into the sandstone — leads to a five rung metal ladder over a ledge. None of it requires climbing skill, just three points of contact and a little patience in both directions. This is where a guide earns their keep with nervous hikers.
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The opening act
Bowtie Arch appears overhead first — a pothole arch punched through the ceiling of an alcove, formed when a pool of water on the mesa top wore through the roof below. Most hikers walk right past it staring at Corona. Don't.
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Stand under the span
The trail bends around the amphitheater wall and Corona fills the view. Walk all the way beneath the span — the scale doesn't register until the rock is arcing 100 feet over your head. Circle the base for angles, snack in the shade of the alcove, then return the way you came.
Book the Corona Arch Trail guided hike
A local guide manages the ladder and cable sections, times the light, and fills the miles with river corridor history — the easiest way to hike Corona with kids, grandparents, or first timers.
Best time to hike Corona Arch
The trail is open year round with no fees or reservations, so timing comes down to heat and light:
| Season | Conditions | The Honest Take |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 60s–80s°F, busiest season | Ideal temps. Even at peak season this trail feels quiet next to Delicate Arch. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 95–105°F+ afternoons | Go at sunrise or after 5 PM. The slickrock radiates heat like an oven at midday. |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 70s–80s°F, golden light | The best all around window — warm rock, long shadows, thin crowds midweek. |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | 30s–50s°F, near empty | Gorgeous and solitary, but ice on the moki steps and ladder demands traction spikes. |
Local Tip Corona faces roughly southwest, so late afternoon light sets the whole span glowing while the amphitheater falls into shadow — the money shot. Photographers hiking for sunset should carry headlamps; the cable sections are no place to guess your footing in the dark.
What to bring on this hike
Short trail, real exposure. There's no water at the trailhead and no shade until the arch itself, so pack like the desert means it:
- 1 liter of water per person — 2 in summer
- Grippy shoes for slickrock and the ladder
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Snacks for the alcove break under the arch
- Headlamp for sunrise or sunset hikes
- Leash for the dog — required, and fair to wildlife
Both hands should be free on the cables and ladder, so use a pack rather than carrying anything. Cell coverage along Potash Road is spotty — download maps before you leave town.
Heads Up The ladder and cable sections stop some hikers with a strong fear of heights, and the exposed slabs are slick when wet or icy. If anyone in your group is unsure, hiking with a guide turns the crux sections from stressful to fun.
Add a national park to your Corona Arch day
Corona takes half a morning, which leaves the rest of the day for the big parks. Pair it with a guided Arches tour up the road, or head to the overlooks and canyons of Canyonlands — both with a local behind the wheel.
Pair Corona Arch with these nearby adventures
Delicate Arch
Corona's famous rival inside Arches National Park — a 3 mile round trip to Utah's most photographed landmark. Hike both and settle the debate yourself.
Delicate Arch Trail GuideCanyonlands National Park
Island in the Sky's rim overlooks are 40 minutes from the Corona trailhead — a canyon system so vast it makes the arch feel like a doorway.
Tour Canyonlands Read our park guide →Dead Horse Point State Park
The gooseneck bend you saw from river level on Potash Road — viewed from 2,000 feet straight above. The classic way to end a Corona Arch day.
Dead Horse Point Tours Read our park guide →Want more trail options? Browse the full Moab hiking hub, tackle the towers of Fisher Towers, or reserve a ranger permit for the Fiery Furnace. Our Moab vacation planner stitches it all into a day by day itinerary.
Corona Arch Trail FAQ
How hard is the Corona Arch Trail?
Moderate: 2.4 miles round trip with about 440 feet of elevation gain. The terrain is mostly gentle slickrock, but two safety cable sections, carved moki steps, and a short five rung ladder require basic scrambling comfort. Most hikers finish in 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is Corona Arch in Arches National Park?
No — Corona Arch sits on BLM public land off Potash Road (UT-279), outside the national park boundary. That means no entrance fee, no reservations, and leashed dogs are allowed, none of which apply inside Arches.
Can kids handle the ladder and cables?
Most kids love this trail — the ladder is the highlight of their day. Confident kids roughly 5 and up do fine with an adult spotting them on the cables and ladder. Toddlers in carriers are tougher here because adults need both hands free on the crux sections.
Are dogs allowed on the Corona Arch Trail?
Yes, on leash. It's one of the best dog friendly hikes in Moab since the national parks prohibit dogs on trails. Bring extra water for your dog and skip summer midday hikes — the slickrock gets hot enough to burn paws.
Which is better: Corona Arch or Delicate Arch?
Corona is bigger, free, quieter, and more fun to hike thanks to the ladder and cables. Delicate Arch is the icon with the sunset glow and the La Sal Mountains backdrop. Locals' honest answer: they're 30 minutes apart, so hike both.
Do I need a guide for Corona Arch?
The route is cairned and well traveled, so confident hikers can go self guided. A guide is worth it if anyone in your group is nervous about the ladder and cable sections, if you're hiking with young kids, or if you want the geology and history along the way — see the Corona Arch guided hike for details.
Ready to stand under Corona Arch?
Book the guided trail hike, or turn it into a full red rock day with an Arches or Canyonlands tour.