Corona Arch is one of my favorite hikes of all time and it’s one I’ll do every time I go back to Moab for a few reasons. First, I think it’s one of the most beautiful arches but the hike itself is incredibly stunning. It’s also not too difficult but still has a few parts that provide just a touch of a challenge. Perhaps the best part is that unlike Arches National Park, it’s not nearly as crowded. Both times I’ve been there I’ve had a few minutes of sitting under the arch by myself just taking in the view.
The trail starts just a few minutes outside of town on Potash Road right across from the Colorado river. The start to the trail is well marked then you cross the train tracks and the views are incredible immediately.
Follow the trail markers on the slickrock because there’s no other way to see a defined trail through the desertscape, but soon enough you’ll start to turn a corner and the arch comes into view.
I’ve seen kids on this hike and in general I think it’s very approachable, but there are a couple of tricky spots. Twice you’ll have the option to grab onto a chain to help you along, the first time you spot the chain I’ve found you don’t really need it unless it’s raining. I imagine the rocks get pretty slick when they get wet. The second time you will need to hold on to climb nearly straight up the rock, but as someone terrified of heights it’s really not too intimidating. There are even cutouts for your feet to climb – going back down I don’t love it quite as much but it still wasn’t enough for me to label this hike “difficult.” Then there’s one ladder to climb before it’s a leisurely walk to the arches.
