How to Hike Corona Arch in Moab Utah
Enjoy a scenic hike to Moab’s picturesque Corona Arch with this complete trail guide. Featuring everything you need to know before you go, including when to go, what to bring, how to get there, and all about the trail.
After spending a week exploring Canyonlands & Arches National Park, we decided to venture out to one of Moab most popular hikes, Corona Arch. This short and fairly easy trail is a great family friendly adventure if you’re looking to avoid the crowds of national parks but still enjoy some unique Utah nature.
And unlike Arches and Canyonlands, this trail is pet friendly. However, not all dogs will find this trail easy. If your dog is used to climbing steep slick rock then they will probably do fine, if not, you might want to leave your pet at home for this one.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Getting to Corona Arch
When to Visit
What to Bring
Amenities Nearby
About the Trail
GETTING TO CORONA ARCH
Corona Arch is located along scenic highway 279 just 20 minutes outside the town of Moab in southeast Utah. It’s surrounded by gorgeous red rock scenery along the Colorado River with plenty of camping and a ton of other hiking trails to explore.
Moab - 14 miles or 20 minutes
Arches National Park - 11 miles or 15 minutes
Canyonlands National Park - 36 miles or 40 minutes
There are several campgrounds in the area if you’re looking to stay overnight. Vault toilets are available at the trailhead.
WHEN TO VISIT
The trail to Corona Arch is open year round with seasonal temperatures varying greatly. Summers can exceed 100 degrees with winters hanging out below freezing. Monsoon season in Moab is mid June to mid October bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flash floods.
Always check for current conditions before hiking in Moab. It’s also recommended to bring micro spikes when hiking this trail in the winter due to the possibility of ice and snow.
WHAT TO BRING
Plenty of Water
Moab is high desert which means hot and dry especially in the summer. Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love using our insulated water bottles to have ice cold water for the whole day.
Hiking Shoes
While there are many easy paths to explore in Moab there are a few trails that are rocky, sandy, and steep. To have the most comfortable experience on the trails we recommend wearing a proper hiking shoe or boot to provide traction and support.
Sun Protectant
There is no shade on any trails in the park so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while exploring in Moab. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Lunch / Snacks
It is highly recommended to pick a lunch and snacks when visiting Moab. There aren’t any food options in the park, so it’s a good idea to pack a good lunch and plenty of snacks.
AMENITIES NEARBY
MOAB
A popular outdoor city and known as the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Biking, hiking, off roading, rafting as well as a host of other outdoor activities are what bring most travelers to Moab.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 2.4 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 482 FT | Time: 2 Hrs | Pet Friendly
The trail to Corona Arch starts on with steep climb up a series of rock steps until you get to train tracks.
Once you pass the train tracks you’ll climb up another series of steps and cross a large open area where the trail to pinto arch branches off to the left.
The trail starts to gain elevation as you make your way up and around sandstone just before you get to Corona Arch. There will be a steep climb up steps created in the sandstone with chains to provide support. Most people get up fine however it could be challenging for some dogs.
After the chains the only obstacle left is climbing a short ladder. From here you can see Corona Arch in the distance. Continuing on making your way around the bend you’ll see Bowtie Arch on the left and Corona Arch straight ahead. Take pictures and enjoy the view of this massive arch.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever hiked to Corona Arch.
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
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