Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail

Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch, Utah

Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch, Moab, UT
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Scenic desert trail leading to two striking natural arches, featuring moderate elevation gain, slickrock scrambles, and panoramic views of red rock canyons.

General Information

Hours:
Open year-round; best hiked during daylight hours due to lack of lighting and exposure
Fees:
Free access; no permits required
Pet Policy:
Dogs allowed on leash; not all dogs may manage ladder and chain sections
Seasons:
Spring and Fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and best hiking conditions
Location:
Corona Arch Trailhead, Moab, UT 84532
Website:
visitutah.com

How to Get There

From Moab, drive northwest on US-191, turn left onto UT-279 (Potash Road), and continue 10 miles to the signed Corona Arch Trailhead on the right.

Overview

The Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail is a captivating desert hike that showcases two of Utah’s most photogenic natural arches outside the boundaries of Arches National Park. Beginning near the Colorado River along Potash Road, the 2.3-mile out-and-back trail climbs steadily over slickrock and sandy terrain, offering sweeping views of Bootlegger Canyon. Along the way, hikers encounter a short ladder and chain-assisted section, adding a touch of adventure to the otherwise moderate route. Bowtie Arch, a skylight-like formation carved by water erosion, appears first, followed by the massive Corona Arch, which spans 140 feet wide and towers 105 feet high—earning it the nickname “Little Rainbow Bridge.”

This trail is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its accessibility, dramatic scenery, and relative solitude compared to nearby national parks. While the hike is open year-round, spring and fall provide the most pleasant conditions, as summer temperatures can soar and shade is minimal. Dogs are welcome on leash, though the steeper sections may challenge some pets. With its blend of geological wonder and manageable terrain, the Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail offers a quintessential red rock experience that’s both family-friendly and unforgettable.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Al

Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted