Corona Arch
Arch Natural sandstone arch and hiking destination near Moab
A natural sandstone arch near Moab, Utah reached by a roughly 1.5‑mile round trip hike; visitors arrive for desert hiking, rock formations and sunset photography.
Corona Arch is a natural sandstone arch on public land near Moab in southeastern Utah, formed in Entrada Sandstone. It is a distinct freestanding arch that is a popular destination for short hikes and photography.
The arch is reached by a short trail from a roadside parking area; the route includes rock steps and exposed sections and is typically described as a moderate walk rather than technical climbing. Many visitors visit the site as a half-day outing from Moab.
Corona Arch formed through natural weathering and erosion processes in the region’s sandstone and has become a well-known example of the area’s rock-landscape features. Recreational use has increased over recent decades as road access and guide information expanded.
The arch lies on Bureau of Land Management land outside Moab, Utah, within the desert canyon landscape typical of Grand County and the Colorado Plateau.
- Access and management: Located on public Bureau of Land Management land and reached by a short, unpaved hiking trail with some exposed sections; no entrance fee is charged.
How to Get to Corona Arch #
From Moab, drive west on Potash Road (County Road 279) or Kane Creek Road to the Corona Arch trailhead and parking area. The trail to the arch is roughly 1.5 miles round-trip with some short steep sections; bring water and sun protection.
Tips for Visiting Corona Arch #
- Start at the Corona Arch trailhead on Utah State Route 279 (or the popular area parking off Kane Creek Road) and follow the marked trail-it's about 1.5 miles round-trip.
- Bring a headlamp if intending to explore nearby caves or lower gullies at dusk.
- Respect ranger closures-rock-climbing and chaining of gear to the arch have been restricted at times for safety.
Best Time to Visit Corona Arch #
Spring and fall provide the best conditions for hiking and photography; summer can be hot-visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat.
Weather & Climate near Corona Arch #
Corona Arch's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 33°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.