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.

Main image

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.
Corona Arch
Corona Arch Trailhead (near Moab, Utah); access off UT-279 and Kane Creek Road
38.5799, -109.6199
Free

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.

Spring/Fall
Mar-May, Sep-Nov · 50-80°F (10-27°C)
Ideal hiking weather; trails are comfortable and the arch casts dramatic shadows for photos.
Winter
Dec-Feb · 20-50°F (-6-10°C)
Cooler temperatures make the hike brisk and quieter, but check for icy spots.

Weather & Climate near Corona Arch #

Climate

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.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5° 10°

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
27°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 33°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
14° 33°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
17° 36°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
17° 35°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
11° 30°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 13°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

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