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Michael Grindstaff CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Corona Arch

Arch

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.

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In this guide

Corona Arch essentials

Address: Corona Arch Trailhead (near Moab, Utah); access off UT-279 and Kane Creek Road
Admission: Free
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About Corona Arch

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Air Quality: AQI 19 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -8° - 5° -4° 20 mm - - 1.5 m/s - -
February - -5° - 10° 1° 12 mm - - 1.9 m/s - -
March - 0° - 15° 6° 21 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
April - 4° - 21° 12° 21 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
May - 9° - 27° 18° 19 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
June - 14° - 33° 23° 9 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
July - 17° - 36° 27° 20 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
August - 17° - 35° 26° 21 mm - - 2.4 m/s - -
September - 11° - 30° 20° 20 mm - - 2.3 m/s - -
October - 4° - 22° 13° 30 mm - - 2.0 m/s - -
November - -2° - 13° 4° 19 mm - - 1.8 m/s - -
December - -7° - 7° -2° 18 mm - - 1.5 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

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.