Photo: jenni eiswerth
Photo: Adriana
Photo: Eric Dunlap
Corona Arch
★4.9(1,127 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 2-3 hours including hiking time and breaks for photos and snacks at the arch👶 Best for ages 6 and up. The trail involves some steep sections, a couple of cable-assisted climbs, and ladder rungs that require basic coordination and endurance. Active younger kids (5+) with hiking experience can manage it with patient parents, but it's not suitable for strollers or toddlers.🧡 Saved by 200+ families
About
Corona Arch offers one of Moab's most rewarding family-friendly hikes, featuring a relatively easy 3-mile round trip trail that leads to a stunning 140-foot natural arch. This moderately challenging trek includes some fun scrambles over slickrock and even a short ladder section that kids find exciting, making it perfect for families looking to experience the magic of Utah's desert landscape without committing to an all-day adventure.
Highlights
- ✓Climbing the short ladder and using cables - kids feel like real adventurers
- ✓Standing beneath the massive 140-foot Corona Arch for incredible photo opportunities
- ✓Bonus views of Bowtie Arch along the same trail
- ✓Scrambling over smooth slickrock sections that make hiking feel like an adventure course
- ✓Learning about desert geology and how wind and water carved these natural wonders
Pro Tips
- 1.Park at the marked trailhead off Highway 279 (Potash Road) - arrive before 8am or after 4pm during peak season to secure a spot as the small lot fills quickly
- 2.Bring at least 1 liter of water per person, even for this 'short' hike - the desert sun is intense and there's no shade on most of the trail
- 3.The ladder and cable sections are brief but can bottleneck with crowds; consider hiking on weekday mornings for a more peaceful experience
- 4.Let kids explore around (not on) the arch at the end - there's plenty of space to rest, snack, and take photos before heading back
- 5.Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip as the slickrock sections can be slippery, especially if dusty or wet
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for this exposed desert hike. Visit early morning (starting by 7-8am) or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and crowds. Avoid summer midday when temperatures exceed 100°F.
What to Know
The trail is free to access and open year-round, though summer heat can be dangerous for families. There are no facilities at the trailhead, so use restrooms in Moab beforehand. The hike is not wheelchair or stroller accessible due to rocky terrain and ladder/cable sections.
Seasonal Notes
While open year-round, summer (June-August) temperatures regularly exceed 100°F and can be dangerous for families. Winter hiking is possible but can be icy in shaded sections. Spring wildflowers (April-May) add extra beauty, while fall offers perfect hiking temperatures with fewer crowds than spring.
Nearby Eats
Head back to Moab (about 15 minutes) for family-friendly options like Milt's Stop & Eat for burgers and shakes, or Quesadilla Mobilla for quick, kid-approved Mexican food.
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Ice Cream
Twisted Sstrait Ice Cream
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