Find the large parking lot on your right.
No permits needed to park.
Bathroom at the trailhead
The trail starts out going up stone steps and then is level for a short distance and crosses a railroad track. It is a gentle climb until the trail goes around a corner then it goes up through a narrow canyon, climbing steeply.
Look for the blazes of teal paint on the rocks to help follow the trail. The trail levels off and then at about 0.5 mile you come to a junction. To the left for the Pinto arch.
Continue straight ahead towards Corona Arch through a wide valley. The undergrowth here are some little shrubs, prickly pear, a few Joshua trees and some yucca.
Turn left and start climbing across slickrock then to a place where primitive steps have been chiseled into the sandstone and there is a chain railing to help haul yourself up the hillside.
Soon after that is a short ladder to climb and then more slanted slickrock to walk on. There are two arches. The first one you see is the small pothole of Bowtie Arch and then you look to the right you see the main point of the trip, which is the Corona Arch.
When you get to Corona Arch, continue through and across the slickrock and up around the corner, where there’s a nice flat area to sit and admire the views. You might not want to get too close to the edge because there are some big cracks where the rock is going to break off someday. You don’t want to be near the edge the day that rock breaks off.
Walking back, see if you can remember where the ladder was and go down the ladder, then back down the chain cable and continue to follow the teal blazes to the junction for the Pinto Arch, where you take the trail on the right. The trail is level across the valley then it starts climbing fairly steeply up the side.
The Colorado river and Union Pacific Railway are spread far below. Continue to follow the teal blazes painted on the rock to more terrific views. The sandstone you’re walking on is not level as past geologic forces of the area tilted the sandstone.
The Pinto Arch is a big pothole arch at the end of a little valley. After you’re done, enjoying the view, head back down the hillside and across the valley and arrive at the next trail junction. Take the right fork of the trail then continue downhill back to the gravel path, across the tracks, and back to the parking lot.
As long as you’re steady on your feet and have shoes with good traction, this is a must do hike. If it is raining or icy, then save this hike for another day.
Dogs are allowed on a leash but I don’t think this trail is safe for dogs because of the sandstone that slopes towards large cliffs.
Enjoy the photos!!
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