Here is an excerpt from the Utah section of our guide:

Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch (4)

are among those natural wonders that few have heard of or get to see. This hike is one that you will often recall when you think about your Southwest trips. You'll walk on top of great sandstone formations and see views of the Colorado River gorge. The arches are close to Moab but not a part of the national parks. Perhaps because of their location Corona and Bowtie are not highly publicized.

The area is under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management. The parking area is on Route 279 (directions under Potash Byway above) at the 10 mile marker almost directly across from the Gold Bar Recreation Area. The trail is 1.5 miles one way (although it didn't seem this long) and is easy to moderate in difficulty. The Moritz family took our first hike to Corona Arch when our youngest son was three years old and recently returned for the second time. While there we met a senior citizens hiking club who had taken this hike several times. The reason, of course, is the spectacular beauty of the terrain and the arches as well.

Cross the railroad tracks and follow the rock cairns (stacks of rocks marking where the trail goes). You will reach a safety cable that will help you maneuver up a tilted rock face. Now you'll catch your first mesmerizing glimpse of Corona and Bowtie Arches. Walk to the arches and ponder the scene above and around you (as we hope you did during the entire hike). Don't rush. Sit down. Have a snack. Then return on the same trail. When you reach your car, look up at the gap in the rim that you first entered for a perspective of where you were. We highly recommend this memorable hike.

TIP: Find the "man in the mountain" on the other side of Corona Arch. His two eyes seem to be evolving arches and his nose and mouth are black striped varnish. There are no signs to tell you where to look. We appreciated someone who photographed this so we could spot it on our second trip (see photo in product).

Phone: BLM (Bureau of Land Management), Moab (435) 259-2100
Address for BLM - 82 East Dogwood, Moab (behind Comfort Suites)
Go there for directions to Bowknot Bend (see photo in product)

Southwest USA Travel Guide to visit Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming plus selections for California and Nevada.

Purchase Now!  One time download $7.95
NOTE: The guide is not a hardcopy book. For your convenience this is an e-book (including 400 photographs) that is easily downloaded to your computer.