Corona Arch
The king of the arches is a bit unique in that it can be traveled through, around and above. Rope activities are prohibited now but this is the home of the infamous “World’s Largest Rope Swing”
This was definitely a family favorite hike. Steep in parts, the help of a couple well placed ropes and a ladder make it achievable with kids. Dogs are allowed here, but some struggle as tiny claw marks left behind clearly suggest, you’ll see it near the ropes and ladders.
Bowtie Arch and Corona Arch are next to each other at the end of the hike, there is an optional side trail to Pinto Arch which we definitely recommend. Not only is Bowtie a fantastic arch, shaped a bit like a ramp that makes it perfect to climb a little but the walk along the canyon edge to and from Pinto is also quite stunning.
Adventure Details
- Highlights: Three Arches
- 2-3 Hours
- Non-plumbing Bathrooms at trailhead
- Trail well marked, steep in parts
- No Fees | Free to Park
Fine Art Photos
from Jake the Photographer
Potash Rail Line at Corona Arch
Near the trailhead you’ll cross these active, but infrequently used rails. A great spot for perspective, look, listen and step carefully over these tracks. Imagining the amount of energy needed to carve these routes through the rocks is incredible to behold. This shot captured by Jennifer Garn.
Shot Details
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
1/50 sec at f / 16 ISO 400
28mm focal length
Jan 18, 2022 at 4:18 PM
38°34’26.892″ N
109°37’51.75″ W
4,157.8 ft Altitude
Canyon View from Pinto Arch
A quick first aid stop to treat blisters from new shoes, and a place to take in the incredible vistas of the river below.
Shot Details
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
1/640 sec at f / 8.0 ISO 640
20mm focal length
Jan 18, 2022 at 2:48 PM
38°34’53.946″ N
109°37’39.876″ W
4,757.2 ft Altitude
Pinto Arch
The optional side trail to Pinto adds about 1.2 miles but ends at this spectacular arch. The dark spot below the opening above is where it gets the name, almost resembling the number eight. For this shot I framed this boulder in the foreground giving a cascade of circle shapes. The fun thing about this arch is you can climb up and inside.
Shot Details
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
1/400 sec at f / 8.0 ISO 400
16mm focal length
Jan 18, 2022 at 2:46 PM
38°34’53.946″ N
109°37’39.876″ W
4,757.2 ft Altitude
Pinto Arch from Below
With access directly underneath Pinto Arch, Jennifer had the idea to lay down for these creative shots of the arch from below. Thinking creatively about angles is one lesson from “Make Your Portraits Magic”.
Shot Details
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
1/320 sec at f / 13 ISO 640
16mm focal length
Jan 18, 2022 at 2:40 & 2:41 PM
38°34’54.3″ N
109°37’38.934″ W
4,526.9 ft Altitude
Bowtie Arch
As you approach the end of the trail Bowtie Arch will be impossible to miss.
Shot Details
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
1/500 sec at f / 8.0 ISO 400
16mm focal length
Jan 18, 2022 at 3:25 PM
38°34’48.45″ N
109°37’24.786″ W
4,639.8 ft Altitude
Corona Arch Wide Shot
Approaching Corona Arch is an awe inspiring experience, the scale of which is something you need to experience.
Shot Details
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
1/320 sec at f / 13 ISO 640
16mm focal length
Jan 18, 2022 at 2:40 & 2:41 PM
38°34’54.3″ N
109°37’38.934″ W
4,526.9 ft Altitude
Corona Arch Framing a Tree
Even in bare rack trees find a way through the cracks, giving fantastic foreground subjects for the massive arch.
Shot Details
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
1/640 sec at f / 8.0 ISO 400
16mm focal length
Jan 18, 2022 at 3:29 PM
38°34’48.45″ N
109°37’24.786″ W
4,639.8 ft Altitude
Corona Arch From Behind
Walking through Corona Arch you can look back and catch the afternoon sun through the arch.
Shot Details
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
1/125 sec at f / 16 ISO 400
16mm focal length
Jan 18, 2022 at 3:43 PM
38°34’50.418″ N
109°37’12.822″ W
3,984.3 ft Altitude