As the great tourist caravan heads into Arches National Park to view more arches in a day than the mind can take, it’s well worth taking a sidetrip and drive along the scenic banks of the Colorado on UT279 to the signed Corona Arch trailhead parking lot. Sure, this one requires a little extra effort than some in the main park but it’s an interesting trail across a slickrock landscape.

This is a mildly strenuous 3 mile roundtrip to two of the best, and often most overlooked, arches in the area – you won’t be disappointed.

The trail starts below a railway embankment, crosses the tracks and heads uphill all the way. Conveniently, steel cables, handrails and ladders help you to cope with the more tricky sections. If you’re hiking with children be warned that are some steep drop offs. There’s little shade so prepare appropriately and perhaps schedule this hike for early in the morning or early evening. Once you’re at the top the terrain levels out and both arches come into view. You’ll walk beneath Bowtie (and a smaller arch, Goldbar) before you come to the impressive 140x105ft Corona arch. This is so large that a few decades ago someone flew a small plane through it.