Five Underrated Arches in Moab

Spring is here! Which means Moab is about to be more beautiful than it is all year long. With the cacti blooming, and the way the desert looks after a fresh rain storm, taking a hike in Moab is a highly recommended activity for folks of all ages and abilities. 

And if you’re hiking in Moab, why not hike to some cool arches? It takes them millions of years to form and each one is a secret surprise that feels like a little piece of desert treasure when you find it. The best part is, you don’t need a National Parks Pass or a reservation at Arches to see any of them!

These are my five favorite and underrated arches in Moab. 

Corona Arch

A great hike to do with visiting friends and family members. This is less of an underrated arch, and more of a beautiful scenic hike that is way less crowded than any arch you’ll find in Arches National Park a few miles up the road. 

Where is it: 38.574460, -109.632408

How long is the hike: ~3 miles total

Are there bathrooms: Yes, at the trailhead

What type of hike: There and back

The hike is mostly flat, but there are a few obstacles that would be a challenge for folks with limited mobility. They are clearly marked with guard railings, but you will still want to bring your hiking shoes! This trail is not for those who like to hike in flip flops. 

Bowtie Arch

An arch that begs the question, “Why not?” Bowtie arch is an easy tag if you’re already on your way out to Corona Arch. You pass it on your way to Corona Arch, and it adorably resembles a small bowtie!

Where is it: 38.574460, -109.632408

How long is the hike: ~3 miles total

Are there bathrooms: Yes, at the trailhead

What type of hike: There and back

This hike is mostly flat. You will see a collection of cairns that people have stacked up before the entrance to Corona Arch. Please do not add to these, as they are not in line with Leave No Trace Principles. 

Pinto Arch

An arch for those who want to tag as many Arches as possible in one day! Pinto Arch is another arch off the Corona Arch trail. Take the Corona Arch trail, but when you get to the fork in the road, turn left across the slick rock, you will come to another fine arch in the line up of fine arches! 

Where is it: 38.574460, -109.632408

How long is the hike: ~2 miles total

Are there bathrooms: Yes, at the trailhead

What type of hike: There and back

If the obstacles involved in Corona and Bowtie Arch are too challenging for you and your party, Pinto Arch is perfect for you! It is just a flat slick rock trailhead with plenty of space for folks with strollers, kids, or many dogs to pass around. 

Jeep Arch 

An arch for folks who love offroading. 

This is maybe my favorite arch of the bunch, strictly because it’s so funny to me! It’s a perfect little Jeep! The Jeep Arch hike is located a few hundred yards down the road from the Corona Arch trailhead. The hike is significantly longer, and a bit more involved. It follows the curve of the river bend, but ultimately ends up skirting a mesa formation which leads you past a lovely little tower, and up to Jeep Arch itself. 

Where is it: 38.578421, -109.635839

How long is the hike: ~5 miles 

Are there bathrooms: No

What type of hike: Loop

You may take the loop in either direction, however I recommend going left at the fork in the trail as the hike is a bit nicer that way. The left fork takes you along a beautiful path through the wash, and has a very slow incline. The right fork however, is steeper and the view is not quite as stunning!

Morning Glory Arch

One of the most beautiful arches in Moab, if I do say so myself. This is Morning Glory Arch, located at the end of the Grandstaff Trail. The trail meanders through Grandstaff Canyon, with several stream crossings, and a few places where you need to scramble up onto another layer of mesa. The hike is both sunny and shady, making it a good hike all year long. 

Where is it: 38.609862, -109.533689

How long is the hike: ~5 miles total

Are there bathrooms: Yes, at the trailhead

What type of hike: There and back

You can also rappel in from a different trailhead above Morning Glory Arch, by way of a canyoneering adventure known as The Medieval Chamber. The Medieval Chamber’s canyon entrance will take you through an adventurous canyon tour, with the grand finale being the rappel through Morning Glory Arch. 

Arches!

This is just a short list of really fun arches to visit in Moab that are easy to get to, and don’t require a National Parks Pass and a reservation to see. Each of these arches are an easy day trip with folks of most ability levels. I recommend taking a picnic, lots of water, a camera, and some sunscreen to each one to fully maximize your day. 

Enjoy Moab in the spring, and enjoy these Five Underrated Arches! 

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If you’re headed to the desert to climb, don’t miss reading this important PSA article: Don’t Recreate on Wet Sandstone
Cover photo credit: Kaya Lindsay