Moab, one of Utah’s great outdoor adventure cities, is parked in the center of some of the state's grandest desert scenery. Not only situated between two national parks, the area is filled with plenty of smaller, but no less dramatic sites to explore. Canyonlands and Arches national parks may be the "granddaddies" of this special red-rock country, but other stirring sights include the Deadhorse State Park, the Manti-La Sal Mountains and the always impressive Upper Colorado River Valley.
   Arches National Park features the world’s greatest cluster of natural rock arches, but more of these natural wonders are spread throughout this canyonland country. Found along Potash Mine Road (S.R. 279) between milepost 5 and 6, Corona and Bowtie arches are two more of the area’s special features. Constructed by nature’s own workshop, Corona Arch appears as one of the best examples of a rock arch. Arch hunters will find this one protruding from a cliff wall into an open amphitheater in Bootlegger Canyon. Its smooth shaped opening measures 140 feet by 105 feet, offering a dramatic view from either side. It’s a mile and a half hike over an old roadbed at first and then crosses a barren slickrock landscape. A well worn 1.5 mile trail, marked with stripes of green paint, leads up to the arch. It’s a fairly easy hike if you are content in seeing it from a short distance. A cable assist helps climbers up a steep bench if those wish to continue up to the arch opening and beyond. This trail also leads to two other arches. On the way to Corona Arch distant views of Bowtie arch are easily seen. The hike out to Pinto Arch, another moderate sized arch, may add another hour to your outing. From a secluded alcove at Pinto Arch you may enjoy scenic views of the Colorado River where the cliffs quickly drop off to the canyon below. Most cautionary notes for this area cite sun exposure, dehydration, slickrock surfaces, no cellphone coverage, steep drop-offs, and an all too often cavalier approach in tackling uneven slickrock surfaces and summer heat.

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