Corona Arch

Gopher Flats
Moab, UT
April 11, 2017

Hiking to Corona Arch is one of my favorite things to do in Moab.  We haven't done this trail since our son Joe and DIL Jena were here in June, 2015.  It was time, and yesterday was the day !

With highs expected in the mid seventies, we were up and at the trailhead a little before 10:00 am.  The parking lot only had two other vehicles...perfect !  

Corona Arch Trail is rated moderate.  It's an in and out 3 mile roundtrip trail that follows Bootlegger Canyon.  The trail begins with a climb up a rocky talus slope, that changes to sand and then climbs a shallow rocky canyon.  From there its a trek across sloping slickrock with cairns showing the way.  There is very little shade on this trail...spring and fall are perfect months to explore here.      


 

In one spot, Moki steps and a cable make climbing a steep slickrock ledge a lot easier.

A ladder is used to climb up another steep slickrock bench.  I love the gnarly cedar tree that stands all alone at the top.  A cable for the ladder wraps around the base of the tree.    

Corona Arch is magnificent with an opening that measures 140' X 105'.  I was glad to see signs restricting rope usage on the arch.  It has been a popular spot for rappelling.  An added bonus on the hike is Bowtie Arch.  It's a pothole arch formed when a pothole above filled with water and eroded down into a cave below.

Bowtie Arch...

I climbed up to the base of Bowtie Arch and found Moon Flowers growing in the moist soil.

Corona Arch...

A zoomed in photo of Joe looking up at Corona Arch.

Same photo not zoomed in.

If you look closely, you can see me walking under the arch. 

And an up shot... 

All along the way to and from the arches, we enjoyed the warm sunshine and signs of spring along the way.  Reds and oranges were the colors of the day.  The Hedgehog cacti were quite stunning...

as were the Indian Paintbrush.

It's amazing how these plants grow in a small clump of dirt in the middle of slickrock.

A little bit of yellow...

A Stemless Woollybase (in the Sunflower Family)

and a butterfly add to the magnificent little things all around us.

Oh and there were whites too.   

Tomentose Amsonia

  

Cliffrose

Well, I can't say enough about what an awesome day it was.
Until next time, 

HAPPY TRAILS!

Hiking, Jeeping, Flying, and Dining...part 1

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
June 4-9, 2015

As mentioned in the last post we had a fun-filled, busy and exciting week. It all started when Dee's family arrived for a visit and to celebrate Dee's birthday. We met Kathleen, Jim and Erja last week and have had the pleasure of sharing several Moab "things to do" with them. Hiking and jeeping were at the top of their list.

June 4th was a perfect day for a hike so Kathleen, Erja, Joe and I headed out to Corona Arch trailhead,  one of our favorite hikes here.
Corona Arch trail is a 3 mile (in and out) round trip hike. There is very little shade on this easy trek up Bootlegger Canyon.






A safety cable with moki steps helps with a steep incline/decline on slickrock 

Erja stops to take pictures.

and a stationary ladder eases the climb up and over/down a ledge.




Corona Arch has an opening of 140 ft by 105 ft.

That's Erja standing under the arch on the left side...

An added bonus is Bowtie Arch...it's on the left in the picture.

June 6th turned out to be a jeeping day. It was cloudy

with a chance of rain, but that did not deter excited jeepers.

The trail of choice was 3-D which tours the Hidden Canyon area on the north side of Moab.

Bartlett Wash lined with magnificent cotton woods.

Joe and Jim checking out an obstacle called The Pickle.



Slickrock area in the rain!

Looking down on the trail in Hidden Valley from a slickrock overlook. 

L to R...Jim, Kathleen, Dee and Joe

Strange looking rock formations...

Jim driving Roxanne on an obstacle near the end of the trail.

Dee spots Joe in Pearl.

The clouds were interesting all day. What do you see?



 And if that wasn't enough, we came home via Long Canyon from Hwy 313 to Potash Road.

WAHOO!

The lighter orangey streaks are evidence of recent rock falls.

Until part 2, enjoy the view and happy trails!