We hiked into Bootlegger canyon to see the impressive Corona Arch at sunset. While this huge arch isn’t quite in Arches National Park, it definitely did not disappoint.
After spending the day touring Arches National Park, we opted for a trail outside of the park for sunset. The Corona Arch trailhead is right along the Colorado River in a steep canyon. The first part of the trail winds it’s way up the canyon wall eventually popping out onto a flat bench.
From that point forward we followed the dirt trail through shrubs and over sandstone rocks, winding our way back into Bootlegger Canyon. It was a quintessential Moab spring evening – warm in the sun with just a little bite in the shade. The golden sun rays were just starting to light up the red orange rocks along the canyon walls and the shadows were beginning to creep a bit longer.
At about 3/4 of a mile the trail turned a corner and we we got our first view of Corona Arch. It spreads 140 ft wide and 105ft tall and is absolutely massive.
The trail flanked some steep drop offs for the last quarter mile, but was mostly flat except for one little section where some ladder climbing is required. The trail took us right up to and under the arch. As we kept moving forward the arch kept getting bigger. Being about to walk right under it and tilt your head back to look at nothing but a sandstone bridge surrounded by blue sky was such a cool experience.
We sat under the arch for quite a while watching the sun fade behind the canyon walls and the rocks on the far side continuously change color. It was one of my favorite moments from our Moab trip and will be my lasting memory of that area (until we go back!)
We started to walk back as the light faded and had to strap on our head lamps for the last half mile, but it was completely worth it. This was the perfect ending to our first day in Moab.
