Corona Arch Trail, part 1

Because the Arches national Park was not on our itinerary this time around, and because I was determined to see an actual "arch" on this trip, we set out on the Corona Arch Trail.

After an initial climb and a sandy pass, the "trail" is marked by cairns along slickrock overlooking the canyon below, making good shoe traction recommended.

I kept stopping and looking at the landscape, trying to assimilate the utter vastness of it all. The colors were absolutely spectacular, offering up a palette of vibrant reds, oranges, and greens, all reinforced by a stark blue shy.

  

I was surprised to find this labeled a "family" trail, not because of technical hiking or climbing -it's an easy walk for sure- but because we are literally walking along the slickrock, at times rather close to the edge, and seeing little kids running around made me very nervous. 

I was more inclined to walk with a few feet of "cushion" myself.

From the DiscoverMoab site: 

- Length of Hike: 1.5 miles to Corona Arch; allow 2 hours round trip.
- Type of Hike: Constructed trail and slickrock. This is a hiking-only trail.
- Area Attractions: Corona Arch (140 by 105 foot opening) and adjacent Bow Tie Arch; also views of the Colorado River and a large slickrock canyon.
- Trailhead: Utah Scenic Byway 279, 10 miles west of Utah 279/U.S. 191 junction.

 Coming ahead: Bow Tie and Corona Arches.