The famous Moab national parks draw all the attention, but some of the most spectacular arches of Utah hide well outside the limits of the park. These hidden gems offer the same breathtaking red formations without the crowd and the entrance fees. Wonders on the roadside, you can photograph in a few minutes to difficult hikes that reward adventurous spirits, these six arches have the incredible artistic talent of nature on public lands around Moab.
1. Corona Arch – Blm Land, Moab zone
Standing under Corona Arch wants to meet a giant. This massive sandstone window covers 140 feet in diameter and turns 105 feet high, making it one of the most impressive natural formations in UTAH outside the national parks.
The round trip of 3-miles from Potash Road includes chess and fun cables, adding an adventure to your trip. Spring and fall offer perfect hiking time, while summer requires departures early in the morning.
Photographers like the dramatic lighting that filters this colossal opening, especially during the golden hour when the red rock shines like the fire.
2. Bowtie Arch – Blm Land, Moab region
Nature played an architect when creating a butterfly arc, sculpting a perfect circular window through solid sandstone. This unique “nest” ark gained its name from the shape of a distinctive bow tie visible from certain angles.
Located just 1.5 mile along the Corona Arch Trail, Bowtie has an excellent heating destination or a bonus stop. The path marked Spur leads directly to this geological curiosity without additional climbing challenges.
Children particularly appreciate this arch because its round opening creates a natural image frame for silly photos and creative photos of the desert landscape beyond.
3. Morning GLORY Natural Bridge – Grand Canyon, BLM LAND
Water has sculpted this masterpiece over millions of years, creating one of the longest natural bridges in America at 243 feet. The morning glory extends over a side canyon like a stone rainbow, with a perennial stream flowing under its graceful bow.
The round trip of 4.5 miles through the Canyon of Grandestaff includes several level passages, especially during spring snow. The waterproof boots become your best friend in this adventure.
The early morning visits offer the best lighting and cooler temperatures, and you could see the fauna drinking stream below this magnificent bridge.
4. Jug Handle Arch – along the UT -279 (Potash Road)
The warriors of Road Trip celebrate when they spot the Arc Channel by the side of the road like a handful of giant stone. This perfectly formal inverted “U” requires no hiking effort, which makes it ideal for quick photo stops or visitors limited to mobility.
Located 13 miles from Moab along Pcenic Potash Road, this arc rewards drivers with an instant gratuity. Pull in the designated area and take pictures of the car window if you wish.
Adventurous souls can get closer to detailed shooting, but the arc photographs beautifully from the road, especially during sunset when the hot light illuminates its graceful curves.
5. Jeep Arch (AKA Gold Bar Arch) – BLM LAND, MOAB zone
Jeep enthusiasts have appointed this arc for its strange resemblance to the rolling bar a vehicle, perfectly framing the views of the colorado river corridor. The robust sandstone training seems ready to protect an invisible off -road adventure.
This 4 -thousand loop hike questions adventurers with SlickRock navigation and search skills near the Gold Bar leisure area. Cairns marks the way, but bringing a GPS device adds confidence in your trip.
Reward yourself to the bow with panoramic views of the Moab red country, where the Colorado river winds through old geological layers as a liquid chronology.
6. Wilson Arch – along US -191 south of Moab
Wilson Arch welcomes travelers like a welcoming gateway, extending 91 feet wide and 46 feet high next to the frequented highway 191. This celebrity by the roadside has appeared in countless holiday photos since the 1960s.
Located 24 miles south of Moab, Wilson Arch offers practical parking and requires only a short steep wheelbarrow to reach its base. Sun sunrise photographers particularly like this accessible location for dramatic lighting effects.
Named after Joe Wilson, a local pioneer, this arch represents the perfect compromise between adventure and convenience, offering spectacular natural beauty without requiring a serious hiking commitment to visitors.
