Moab’s famous national parks get all the attention, but some of Utah’s most spectacular arches hide in plain sight just outside park boundaries. These hidden gems offer the same jaw-dropping red rock formations without the crowds and entry fees. From roadside wonders you can photograph in minutes to challenging hikes that reward adventurous spirits, these six arches showcase nature’s incredible artistry on public lands around Moab.
1. Corona Arch — BLM Land, Moab Area
Standing beneath Corona Arch feels like meeting a giant. This massive sandstone window stretches 140 feet across and towers 105 feet high, making it one of Utah’s most impressive natural formations outside the national parks.
The 3-mile round-trip hike from Potash Road includes fun scrambles up ladders and cables, adding adventure to your journey. Spring and fall offer perfect hiking weather, while summer requires early morning starts.
Photographers love the dramatic lighting that filters through this colossal opening, especially during golden hour when the red rock glows like fire.
2. Bowtie Arch — BLM Land, Moab Area
Nature played architect when creating Bowtie Arch, carving a perfect circular window through solid sandstone. This unique “pothole” arch earned its name from the distinctive bowtie shape visible from certain angles.
Located just 1.5 miles along the Corona Arch trail, Bowtie makes an excellent warm-up destination or bonus stop. The marked spur trail leads directly to this geological curiosity without additional climbing challenges.
Kids especially enjoy this arch because its round opening creates a natural picture frame for silly photos and creative shots of the desert landscape beyond.
3. Morning Glory Natural Bridge — Grandstaff Canyon, BLM Land
Water carved this masterpiece over millions of years, creating one of America’s longest natural bridges at 243 feet. Morning Glory spans a side canyon like a stone rainbow, with a perennial stream flowing beneath its graceful arch.
The 4.5-mile round-trip hike through Grandstaff Canyon involves multiple stream crossings, especially during spring snowmelt. Waterproof boots become your best friend on this adventure.
Early morning visits offer the best lighting and cooler temperatures, plus you might spot wildlife coming to drink from the stream below this magnificent bridge.
4. Jug Handle Arch — Along UT-279 (Potash Road)
Road trip warriors celebrate when they spot Jug Handle Arch rising from the roadside like a giant stone handle. This perfectly shaped inverted “U” requires zero hiking effort, making it ideal for quick photo stops or mobility-limited visitors.
Located 13 miles from Moab along scenic Potash Road, this arch rewards drivers with instant gratification. Pull into the designated area and snap photos from your car window if desired.
Adventurous souls can scramble closer for detailed shots, but the arch photographs beautifully from the road, especially during sunset when warm light illuminates its graceful curves.
5. Jeep Arch (a.k.a. Gold Bar Arch) — BLM Land, Moab Area
Jeep enthusiasts named this arch for its uncanny resemblance to a vehicle’s roll bar, perfectly framing views of the Colorado River corridor. The sturdy sandstone formation looks ready to protect an invisible off-road adventure.
This 4-mile loop hike challenges adventurers with slickrock navigation and route-finding skills near Gold Bar Recreation Area. Cairns mark the way, but bringing a GPS device adds confidence to your journey.
Reward yourself at the arch with panoramic views of Moab’s red rock country, where the Colorado River winds through ancient geological layers like a liquid timeline.
6. Wilson Arch — Along US-191 South of Moab
Wilson Arch greets travelers like a welcoming gateway, stretching 91 feet wide and 46 feet high beside busy Highway 191. This roadside celebrity has appeared in countless vacation photos since the 1960s.
Located 24 miles south of Moab, Wilson Arch offers convenient parking and requires only a short, steep scramble to reach its base. Sunrise photographers particularly love this accessible location for dramatic lighting effects.
Named after Joe Wilson, a local pioneer, this arch represents the perfect compromise between adventure and convenience, delivering spectacular natural beauty without demanding serious hiking commitment from visitors.
