Bowtie Arch Jiffy on UT-279 near Moab

Located just 10 miles west of Moab, Utah, Bowtie Arch is a unique geological wonder often overshadowed by its massive neighbor, Corona Arch. However, for those who take the time to look up, Bowtie offers a fascinating glimpse into a specific type of desert erosion.

What is Bowtie Arch?
Unlike the classic "ribbon" arches like Delicate Arch, Bowtie is a pothole arch.
• How it formed: It was created when a deep pothole on the top of the sandstone cliff eroded downward while a cave (or alcove) on the cliff face eroded upward and inward. Eventually, the two met, creating a vertical shaft or "skylight" in the rock.
• The Name: It is named for its distinctive shape, which resembles a slightly lopsided bowtie when viewed from below.
• Geology: The arch is carved into Navajo Sandstone, a rock layer formed from ancient sand dunes approximately 185 million years ago.

The Hike: Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail
Since Bowtie Arch is located on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, there is no entrance fee, and the trail is dog-friendly (unlike the trails inside Arches National Park).

Trail Overview
Distance: 2.3 - 3.0 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gai: ~450 feet
Highlights: Railroad crossing, safety cables, a short ladder, and two massive arches.

The Route
1. The Start: You begin at the trailhead on Potash Road (UT-279). The first section involves a steady climb and crossing active railroad tracks used by the nearby potash mine.
2. The Obstacles: To reach the arches, you’ll navigate a few "adventure" sections, including a steep slickrock slope with a safety cable handrail and a 5-step metal ladder bolted into the rock.
3. The Arrival: As you round the final bend, Bowtie Arch appears high on the cliff wall to your left. Just a few hundred yards further is the spectacular Corona Arch.

Pro-Tips for Visitors
• Look for the Green: The trail over the slickrock is marked with green paint dashes and small rock piles (cairns). Follow these closely to stay on track.
• Beat the Heat: There is almost zero shade on this trail. In the summer, start your hike before 8:00 AM or wait until late afternoon.
• The "Pinto" Add-on: If you have extra energy, look for the junction to Pinto Arch on your way back. It adds about 0.5 miles to your hike and offers much more solitude.

Note: Because this arch is outside the national park, it is one of the few places near Moab where you can see world-class arches without a timed-entry reservation or park pass.

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