Capitol Reef National Park – Cassidy Arch Hike

on October 29, 2024

Introduction:

What? :

The hike to Cassidy Arch is one of the most popular trails in Capitol Reef National Park and there is a good reason for that. Relatively easily accessible from Scenic Drive (when it is open), features stunning panoramic scenery of the Grand Wash canyon and the white domes, and the impressive Cassidy Arch.

This is a moderate 3.5 miles out and back long hike with elevation gain of 630 feet, plan for about 2 hours hike.

Where? :

The main trailhead to this hike is located on the west side of Grand Wash canyon. To reach here you need to drive for 3.4 miles on Scenic Dr., here turn left into Grand Wash dirt road, gravel road that is suitable for standard cars. Driving additional 1.3 miles will bring you to the end of the road and the parking lot.

The end of the dirt-road parking lot is big so you will not have a problem to park here.

When I visit the park (Oct. 2024) the Scenic Dr heading from Fruita Campground to Cassidy Arch was closed to traffic from flood damage. I still want to hike to the arch so I first start with hiking Grand Wash Canyon and from there I hiked up to the arch.

Google Map Link

When? :

The park is open year-round.

Spring and Late Fall tend to be the best times to hike here, it is not too hot or too cold. Although this is the less visited of Utah National parks it is relatively busy in spring through fall, it can be difficult to find parking at popular trailheads.

Plan for all types of weather.

The summer hot is intense and mid-day is easily more than 100f.

The summer can also bring monsoon rains and dangerous flash floods.

It is very dangerous to hike in the narrows during thunderstorms. If rain is in the forecast, avoid hiking the narrows at that time.

Winter are cold and you can have rainstorms and even snow is possible.

Due note 1:

This is a National Park, there is entrance fee of $20 per car or you can by a yearly pass for all America National Parks for $80. There is no entrance gate, you need to pay at the park visitor center.

Capitol Reef is open all day long, every day.

The visitor center is located at the intersection of UT-24 and the Scenic Drive is open daily, except for some major holidays.

Due note 2:

The visitor center has limited public WiFi.

There is very little to no cellular reception in the park. The closest towns with reception and internet are Torrey (11 miles west of the visitor center) and Hanksville (37 miles east of the visitor center).

Due note 3:

During the summer months it is better to hike during early morning or late afternoon in the day.

This is very popular hike, and you will see many people along the trail.

Due note 4:

Bring a map on the trail and stay on established trails.

Always carry enough water with you.

Due note 5:

Pets are not permitted on hiking trails or in the backcountry.

Due note 6:

The wash is usually dry during much of the year, however, after heavy rain it can be very muddy and un-drivable by cars.

Due note 7:

You can extend the trail with connections to visit Frying Pan Trail and Cohab Canyon or to hike into Grand Wash canyon.

Due note 8:

This hike is relatively not long and can be done by families with kids, if they can climb the short uphill section. Make sure they are not walking to the edge of the trail or near the arch.

Due note 9:

There are restrooms at the parking lot, No water, No cellular service.

Due note 10:

The hike is expose to sun, come prepared (sunhats, sunglasses, sunscreen. And log sleeves shirt) and have enough water with you for at least 2 hours.

Due note 11:

The arch was named after Butch Cassidy, who was a bank robber and the leader of group of outlaws that use this area as one of his many hideouts.

Additional related Blogs:

My thoughts:

I combine my Cassidy Arch hike to my Grand Wash trail and both were fun to hike and with great scenery. The hike up to the arch is steep at first but just for a very short section and the view from the top of the rim into the canyon, the surrounding Waterpocket Fold domes and the large impressive arch is rewording.

When I visit here, I met a group of ladies that went and repel don from the arch into the canyon below and they asked me to take their pictures.

The Hike:

The well-marked route begins on Grand Wash Trail west starting point. After hiking for about 0.25 miles into Grand Wash look for a side trail on your left, there is a clear sign.

From here you will start heading up the canyon into the cliff slide.

The first portion of this hike is climbing the cliff with several steep switchbacks with many rocky steps. This is steep but short section.

At some point the trail follow a rock ledge and start with a long easy climb.

The view from this section of the canyon below, red rock cliffs and upper white color domes is impressive.

As you climb up the view open and you can see the road below and Cassidy Arch across the valley on the ridgeline. You are not done with climbing, but it is not steep, you will pass two side creeks on your way.

After hiking 1.2 miles from the trailhead you will reach a trail junction, you need to turn left, turning right on Frying Pan Trail will lead you to Cohab Canyon Trail and Fruita overlooks.

Keep hiking left in the direction of the arch, here the trail start to cross open exposed sandstone section and after short walk you will reach the arch, this will be 1.6 mile from the hike trail head.

Here you are in the same level of the arch itself and looking down into the canyon below. You can rest here and take pictures, and you can also walk on the arch itself, it is much safer than what it looks, it is very wide, and you do not need to walk to the edge.

You can also look west all the way to the edge of the cliffs and see the scenic road down below at the east side of the fold.

After resting and enjoying the arch view you need to hike back the same way you hiked up here.

Additional Pictures:

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