Hiking Cassidy Arch
Capitol Reef
Overview
This is one of my favorite hikes in the park, even if just doing it as a hike, and not taking the technical canyoneering route back to the trailhead. The hike is moderate, with about a 670 vertical foot gain from Grand Wash to the arch perched high on the cliffs above Grand Wash. Afternoon seems to offer best lighting for pictures, but start early in the day during the summer to beat the afternoon heat.
Getting There
From the visitor center, take the scenic drive. It passes several visitor attractions at 1.0 miles, and the campground at 1.2. At 1.6 miles is a fee station. Currently (2017) the fee is $10 per car, or free with a National Parks pass. Continue to 3.4 miles where Grand Wash is on the left. Follow the Grand Wash road 1.2 miles to it's end. En route down Grand Wash, at 0.75 miles, you will see the Cassidy Arch viewpoint. This is a nice stop to see the arch from below before starting the hike.
Route
From the trailhead, follow the well marked Grand Wash trail down stream. In 0.3 miles (5 minutes), the Cassidy Arch trail branches off on the left and begins the steep ascent to the arch. The trail is easy to follow, to where it nears the arch. Here, at the final junction, go left again and follow cairns across slick rock to the top of the arch.
From the arch, Boulder Mountain is to the southwest, with Ferns Nipple prominent on the skyline to the south, and Shinob Canyon as it dumps into Grand Wash.
Return the same way.
Maps
| TrCassidy Trailhead |
12S 481112E 4235105N 38°15'50"N 111°12'57"W |
| Junction - Left |
12S 481333E 4235347N 38°15'57"N 111°12'48"W |
| Junction - Left |
12S 480336E 4235167N 38°15'52"N 111°13'29"W |
| Cassidy Arch |
12S 480229E 4234797N 38°15'40"N 111°13'34"W |