Cassidy Arch Canyon | Capitol Reef

Canyoneering Cassidy Arch Canyon - Capitol Reef Canyoneering Cassidy Arch Canyon

Capitol Reef

Overview

Mon Areas of blowing dust. Sunny. High near 85, with temperatures falling to around 83 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 5 to 20 mph.
85° | 57°
Tue Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 3 to 17 mph.
86° | 59°
Wed Sunny, with a high near 87.
87° | 57°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 83.
83° | 56°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 88.
88° | 58°
RATING: 3A
SEASON: Any. Traverse to second anchor can be difficult or impossible with snow on it or right after rain.
RAPPELS: 7 to 40 m ( 132 ft. )
WATER: None.
FLASHFLOOD: Low to Moderate. The drainage is very small, so it would need to be raining directly over the canyon to flood.
Mon Areas of blowing dust. Sunny. High near 85, with temperatures falling to around 83 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 5 to 20 mph.
85° | 57°
Tue Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 3 to 17 mph.
86° | 59°
Wed Sunny, with a high near 87.
87° | 57°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 83.
83° | 56°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 88.
88° | 58°
Bridge Ruins - Photo by Tom Jones
Bridge Ruins - Photo by Tom Jones

Cassidy Canyon makes for an interesting, and casual, 1/2 day out if your in Capitol Reef. It has some unique features, including being one of few canyons that you rappel through one arch, and two natural bridges en route. The canyon holds unique scenery and is well suited for most canyoneers. Given the canyons steep nature, and small drainage, it does not hold much water. This makes it an excellent year around choice, although the approach can be hot in the summer. Don't attempt the canyon if snow is on the ground, getting to some of the anchors would be very difficult. Be sure to bring your camera.

Near the end of the canyon, you will encounter an old hanging bridge, and some carved steps. Before Capitol Reef National Park was created in 1971, locals had attempted to build a route that ascended the canyon up to Cassidy Arch from below. Although unsuccessful, it is impressive the two obstacles they overcame. What an adventurous route!

History Note: According to local lore and National Park Service history, Cassidy Arch was named in honor of Butch Cassidy. He and his "Wild Bunch" gang used the canyons of the Waterpocket Fold - specifically the areas around Grand Wash and Robbers Roost further east - as a hideout to evade the law in the late 1890s. Cassidy himself was said to name Fern's Nipple across Grand Wash from Cassidy Arch in honor of one of his girlfriends.
Second Rappel
Second Rappel
First Rappel
First Rappel

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