Cassidy Arch is one of the best hikes to go on if you have one day in Capitol Reef National Park. While a moderate hike with some elevation gain, at the end your reward will be stunning views over the canyon rim and an impressive natural stone arch that served as a hideout for the notorious outlaw and train robber Butch Cassidy. For extra details, read on to know more about distance, duration, and how Cassidy Arch Trail really is.
Be sure to read a Complete Guide to Capitol Reef National Park and The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
Where is Cassidy Arch
Cassidy Arch Trail is one of the hikes found in Capitol Reef National Park. The hike is 3.5 miles (round trip), has 670 feet of elevation gain, and is considered moderate to strenuous.
How is the Cassidy Arch Trail
The Cassidy Arch trail starts at the end of the Grand Wash Road. This road can be accessed from the Scenic Drive and doesn’t require a special car.
The beginning is basically the same as the Grand Wash Trail, and then you’ll go in another direction once you see the sign indicating the way up to Cassidy Arch.
Once you reach the sign for the hike, it’ll be a pretty steep 600-foot ascent. So take your time to rest and stay hydrated.
At the end of the hike, in the last parts, you’ll walk over a slick rock that gives access to Cassidy Arch.
And at the top, once you reach the arch, you’ll have wide views of the gorgeous Capitol Reef National Park. Here, unlike the arches in Arches National Park, you can also stand on the arch ledge (but always be careful and don’t do it if it’s raining).
* Before starting the hike, be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to check the current conditions of the trail
Why visit Cassidy Arch
Even though the hike to Cassidy Arch has 670 feet elevation gain, the effort is mild compared to the dramatic landscape along the way. Throughout the hike, you’ll be astonished by the views over the Grand Wash.
I visited Cassidy Arch on a late morning in November and, even though it was a hot day, it was definitely my favorite hike in Capitol Reef.
Along with Hickman Bridge and the Scenic Drive, Cassidy Arch is one of my favorite activities in the park.
HIKING STATS – CASSIDY ARCH TRAIL
Beginning of the Hike: Grand Wash Trailhead
Distance: 3.5 miles (round trip)
Duration: ~3 hours
Elevation Gain: 607 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Best time of the day: Morning
Facilities: There are restrooms at the beginning of the trail, at the parking lot at the end of the Grand Wash Road
Other Tips for Cassidy Arch Trail:
If you are looking for a long day of hiking, you can add the Grand Wash trail to this hike, since they both start at the same place.
It’s not advisable to take this hike on a rainy day in Capitol Reef National Park.
Since this hike has little shade along the way, the best time of the day to start is early morning. Also, be sure to carry enough water.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO VISIT OTHER NATIONAL PARKS IN UTAH:
Hickman Bridge: All About One of the Top Trails in Capitol Reef National Park
Arches National Park: The Complete Guide to Arches National Park and The Best Hikes in the Park
Canyonlands National Park: The Complete Guide to Canyonlands National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park: The Complete Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park
Zion National Park: Best Hikes in Zion National Park
