Cassidy Arch is one of the most popular trails in Capitol Reef National Park. It is also one of our favorite hikes in the park. This hike is breathtaking, from start to finish. At the end, you’ll get to the super cool Cassidy Arch, perched upon the cliffs overlooking Grand Wash. Cassidy Arch Trail is considered moderate. You’ll be gaining over 600ft in about 1.5 miles. It is steep, but nothing compared to Moapa Peaks. If you want to add on more miles, you can also add on the Grand Wash trail.
Grand Wash/Cassidy Arch Trailhead
Grand Wash Road, UT
38.263734, -111.215840
There is a decent-sized dirt lot in front of the trailhead.
There is a fee to hike in Capitol Reef National Park. For more information, check out the park’s website. You can also use your America the Beautiful pass!
Vault toilet at the trailhead.
Leave your pet at home. They are not allowed on the trail!
This area is susceptible to flash floods. There are many signs warning of flash floods. The park will close down the road and trails if there are big storms. Make sure to check the forecast before going.
3.3 miles R.T.
662 ft
Moderate to Strenuous. The trail is steep with many narrow sections with sheer drop-offs. This can be difficult for some people.
Takes an average of 2.5 – 3.5 hours
This trail is fully exposed with no shade. So, it can get very warm in the summer. The best time to do this trail is in Spring or Fall, when the temperature is mild.
The Cassidy Arch Trailhead is located on Grand Wash Road. To get here, from the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, turn onto Scenic Drive, going toward Fruita Campground. About 3.4 miles, turn left onto Grand Wash Road. Grand Wash Road is paved for a short distance before turning into a dirt road. About 0.75 miles, there is a viewpoint for Cassidy Arch. From here, you can see the arch sitting high and mighty above the cliffs. This stop gives you an idea of where your destination is. The Cassidy Arch Trail trailhead and parking lot are located at the end of Grand Wash Road. The parking lot is a big, dirt area.
We started our hike to Cassidy Arch early in the morning because we wanted to avoid the heat. Even in February, the temperature got warm when it was full sun. If you want to take great photos of the arch, afternoons actually have better lighting. In the morning, the arch will be in shadow.
From the parking lot, we followed the Grand Wash trail for a short distance. After about 0.3 miles, we came upon a big stone sign for the Cassidy Arch trail, branching off to the left. If you want to do the Grand Wash trail, you can go straight here. For us, we turned left. As soon as we turned, the Cassidy Arch trail started its steep ascent. In 1.5 miles, you’ll gain over 600ft. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
The Cassidy Arch trail is very steep for the first 0.5 miles. It zigzags its way above the Grand Wash. There were a lot of stairs on the way up. Along the way, there were many narrow sections with steep drop-offs. So, make sure to watch your steps. If you bring kids, make sure to keep an eye on them in these exposed sections.
As we climbed higher, the Cassidy Arch trail became more beautiful. We kept stopping to take in the views and the interesting rock formations and colors. Since the trail traces along the Grand Wash, we could see our car and the parking lot below in certain spots. Along the way, you’ll also have glimpses of Fern’s Nipple in the distance. About ⅔ of the hike in, we could see Cassidy Arch from across the slick rock.
At this point, the trail evened out a bit. It is not as steep as before. On the whole trail, there aren’t any shades. So, make sure to bring lots of sunscreen and a hat. Also, make sure to bring at least 1 liter of water per person. Soon, the trail veers right for a short distance, then a short descent before crossing over a slickrock area. Keep your eyes peeled; cairns and small rocks are marking the route. On the slickrock section, there were a few times when we had to cross over big gaps by climbing up and down. Luckily, it wasn’t anything technical.
Finally, we arrived at the Cassidy Arch. Please be careful when you get close to the arch. There is a big opening right in front of the arch where you can easily slip and fall if you’re not paying attention. From the overlook, you can either go right or left to get on top of the arch. Neither way is too difficult. The top of the arch is pretty wide and quite safe. This reminds us of Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, but not as busy. If you’re into canyoneering, Cassidy Arch is a really fun canyoneering route. You can rappel off of this arch. Once you’re done, return the same way you came in.
If you love arches and nature bridges, check out Hickman Bridge, another super cool hike in the Capitol Reef. We also love Fay Canyon Arch, Devil’s Bridge, and Soldier Pass in Sedona. Phipps Arch in Escalante is pretty cool, too. For an easier hike, Natural Bridge in Death Valley is super easy. Since you’re visiting Capitol Reef, don’t forget to check out Goblin Valley State Park. It’s worth spending at least a full day!
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While at it, follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel! We’ll love you forever!
These are the gear that we personally use and find helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
Our favorite biodegradable, eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen!
This is Vy's favorite hiking bag! It has tons of room for snacks and water!
It's always good to bring a GPS tracker with you. We use the Garmin inReach.
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
If you tend to have foot blisters on hikes, get this! We use this all the time.
These hiking poles are sturdy, and great to help keep your balance on short or longer hikes
Compact GoPro pole that extends to 25", perfect to bring on your adventure.
This is our go-to camera for all of our adventures. It comes with us everywhere!
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Hi! We are Dustin & Vy, the proud creators of Live That Adventure. We created this website because we wanted to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest. On here, you’ll find everything from hiking, canyoneering, kayaking, and snorkeling to adventure and travel tips, gear reviews, and bucket list items such as bungee jumping or wing walking. We’ll show you the ropes so you can do them too!
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