Hike to Cassidy Arch

Torrey, Utah

Description

Distance: 3.1 miles round tripElevation: 200ftAmazing Views the entire wayEasy access to the top of the arch

This is a relatively easy trail in Capitol Reef National Park. It starts out on the Frying Pan Trail which goes over into Cohab Canyon, but the turn-off to Cassidy Arch is well marked.

From the parking lot, the trail follows the wash, and once it veers off of that, there are some steep switchbacks. The trail then meanders west around the cliff edge for the rest of the time towards the arch. You will get your first view of the arch soon after the halfway point, along with some amazing views back into the canyon that you just drove though.

As you get closer to the arch, make sure you follow the cairns to find the safest way to navigate across the sandstone. The trail brings you to the back of the arch (opposite of what you saw at the halfway point) and it is an easy walk out onto the arch. Don't miss the chance to take some cool pictures here! Return the way you came.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Scenic

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore the Orchards and Gifford House of Capitol Reef

Inside Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll find a wonderful treasure. There are acres of orchards inside the park, all of which you are welcome to roam around and explore, you’ll see old farms buildings from the Mormon settlers that came through that are still kept up! Not to mention they have horses in nearby pastures. If you find an unlocked orchard you are allowed to walk through them, and t...

Navajo Knobs

Navajo Knobs is one of Capital Reef’s most spectacular hikes. It brings you, moderately, to one of Capital Reef’s most spectacular viewpoints of the main park’s viewpoints. (Tip: Upon arriving at the park the Ranger recommended this as her favorite hike, and it lived up to the hype! If you’re looking to experience all of the park in one hike, this is it!) To start, park at the TH for the Hick...

Hickman Natural Bridge Trail

Starting at 5350' in elevation, the hike to Hickman natural bridge is one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park for families with small children. The hike is just under two miles round trip and doesn't include any steep or exposed sections. You'll begin your hike next to the Fremont River, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs. The path is well defined and cairns make it easy to fo...

Drive the Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef National Park

Inside Capitol Reed National Park there is a scenic drive. The drive you do have to pay for ($15 bucks a car) but considering the park is free, you may as well! The drive is about 8 miles long, with pull offs for ideal picture taking, the landscape is vast and ever changing with every turn, including red rock formations as far as the eye could see. You can access Cassidy Arch Trailhead, Capito...

Grand Wash Trail, Capitol Reef National Park

The Grand Wash is a canyon in Capitol Reef National Park featuring several-hundred-foot-tall sandstone walls. The canyon walls are, for the most part, widely spaced, except for a half mile long section of scenic "narrows". Hike to nearby Cassidy Arch if you have extra time. Beware of potentially deadly flash floods, get a flash flood report from a ranger.

Cassidy Arch Trail

Follow the scenic road just past the Fruita Campground to the first dirt road on the left. The dirt road meanders through cool rock formations (great for night photography) and eventually dramatic cliffs that you will be climbing up. The parking area is obvious and there are primitive restrooms. Follow the well-marked trail into the canyon until you reach the Cassidy trailhead on your left. On...