Hiking Cassidy Arch Trail in Capitol Reef National Park

We visited Capitol Reef National Park for a quick stop (i.e. one hike!) on our way to backpack in Coyote Gulch a couple of weeks ago. I had never visited Capitol Reef before as it’s a bit removed from the other 4 of the Mighty 5 in Utah (Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Canyonlands National Park). Luckily, Capitol Reef can be done in a day, but I wish that we had a full day to explore. If you can only do one hike in Capitol Reef National Park, Cassidy Arch is the one! Named after the famous Butch Cassidy, this hike gets you high above the canyon walls, allows you to hike along unique rocky terrain and sandstone trail, and ends at the breathtaking geological feature—the arch itself.  

collage of photos from Cassidy Arch trail

Capitol Reef National Park is located Northeast of Escalante and West of Canyonlands. The visitor center center and park access is off of Highway 24 between Hanksville and Torrey, Utah.  After entering the park, you drive through the historic town of Fruita, and are welcomed by apple, pear, and peach orchards. It’s quite idyllic and made me hungry for the fruit pies I hear they sell in the gift shop! The coveted Fruita Campground located here is picturesque, with deer grazing, an abundance of shade, the Fremont river nearby and the stunning red rocks towering above. While the campgrounds require reservations 6 months in advance, there is not currently a reservation system in place to enter Capitol Reef National Park. You can find up to date alerts here.  

View of fruit trees
rock formations on scenic drive to Cassidy Arch trailhead

Head down “Scenic Drive” for 3.5 miles of beautiful striped rock formations until you reach Grand Wash, then turn left. There is no signage for Cassidy Arch off the main road, but it is accessed at the Grand Wash Trailhead. Continue on this rocky dirt road for a little over a mile until you reach the parking lot. Cassidy Arch is visible from the road below. You’ll soon be at the top of these very steep canyon walls, looking down at the tiny cars below.

CASSIDY ARCH TRAIL STATS

  • Location: Capitol Reef National Park, trailhead can be found here.
  • Miles: 3.5 miles
  • Elevation gain: 630 feet
  • Difficulty: Moderate – short hike and not much elevation gain but has a steep incline in the first mile
  • Type: Out and back
  • Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes of moving time (without kids!)
  • Dog friendly: No, because it is in the National Park boundaries
  • Bathrooms at trailhead: Yes
  • Picnic tables at trailhead: No
  • Stroller Friendly: No
  • Cost: $20 per vehicle for park entry beyond the campgrounds. You can purchase an entry pass in advance here.
  • Map: NPS visitor’s map is here, or my recommended Nat Geo topographical map can be found here.
map of Cassidy Arch trail
elevation gain

CASSIDY ARCH ROUTE

The route begins on Grand Wash Trail, which is another hike option in Capitol Reef National Park if you have more time. It has semi-narrow slot canyons and is a flat out and back (or thru hike if you park a car at one end). For Cassidy Arch, take the sharp left at about 0.25 miles to start heading up the canyon.

entering canyon
Cassidy Arch trail sign

The first portion of this hike is the steepest and will get your lungs pumping. This section switchbacks with tons of steps. Luckily, the unique rock steps and canyon walls help to distract from the intense climb.

rock steps on hike
rock steps on hike

Nearing the top of the climb, the ledge is very steep. If the kids were with me I would have been holding their hands pretty tight in this section. I had enough of a heart attack when Bryce stood near the edge to take a couple’s photo. From the top you can see how far you’ve come (if your brave enough to look over the edge), as you can see the road below. This point also offers a view of Cassidy Arch across the valley so you can see where you are headed.

man walking on trail
view from above

Once you’ve reached this point, the hike gets fun. As you nestle into the sandstone rocky trail with juniper trees abound, it’s a giant playground with spectacular views, natural trails, friendly lizards, and desert flora. Follow the cairns (decorative rock stacks meant for navigation) to stay on trail as there is not a defined path along much of the sandstone in this top section.

woman standing on rock with Capitol Reef view behind
natural trails of rock
cactus with flowers
lizard on rock
man running on sandstone trail
rock cairns

At about 1.75 miles from the trailhead, you’ll reach the arch. It sneaks up on you because the destination is above the arch looking down. While I have seen photos of folks standing on the arch for pictures, this view was safe and beautiful enough for me.

Cassidy Arch

If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can keep going on this trail and can continue onto the Frying Pan Trail which drops down to Cohab Canyon. This addition views looking back at the famous Waterpocket Fold, which is a 100 mile long warp in the Earth’s crust (seen along Highway 24) that shifted rock layers up 7,000 feet from the ground. If you choose to turn around here, head back the way you came back to the trailhead.

8 TIPS FOR HIKING CASSIDY ARCH IN CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK WITH KIDS

8 tips for hiking Cassidy Arch trail

1) WHEN TO VISIT CASSIDY ARCH

The summer heat can be intense in the summer, so it is recommended that you plan this hike in the spring or fall to avoid the heat. Spring is hard to beat because the fruit trees are in bloom and the contrast of the bright green trees against the red desert backdrop is stunning.  I usually recommend early morning hikes to beat crowds, but with this particular hike (if you are off season and the heat is not an issue), the sunset hike was a beautiful option as the arch was lit up by the sun and there was plenty of shade from the rocks as the sun fell.

2) PLAN FOR SUN

There is very little shade on this hike, so unless you are hiking sunset like we did, be prepared with sunhats, sunglasses, sunscreen. Know the signs for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

3) BRING LOTS OF WATER

This hike has zero access to water at the trailhead or on the hike, so be sure to bring plenty of water (recommendation is 1 gallon per day in the desert environment). The first portion of this hike is strenuous and will require frequent water breaks.

4) PLAN FOR TEMPERATURE CHANGES

If you are visiting in the fall, temperature can fluctuate widely from the daytime heat to the evening cold. Bring non-cotton layers, eat plenty of fuel, and keep your clothing dry. Even in the other seasons, temperatures can change quickly so always carry a lightweight jacket.

5) WHAT TO PACK FOR A DAY HIKE TO CASSIDY ARCH

Check out our essentials for what to pack a hike with kids, which include snacks, water, extra clothes, water, safety and first aid items.

Shop for Hiking Gear for Kids & Parents

6) CHECK THE WEATHER FOR CASSIDY ARCH

The trail access to Cassidy Arch is in Grand Wash, which is settled into the canyon walls, so flash floods are a concern in this area.floods and monsoons are a threat in this area. These are most common in July through September, which is another reason the spring and fall are popular times for Capitol Reef visitors. You can find the flash flood and other weather warnings for Cassidy Arch area here.

7) KEEP KIDS NEAR YOU WHEN BY STEEP LEDGES

As I mentioned in my experience here, the steep ledges on the initial portion of the hike were giving me a bit of panic. Don’t get close to ledges for pictures (even if you want that picture standing on Cassidy Arch, just don’t do it!). Keep your kids near and stay on the trail. The rock can be slick, especially when wet so use extra caution if there has been recent rain.

8) LEAVE NO TRACE

Practice Leave No Trace principles while in the park and on the trail. This includes leaving cairns where you found them and not creating new cairns on the trail.

HOW CASSIDY ARCH STACKS UP AGAINST OTHER UTAH HIKES

Cassidy Arch Pros

  • Great exercise
  • Stunning views
  • Lots of crevices, boulders to climb, and places to explore
  • Fun variety of terrain
  • Iconic red rock scenery
  • Geological features, including the destination at the arch

 Cassidy Arch Cons

  • Heavily trafficked—this is the most popular hike in Capitol Reef so it gets crowded during peak seasons. However, we hiked right before sunset in the Spring (May), which is one the peak seasons, and only encountered a handful of people on the trail. We felt as though we had the whole park to ourselves!
  • Steep incline and very high ledges in the beginning of the hike. Keep young kids near or in carriers!
  • Exposed to the sun and desert heat in the day as there is little shade
  • No water features such as waterfall, lake, or river

WAS CASSIDY ARCH WORTH IT?

Yes! This hike was beautiful and had us craving more time in Capitol Reef National Park.

WOULD I GO BACK TO CASSIDY ARCH?

Yes! Since the kids didn’t get to visit this time, I would love to go back with them and watch them explore. From the very beginning as you enter Grand Wash, we couldn’t stop talking about how much the kids would love exploring on the rocks.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Are you interested in hiking Cassidy Arch or exploring Capitol Reef? If you are looking for more Utah hiking options, check out these awesome day hikes near Moab or our backcountry experience just south in Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. Drop me a note below with any questions or other favorites in Capitol Reef. I’d love your recommendations for our next visit—I know we will be back! Happy hiking!

<h4>raisinghikers_Kristin</h4>

raisinghikers_Kristin

44 Comments
  1. Allison Peteet

    This look awesome. I have never been to Utah, but hope to visit all 52 states before I turn 60. I will definitely look into this trail.

    Reply
  2. Barbara

    Love your blog post! It is always so enjoyable!

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Thank you, Barbara!

      Reply
  3. Jane

    My kind of hike! The views and rock formations are definitely stunning, esp the arch. I need to get my way to Utah. Such a cool place to visit.

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      The arches are so unique and not just in Arches National Park…they are all over Utah!

      Reply
  4. Misskorang

    From your gorgeous photos, I can see why Cassidy arch trail is well worth the sweat! I would hike it if I got the chance.

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      I hope you do get the chance one day!

      Reply
  5. Sarah Demille

    Wow those pics are amazing! What great tips, have to put this on my list for trips!

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Thank you! I hope you do add it to your list. I think you’ll love it!

      Reply
  6. Danielle Ardizzone

    Great advice! Not being a hiker, I would have no clue what to bring or wear.

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Glad you found it helpful!

      Reply
  7. Cindy Moore

    So many beautiful places to hike in Utah! I’m missing out. I’ll have to plan a trip to this state.

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Yes, I hope you do! You will love it!

      Reply
  8. Maya

    Wow! Great pics and a lovely description.

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Thank you so much and thanks for reading!

      Reply
  9. Lisa A Palmer

    I am so impressed and so proud of you!!! This new endeavor of yours is awesome and I hope it keeps growing because it’s so useful to so many people!!! Definitely your niche. Your Auntie Lisa loves you so much xoxo (sorry for the corny post but I just can’t help it)

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Aww, Lisa, thanks for the love and support! It’s been a fun endeavor! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Marianne

    Gorgeous photos! Looks nlike such an amazing place to hike with kids. I am hoping to hit some new NPs as soon as the border opens for us.

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Yes, I’m sure once it does you are going to have a long list of travel destinations!

      Reply
  11. Stephanie

    I LOVE Capitol Reef. It’s such a hidden gem among national parks. Glad you got to see a small part of it!

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      It really is! I can’t wait to see the more of it!

      Reply
  12. Larissa Li

    This place is so beautiful and wild! Thank you for sharing all those pictures. I would never be able to see it without your help.

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Glad I can transport you there!

      Reply
  13. Jessica

    WOW!! I have not ever been to Utah, but looks like a beautiful place to go hiking and exploring! Just beautiful!!

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      It has some spectacular spots! We love visiting!

      Reply
  14. Lisa Manderino

    Cassidy Arch is awesome! Capitol Reef is really a hidden gem!

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      It really is! I’m sure you’ve explored much of it as a UT resident but it’s always been one that I overlooked. I’m so glad our route had us passing through because now I want to go back!

      Reply
      • Tiffany

        Looks gorgeous! Love the pics!!

        Reply
  15. Suz | TravelsWithSuz.com

    I’d like to visit the gorgeous parks in Utah, probably in early spring or late fall. (It’s already too hot now – over 85* today in Albuquerque!)
    Capital Reef hasn’t been on my radar – but it is now – Thanks for the complete info.

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Exactly! Those are the best times to go so we were so lucky to go early May. Memorial Day is my cutoff until the fall. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Keirsten

    So beautiful. It looks scorching hot but still so beautiful haha. Thank you for always reminding people to take whatever they bring with them, so important. You’re inspiring me to get out and do more hiking in my neighborhood.

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      That makes my day, Keirsten! Summer is coming so you’ll feel even more inspired. 🙂 And actually, the temperatures were perfect when we were there as it was a couple of weeks ago in early May and we went at sunset. Luckily, because I don’t do well in heat, haha!

      Reply
  17. Tammy Horvath

    I think out of all the states, Utah has the best parks. I would love to spend a whole month in Utah.

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      I agree! I would love to spend the month of April or May there (and then peace out for the summer due to the heat, haha!!).

      Reply
  18. Karla R Petersen

    Wow! Just wow! Your photos, your descriptions, your recommendations and thorough communication of everything need-to-know makes this an excellent resource!!!! Thank you.

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Thank you so much, Karla! I’m glad you found it helpful!

      Reply
  19. Terra Booth

    Love the rock formations!! Looks like a great spot to go for a hike!

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      It’s so cool that the trail is actually on the rock formations too!

      Reply
  20. Megan

    You’ve hit some great places! I saw “1 hr 15 min” and thought there was NO way we could do that, but I see it says “without kids”. Haha, that makes a lot more sense! Looks like a beautiful hike!

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Exactly! LOL. I had to clarify that very important point. 🙂

      Reply
  21. Alicia

    This looks like a great trail!
    I was just thinking yesterday about how now (during the month of May) is probably a great time to hike and camp in Utah. Do you find that to be true? Good temperatures?

    Reply
    • raisinghikers_Kristin

      Absolutely! It’s my favorite time to go. I usually cut off my Utah travel after Memorial Day as I don’t love hiking in extreme heat. I head to the alpine in CO during the summer where it’s a bit cooler! Or anywhere with water. 🙂

      Reply
    • Elaina

      Amazing colors! The formations are completly stunning.

      Reply
      • raisinghikers_Kristin

        It’s such a unique beauty out there!

        Reply

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