Cassidy Arch Trailhead - Search Nearby - Added by Nick Oman
This hike offers a stunning payoff, standing on top of a spectacular arch. You'll also have opportunities to explore beautiful overlooks of Capitol Reef N.P. and dark skies for night photography,
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.
Once on the trail follow the maintained rock steps and cairns leading you up fairly quickly in a short amount of time. This is the part that takes a little exertion, but once on top, it levels out. Follow the trail cairns and take note, there is a trail backpackers and overnighters take back to the Fruita Campground. As long as you stay left and are able to see the dirt road you drove in on, you will be fine.
Near the arch, there is a little bit of scrambling, but nothing too difficult. Take it all in from up top and enjoy. It's not everyday you get to walk on top of an arch.
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Overall rating:
A Trek With Spectacular Views
We did this hike combined with the grand wash. We came in from the grand wash, not the scenic byway. The two combined I wouldn't recommend as a kid friendly hike but we still enjoyed them. My kids are young but good hikers (4 and 7) and they complained a little but both loved the view at the top. I thought the slick rocks at the very top were a bit of a challenge but it was worth the trek. If you're a new hiker or have children I would recommend doing this hike without combining the grand wash
Really Cool Spot
If you are in Capital Reef or even just passing through, stop and hike Cassidy Arch. Very easy to get to as you turn left into Grand Wash right off the Scenic Drive, and follow the road to the end. Following the cairns is very fun, and provide some unique photographs.
Super Rad Hike, Less Crowds
In general, Capitol Reef doesn't get a ton of visitors, so crowds are not as big of a problem here. IF you go early like we did, there will be little to no-one. It was awesome. The only other people that were there were repelling down through the arch to the road, pretty sick.
