Cassidy Arch

The Trail
This moderate trail is about 1.8 miles long (one way) from the Grand Wash Trailhead with about a 600 foot elevation change.

Topographical Map (blue - to Cassidy Arch; green - Frying Pan Trail)

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

The trail starts up from the west side of Grand Wash and follows the wash for about a quarter mile before turning off and climbing up the side of the canyon. This turn off is well marked with a large sign.

Trailhead at west side of Grand Wash

Heading down the Grand Wash

 

There is a large sign at the turn off for Cassidy Arch

The trail climbs fairly steeply at first here, but it doesn't stay this steep for too long before leveling off some and then continuing the climb more gradually. As hikers climb, they will experience some nice views looking down into the Grand Wash and out to more distant points such as Ferns Nipple to the south.

Trail with view of Ferns Nipple

Grand Wash

After hiking 1.4 miles up, the trail will split. Continue left to go to Cassidy Arch. The trail to the right will take you along the Frying Pan Trail to Cohab Canyon. A sign labels this split.
 

Trail Split

Cassidy Arch becomes visible from the trail well before hikers reach it. The last section of this trail after this point is less clear in some spots but is generally well marked with rock cairns that can be followed without much difficulty.

Cassidy Arch from the trail

Cassidy Arch

 

There is also a canyon below the arch. For those seeking a technical route down, there are bolted hangers on the north side of the arch you can use to rappel down. From there you can continue rappelling your well down this canyon and back to the Grand Wash.

There is a vault toilet at the trailhead, but we found it to be locked even though we were there during peak season. Therefore, I wouldn't count on being able to access it.

Directions
This trail is located in Capitol Reef National Park in Wayne County, Utah near Torrey. To get there, take UT-24 to Capitol Reef. Turn off to head south at the Visitor's Center and continue along the "Scenic Drive" until reaching the turnoff for Grand Wash on the left. Go up this dirt road until reaching the parking area and trail head at the end.