Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Hiking the Cassidy Arch Trail: What You Need to Know
The trail to Cassidy Arch is 3.3 miles total and has roughly 600 feet of total elevation gain. It is listed as strenuous on the park’s website, but our family navigated it without difficulty. The canyon views along the trail are amazing and if you visit early in the summer you may see some beautiful wildflowers. Much of the trail is exposed to the sun, so make sure to bring lots of water and sun protection!
TRAILHEAD:
From the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, drive the Scenic Drive road for about 3.5 miles. You will then turn to the left onto Grand Wash Road. Follow this dirt road to the end where you will find a small parking lot and vault toilets.
Savvy Sojourner Tip: The trailhead to Cassidy Arch is easy to find, but parking is limited. During the summer months, make sure to start early to beat the heat and the crowds!
From the parking lot, you will walk along the Grand Wash Trail for a short distance before taking off to the left at the sign for Cassidy Arch. The trail to Cassidy Arch begins with a climb up the side of the canyon wall (rock stairs) before following a dirt and slickrock path to reach the arch. The majority of the trail is fully exposed to the sun. Make sure to bring plenty of water, (more than you think you will need), and plenty of sun protection!
Many times along the trail you will see cairns (small stacks of rocks), that will mark the path. Always be on the lookout for them! These cairns are put there by the National Park Service for this reason. Please do not destroy the cairns or add more of your own!
A WARNING ABOUT WEATHER:
Capitol Reef National Park is open year-round, so it is important to know about weather conditions before you visit. During the summer months, July-September, monsoon rains often cause flash flooding in the canyons and trails. Make sure you know the forecast during your visit and be flexible to change plans if the weather is poor. The Visitor Center will always have the current forecast available for visitors.
My trip to Capitol Reef was at the beginning of June and the weather was very warm and sunny. The day after my visit a summer rain came through that caused flash flooding that washed out roads, flooded canyons, and stranded cars. You never know when it could happen, so be prepared!
Click here for more information about the Cassidy Arch Trail and other trails in this area!
What to Bring on the Cassidy Arch Trail
Here are my hiking essentials:
- WATER!
Always bring more water than you think you are going to need when hiking at Capitol Reef National Park. I bring two water bottles (32oz or larger) per person when hiking. Hiking with heat and/or altitude can cause you to dehydrate quickly. There are water refill stations located at the Visitors Center. - Hiking Sticks
Hiking sticks may help you navigate the sandy sections and rock stairs of the trail to the Cassidy Arch. If you find it helpful on your knees to use hiking sticks for hiking uphill or downhill, you will want to make sure to bring them on this hike. - Salty Snacks
Replenishing your electrolytes is always important, but especially when hiking in the heat. Salty snacks and electrolyte mixes (such as Liquid IV) for your water bottle are a great way to make sure you stay hydrated. Some of my favorites are jerky, pretzels, and roasted nuts or trail mix. - Sun Protection
Make sure to apply (and reapply) sunscreen often, wear long sleeves, and never forget a hat that shades your face and neck! - Phone/Camera
There are so many great photo opportunities along this hike. Also, make sure that your cell phone has a full charge when you start your hike. - First Aid Kit
It is always a good idea to pack a small first aid kit in your hiking backpack. I like to include bandaids, Advil, items for scrapes, and moleskin for blisters in my hiking first aid kit.
Last Minute Advice…
When it comes to hiking my number one piece of advice is to stop and enjoy where you are! Hiking is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. So make sure to look around, enjoy where you are, and soak in your surroundings! Trust me, you won’t want to miss a minute of this hike!
Click here for more tips on Capitol Reef National Park!
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Happy Sojourning!
