Cassidy Arch

Q: Is water available on the trail?

No. There are no reliable water sources; carry all you need.

Q: Can I bring my dog on Cassidy Arch Trail?

Unknown. Check Capitol Reef National Park guidelines before you go.

Q: When is the best time to hike Cassidy Arch?

Spring or Fall are best; sunrise can yield good light and fewer crowds.

Q: Do I need a permit for day hiking?

No permit required for day hiking; backcountry camping and canyoneering do require permits.

Distance

3.3 mi

Elevation Gain

750 ft

Est. Time

1.5–3 hours

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Spring and Fall

Overview

About This Trail

3.3 miles round trip with about 750 ft of elevation gain. Out-and-back from Grand Wash, the first mile is a relentless climb on natural steps. Shade is minimal and sun exposure is high; carry ample water and protect yourself from the heat. The Cassidy Arch and canyon panoramas are the high reward for the effort.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate to strenuous

Trail Highlights

Cross Cassidy Arch; canyon panoramas over Waterpocket Fold

Insider Tips

• Start early or late to beat heat and crowds • Pair with Grand Wash for a longer day • Download offline maps; cell service unreliable • Use trekking poles on the steep first mile • Sun protection is non-negotiable

Best Season to Hike

Spring and Fall

Hiking Tips

Carry 2 liters water per person
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip
Apply sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Download offline maps; cell service is unreliable
Trekking poles help on the steep first mile

Family Info

Suitable for families with supervision; keep children on the inside and away from edges

What Hikers Say

The effort is real: a sustained first mile of steep climbing plus full sun. Crowds can be heavy, especially on weekends, but the Cassidy Arch payoff—an iconic arch and canyon vistas—delivers strong rewards for the grit applied.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 3.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 750 ft

Duration: 1.5–3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Packed dirt, loose gravel, slickrock, natural rock steps

Getting There

Trailhead: Grand Wash Road, Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

Parking: Large

Fills Up: Full by late morning on peak weekends

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

N/A for day hikers

Fees: Park entrance fee $20 per vehicle for Scenic Drive; America the Beautiful Pass accepted

Shuttle Available

N/A

Trail Rules

Dogs: Unknown

Biking: Unknown

Trail Markers: Well-marked with cairns; bring map as a backup

Map/GPS recommended

View on AllTrails

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: None on trail; carry all water (2L per person or more)

Shade: Minimal to none

Cell Service: Unreliable; GPS signals inconsistent

Hazards:

Flash floods possible in Grand Wash; seek higher ground during monsoon; sun exposure intense; keep away from edge near the arch; footing on slickrock can be treacherous

Emergency: Capitol Reef National Park rangers; dial 911 in emergencies

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Heavily trafficked

Peak Times: Weekends and spring break; mornings best to avoid crowds

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not wheelchair accessible; steep, uneven sections

Family Notes:

Suitable for families with supervision; keep children on the inside and away from edges

Nearby Facilities

Vault toilets at trailhead; limited facilities along the route

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is Cassidy Arch a tough hike?

Yes. It’s moderate to strenuous with a steep first mile; sun exposure is high and water is essential.

Is water available on the trail?

Can I bring my dog on Cassidy Arch Trail?

When is the best time to hike Cassidy Arch?

Do I need a permit for day hiking?

📖 National Park Service — Cassidy Arch (official page) (checked 2026-02-12) 📖 oceanusadventure.com 📖 zionadventurephotog.com 📖 saltproject.co 📖 litaofthepack.com 📖 deandrandmiketravel.com 📖 relive.com 📖 alibaba.com 📖 raisinghikers.com 📖 utahsadventurefamily.com 📖 climb-utah.com 📖 waylesstravelers.com 📖 uprootedtraveler.com 📖 amandaoutside.com 📖 recreation.gov 📖 utahhikingbeauty.com 📖 visitutah.com 📖 utah.com 📖 roadtripryan.com 📖 biteshikesandotherlikes.com 📖 nationalparks.org ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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