Cassidy Arch Trail | Torrey

Cassidy Arch Trail is one of Capitol Reef National Park’s most striking and adventurous hikes, offering both dramatic geology and a touch of legend. The trail leads to Cassidy Arch, a massive natural sandstone arch named after the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy, who is believed to have used the area as a hideout. This moderately strenuous hike rewards visitors with expansive views of the park’s cliffs, canyons, and mesas, and an exhilarating climb across the arch itself.

Trail Overview and Access
The trailhead is located along the park’s scenic route near the Grand Wash area. The hike is roughly 3.5 miles round trip, with steep switchbacks leading from the canyon floor to the ridge above. Hikers should be prepared for uneven terrain and a gradual elevation gain of about 700 feet. While strenuous in parts, the trail is well-marked and offers numerous spots to pause and take in the surrounding landscape.

Scenic Experience
The trail climbs through a narrow canyon and opens to wide ridges that provide panoramic views of Capitol Reef’s rugged formations. The highlight is Cassidy Arch itself, a towering natural arch that can be crossed by experienced hikers. Standing on the arch, visitors feel suspended over the canyon, with sweeping views of high desert cliffs, mesas, and distant ridges. The contrast of red rock against blue sky creates dramatic photo opportunities at nearly every turn.

Visitor Atmosphere
Cassidy Arch Trail is less crowded than some of the park’s more accessible hikes, giving a sense of solitude and adventure. The wind rustles through juniper and pinyon pine trees along the ridges, and occasional wildlife-such as lizards, ravens, or mule deer-can be glimpsed along the trail. The arch itself can be busy during peak hours, but the hike’s length and moderate challenge keep numbers lower than more famous trails.

Micro-Details
Small details enhance the hike’s appeal: textured sandstone walls carved by erosion, tiny pockets of desert wildflowers along shaded ledges, and the subtle layers of sediment visible in the cliff faces. The trail also offers shifting perspectives of the arch, from dramatic glimpses between canyon walls to a full, awe-inspiring view as hikers approach the ridge. Morning and late afternoon light accentuate the reds and oranges of the sandstone, while wind and weather patterns create unique shadows across the rock surfaces.

Cassidy Arch Trail combines geological wonder, physical challenge, and historical lore into a memorable adventure. The arch itself, set amid Capitol Reef’s high desert cliffs, is a dramatic centerpiece, offering panoramic vistas and an unforgettable sense of connection to the park’s rugged landscape.