Cassidy Arch Canyon in Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Canyoneer Cassidy Arch Canyon Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Class 1 3A I (140 ft max) 1.9 miles 600 gain 2-4 hrs Loop Aug 12, 2017
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Cassidy Arch Canyon GPX Track

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This is a technical canyon. If you are unfamiliar with how to build anchors or the gear required for canyoneering do not attempt this route.

Cassidy Arch is a popular and pretty trail to a gorgeous arch. Mike and I headed along this well-maintained trail, which ascends above the sheer cliffs above the trailhead and continues on beautiful slickrock to the arch. Most turn around here, but we had our technical gear and were ready to start a canyon descent. The first rappel drops from bolts/chains right next to the arch. We headed through the base of the arch and the canyon fun began. A half dozen shorter rappels or so included a drop through a couple of smaller arches, a mysterious wooden bridge, gorgeous narrows that never quite turn into a squeeze, and mossy grottos. Once out of the canyon we hiked along Grand Wash Road back to the trailhead.

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Start up Grand Wash before breaking away onto the Cassidy Arch trail.
Start up Grand Wash before breaking away onto the Cassidy Arch trail.
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Cassidy Arch in the distance.
Cassidy Arch in the distance.
You can see a party ahead of us doing the first rappel.
You can see a party ahead of us doing the first rappel.
The first rappel.
The first rappel.
First rappel brings you just next to the arch opening.
First rappel brings you just next to the arch opening.
Looking back up at Cassidy Arch.
Looking back up at Cassidy Arch.
Another party ahead of us on rappel 2.
Another party ahead of us on rappel 2.
After rappel 2, looking back up toward Cassidy Arch.
After rappel 2, looking back up toward Cassidy Arch.
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Rap 3 goes through a hole in the floor.
Rap 3 goes through a hole in the floor.
This rap was a tight squeeze.
This rap was a tight squeeze.
Exiting the narrow part of the canyon.
Exiting the narrow part of the canyon.
A rappel through another little arch.
A rappel through another little arch.
Continuing down the canyon.
Continuing down the canyon.
Approaching another rappel. There was a bridge installed and steps carved out of the rock, so this rappel could actually be avoided.
Approaching another rappel. There was a bridge installed and steps carved out of the rock, so this rappel could actually be avoided.
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The old wooden bridge.
The old wooden bridge.
Last rappel.
Last rappel.
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Exiting Cassidy Arch Canyon.
Exiting Cassidy Arch Canyon.
Follow the road back.
Follow the road back.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!