Cassidy Arch

Every time we pass through or around Capitol Reef National Park, we tell ourselves that we really should return for some hiking.  However, it always seemed too hot or too busy, so it never became a priority.  With some nice February weather in the forecast and wanting to visit before the March spring break crowds, Kent planned a couple of interesting hikes and we headed for Fruita, Utah.  Our first stop was Cassidy Arch, which was supposedly named after the outlaw (Butch Cassidy) who hid in the area - though it seems almost everything in southern Utah is tied to that local lore in one way or another!

We took the Scenic Drive Road, which starts near the Visitor Center, to the Grand Wash turnoff  . . .
Allison loved the lined shaped clouds made from passing jets contrails

The road down Grand Wash is not paved and crosses the Wash
  several times as it makes its way to the trailhead . . .
The trailhead is used to access both the Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch trails

Cassidy Arch
We knew it was visible from the canyon floor, but it was still hard to see as it blended in with the other rocks
(Click on the picture for an enlarged view)

To get to the Cassidy Arch Trail, we had to walk a short distance down Grand Wash (.3/mile)

The trail immediately starts climbing as it works its way to the top of the cliffs that form Grand Wash . . .
What in the world is that "creature" doing sitting on the top of the rock Kent is walking under?

Once on top of the rim, we could look back down at the parking area
(You can vaguely see the trail, on the left hand side of the picture, as it emerges from the boulder formations in the center of the photo)

From here we continued along the rim, working our way around several drainages

We continued to work our way higher, and as we did the views became more expansive . . .
By the way, that pointy peak right of center, is known as Fern's Nipple . . .
Reportedly named after one of Butch Cassidy's girlfriends!

This was our first view of Cassidy Arch from the top . . .
From this angle it looks more like an alcove rather than an arch!

The last quarter mile was walking across slickrock . . .
It was good that there were a few cairns to follow . . .
Not that we thought we'd get lost, but it would have been possible to walk right past the arch

When we first found the Arch, it looked like a massive sinkhole!
Upon a little closer examination you could see the Arch's opening just under this bridge

Here's a close up of the bridge that forms the Arch . . .
As you can see it's thicker and wider than you would expect

Of course that could mean only one thing . . . Kent had to walk on top of the Arch
(Kent is extremely afraid of heights, so if he felt comfortable enough to walk across it, you can be assured that the bridge is very wide!)

This is a picture of the slickrock we had to cross to get to the Arch . . .
Again, no trail, just a few cairns . . . but a very enjoyable walk over some beautiful sandstone

The Waterpocket Fold!  (No, the picture isn't tilted)
This is what it actually looks like and clearly shows how the earth's crust has been thrust up . . .
(I've got to say Fern's Nipple looks like an interesting hike . . . supposedly you can do it without a rope!)

One last look at the Arch before we make our way down off the cliffs

Almost down to the canyon floor of the Grand Wash

Back on the Scenic Drive and heading for the Fruita orchards . . .
The arrow is pointing to the Navajo Knobs . . . our hike for tomorrow!

What a great warm up hike for our Navajo Knobs outing!  If this is any indication of the views we'll see tomorrow, then we are in for a real treat.  Altogether, this hike was just short of four miles (r/t) and about 1,000 ft of ascent.  If you'd like a longer hike, Stav Basis has posted a loop hike that incorporates the Frying Pan Trail and the Grand Wash Trail . . . to do a loop of this nature you're looking at about 9.5 miles and that includes a 2.5 mile highway walk back to your car at Hickman Bridge.