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TORREY, Wayne County — Home to unique geologic features and saturated by rich history, Capitol Reef National Park encapsulates Utah’s unique landscape and its deep ties to the past.
Relics left by ancient peoples, reminders of a rich pioneer legacy and tales of legendary outlaws, punctuate the rugged, enduring beauty of Capitol Reef National Park, making it one of Utah’s most engaging and culturally significant landscapes.
For lovers of nature, history, legends and adventure, there’s no shortage of rewarding activities to do when visiting Capitol Reef.
To get you started, consider heading to the Grand Wash parking area and following the moderate 3.5-mile out and back trail to Cassidy Arch. Precipitously positioned on a cliff's edge, Cassidy Arch stands as a monument to Capitol Reef’s timeless landscape and one of the state’s most colorful characters.
According to Josh Olson, a Capitol Reef park ranger, local folklore and archeological evidence suggest Butch Cassidy frequented the maze of canyons and domes now known as Capitol Reef National Park while hiding from the law during the waning days of the old west. It’s because of his ties to Capitol Reef’s landscape that one of the parks most stunning arches was named after Cassidy.
To reach the arch, follow the trail from the Grand Wash parking area as it winds along the canyon floor for a quarter mile before climbing dramatically toward the canyon's northern rim. Stay alert and you’ll catch several stunning views of Cassidy Arch and the surrounding landscape well before reaching the arch at the end of the trail.
Be mindful of the Frying Pan trail intersection about a quarter of a mile before reaching Cassidy Arch. According to Olson, it’s not uncommon for hikes to mistakenly head north on the Frying Pan trail when trying to reach Cassidy Arch. Shortly after the intersection with Frying Pan, the trail transitions to slick rock, from this point follow the cairns for the final quarter mile to the arch. For additional details and trail information, make sure to watch the above video.
Though sometimes a controversial topic, it is important that you do not alter existing cairns or build your own. In addition to potentially misleading hikers, unauthorized cairns have and continue to represent a threat to natural and cultural resources.
According to Olson, both archeological and paleontological sites within Capitol Reef have been damaged by individuals who have built unauthorized cairns. Gathering rocks can contribute to erosion, damage vegetation and soils, and alter the natural character of the landscape.
Next, make sure to plan appropriately. Grand Wash is prone to flash floods and the desert landscape offers limited shelter from the sun. Check the forecast and plan ahead. During the summer months, it’s best to hike early in the morning and/or late in the afternoon in order to avoid high temperatures. Pack ample water, snacks and basic first aid tools.
Cassidy Arch, perhaps more than many of Utah’s treasures, stands as a beautiful if not poetic reminder that the land is tied to the people that inhabit it — as are the people to the land.
As enduring as Utah’s deserts may appear, they are actually uniquely fragile. The wildlife and vegetation that call Capitol Reef home depend on delicate soils that provide moisture and nutrients to this parched landscape. Be mindful of where you step. Limit travel to official trails, bare rock and dry washes. Once damaged, it can take the soil decades to recover.
Upon reaching the arch, please avoid the temptation to climb on or walk across the arch. In the interest of public safety and the preservation of the arch itself, it is unlawful to walk across or climb on any arch in the park.
Exposure to natural splendor is easily one of Utah’s many virtues. Preserving Utah’s treasures requires that we remain proactive in limiting our impact on it. Go out of your way to reduce your impact and consider volunteering some time to help preserve Utah’s public lands.
Capitol Reef National Park is always looking for volunteers to aid in conservation efforts. If you’re interested, call 425-425-3791, leave a message and park managers will contact you with volunteer opportunities. Mike Godfrey and his wife Michelle, manage of At Home in Wild Spaces an video production studio and recreation website, store, blog and community dedicated to preserving and sharing Wild Spaces.
