Cassidy Arch

Dogs No Dogs

Features Geological Significance · Views · Wildlife

Don't let the difficulty rating scare you away from this 3-mile roundtrip out-and-back trail leading up to an incredible arch overlooking the canyon below.

After turning off the scenic drive, you'll continue down a dirt road easily accessible by any car. The road continues for about a mile, ending at the parking area and starting point for the Grand Wash Trail.

Begin down the Grand Wash Trail from the parking area for a few hundred yards and the sign for Cassidy Arch Trail appears on your left. The trail begins gaining elevation rapidly via well-made switchbacks leading up the canyon wall. The trail is easy to navigate and climb via the well marked and maintained route along the canyon rim. The views along the trail are worth every minute and drop of sweat throughout the trip. Be mindful here of other visitors on the trail that may be moving slower than your party; try to remain on the trail and do not damage the fragile plants and soil by passing others.

As you continue along the trail after the series of switchbacks, the trail will continue skirting the canyon rim until you reach a section of the trail at a dry wash where you must take a sharp left continuing on and up the trail. (Beware of this section because the path appears to continue straight through the soft sand wash, and misleading footprints are common. A few rocks blocking the wash try to prevent you from continuing straight in the wrong direction).

After taking the left at this wash, you begin a slight climb, and eventually head around a bend to your first breathtaking view of the canyon, surrounding cliffs and in the distance to the right, Cassidy Arch. Continue to follow the trail until you reach a sign at a fork for different trails. Follow the directions and arrow for Cassidy Arch trail to the left and down a few steps from the sign for another 0.5 mile. The Frying Pan trail takes you to Cohab Canyon, which is only to be hiked if you planned ahead with a shuttle vehicle to bring you back to Grand Wash.

As you continue on the last stretch of the trail you'll begin to notice an increase in cairns and desert wood marking the route across sandstone. You'll start to lose the distinct dirt trail and begin to ascend slightly across and up slickrock formations. Take your time and follow the cairns along the slickrock, which eventually guides you to the grand view of Cassidy Arch. From this incredible view you can also work your way out safely onto the larger more structured arch capturing amazing pictures and views.