Hard, 10.47 mi out and back (w spur to Fruita Overlooks)
3,012 ft elevation gain
Hiked 12/24/23
(Waterpocket Fold Info](https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/nature/geology.htm) on NPS site.
The Frying Pan trail begins at the central Fruita Orchard area and connects to Cassidy Arch/Grand Wash area, passing through canyons and crossing the waterpocket fold. It showcases various geologic formations before taking you to the large arch situated 400 ft above a canyon floor. Full sun exposure, so be prepared.
A shorter and milder hike to Cassidy Arch may also be found at a different starting location, although I have not hiked it. Hoping to do that hike along with The Narrows and some others in the Grand Wash area of the park in the future.
Cassidy Arch (named for Butch Cassidy who allegedly used the canyon as a hideout) and its surrounding plateau, with the various formations of the upper Capital Reef seen in the distance.
A view showcasing some of the distinct ways that erosion has shaped the landscape at Capital Reef. Up close are various terraced boulders and in the distance a tall rock structure that has long, vertical erosion taking place. To the left appears to be a dome of some sort, although it may just have eroded into a vaguely dome shape.
Climbing back up the trail after descending along the edge of the wash, steps along the right of frame have been notched into the red sandstone. Various boulders may be seen leading into shrublands in the lower area to the left.
Nice pictures! I have been at the Capitol Reef but I hiked the golden throne trail instead.
Thanks!.. Oh cool! I haven’t done that one yet, but I’m hoping to get back there early next year and that is one of the one’s I’d like to do while there, along with a few others.
I looked over photos now and I did went to the Cassidy arch, but I took the Cassidy arch trail. In my defense I took the hike in July so I think it was acceptable to take the shorter hike. I also took the Hickman bridge trail and stopped at the gooseneck overlook and the sunset point and during the evening/early night I went to the visitor center in Fruita to watch the stars. Quite a lot of things in two half days.
My photos are not as good as yours, but I’m still uploading some here.
Cassidy arch
On the trail to Cassidy arch, look how tiny those humans are compared with the cliff
Ferns nipple
Hickman bridge
Golden throne
Those photos look great! I’m planning on that shorter hike to Cassidy next time I get there as well to see a different approach up the canyon. Yeah, frying pan would be tough in the summer heat unless you go early.
