Cassidy Arch, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Another great day hike to an awesome arch. Countless impressive arches in Utah! 

This is a 5.6 mile hike with ~1000 feet elevation gain located in Capitol Reef National Park. This was my second time visiting Capitol Reef National Park. Last time I hiked to Hickman Bridge and hiked some Cohab Canyon. This time, we tried another hike. 

Grand Wash Road from trail

To go to the trailhead, after entering National Park, drive on Scenic Drive for 1.2 mile. It is already jaw-dropping scenery on the Scenic Drive as the name indicates. Then turn left into Grand Wash Road, which is a dirt road. It is quite smooth and any cars can make it to the trailhead. The parking lot is big and there are around 10 cars parked when we arrived there. After hiking in Grand Staircase, I felt 10 cars were a lot, but compared to Whites in the East, still scarce situation. 

The hike just goes up and up, but only 1000 feet gain. Every step makes the view better. Only a half way you can already see the very nice view of Cassidy arch. Since this hike ends up on the top of the arch, you can enjoy the arch view on the way to reach the top. Quite different shape of arch compared to typical arch, postcard type shape, such as Delicate arch in the Arches National Park. The picture tells everything.

Cassidy Arch

Below is the picture from the end of trail. Looking down the Cassidy arch from other side of above picture. You can walk on the arch. For some time a couple was sitting just left of the arch and some people behind the arch complained that they disturbed the pictures! LOL, I agreed. I took a below picture after they left. 

Cassidy arch hike is unique, because you can see the arch from both side, from distance and close, and from side and top. Of course it is in the National park, so you won't have solitude, but still really worth checking it out. I am glad I visited again Capitol Reef and had chance to see this spectacular Cassidy Arch.

Cassidy Arch

Devils Garden, Utah

Quite interesting area to see. This is just 30 minutes to 1 hour walking not really a hike, but great place to admire the monument. It is in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, but this Devils Garden is additional protected area as Devils Garden Outstanding Natural Area. Usually there is not many signs along Hole-in-the-Rock road even at the parking area, but this one has even restroom.

The book I checked "100 classic hikes UTAH" says this Devils Garden hike can be either the first introduction to Escalante, or stop point after long hike. We did as latter. We had a big day hiking into Golden Cathedral (10 mile hike with 20 mile rough road drive), then checked out this garden. That is why the pictures above show evening sky.

This small area somehow concentrates the sandstone arches, mini-spires/towers.  These shapes are kind of bizarre and eerie. Mysterious and even I feel strange. In that sense, I feel like I was in the different world. That I often feel when I am in the Escalante area. Maybe that is the reason this is called Devil's garden? Love it.