Expeditions of a Perry: Cassidy Arch Canyon- Capitol Reef National Park

Over the past few years it has seemed that no matter where in Utah we go on the long weekends, we run into large crowds. In fact, this memorial day we went past Arches NP and saw that they had closed the park because it was so busy. We were really looking to escape the crowds and chose Capitol Reef as our destination. After pouring over the map, BluuGnome, and CanyoneeringUSA for days, we settled in on Cassidy Arch Canyon. It was everything we could have hoped for.

Trip Summary:
Adventurers: Kyle P, Kevin P, Nate O, Craig T, Macall T
525 miles- 29 hours
3 hikes- 10 total miles

We camped just outside Torrey. three hammocks and one tent. A blink 182 coverband could be heard playing at some venue in town, so that's how we knew we were still too close to town.

HWY 24 as it heads into Capitol Reef NP is one of the prettiest in the state.

CASSIDY ARCH CANYON
http://www.bluugnome.com/cyn_route/cap-reef_cassidy/cap-reef_cassidy.aspx
7 Rappels, and 3 miles of hiking.

We arrived at the trailhead and, following tradition, immediately began claiming every little arch as our own. Seen here is one of a thousand named "Kyle Arch"

The trail is easy to follow. it heads up grand wash, turns left, and follow the cairns 1.75 miles until the arch is beneath you. Total hike time at a normal pace was just about 40 minutes.

Many rock outcroppings hang over the trail.

Cassidy Arch is where the trail ends, unless you have ropes, and then the adventure is just beginning.
the tree to the left of the arch marks anchor #1.

Rappel #1- Approximately 150 feet. Anchor consisted of webbing and rap rings around the tree to the north of the arch. There was some existing webbing in good shape so we used that as a backup. We had 2 lengths of 200ft rope, so we just used them together.

Nate is good to go for his first rappel ever. nothing like stepping over the edge of a cliff to get your heart racing.

Rap #1 drops the wall next to the arch, and continues down until the canyon narrows into a small spot. no water today in this landing.

the narrow portion of at the end of rap #1-

After the first rappel, a brief 200 foot walk down canyon reveals the bolts on the right side of the canyon. we could see these bolts from the top and they looked precarious, but once we got to them the angle of the cliff was much less worrisome.

Rap #2 heads down a gentle slope, it looks like its only 50 feet but dont stop here! Continue down the slot in the ground it opens into a chamber 140 feet below. total rappel here from top to bottom is 180 feet over two segments.

Macall drops into the slot portion of the end of Rap #2

The chamber at the end of rap 2. from here, you can put away all but 100 feet of rope as the remaining 5 rappels are under 100 feet. Don't bother packing the rope completely, each rappel is within 75 yards of the previous.

Rap 3 drops through another little arch, again, you drop the first 20 feet, walk another 15 and then through the narrow edge and through the arch.

Rap 4 is another narrow squeeze, and drops about 40 feet.

After #4 is a small 8-10ft. drop. We down climbed a log that a previous party had left. No need for ropes here.
At this point, take a moment to branch left and check out the pretty chamber 20 yards up canyon. this is an appealing route for another day.

Head down canyon another 100 yards. we stopped for a quick power bar, if you bring a sandwich this is a great chance to break, and eat before the final three rappels.

The bolts for Rap #5 are again easily visible on the left side. here you rappel 50-60 feet through another very interesting arch. this is my personal favorite from the route.

The arch at rappel 5 is shaped unlike any I've seen before. almost like an elephant with an elevated trunk.
I don't know the name of this arch, but I'd love to find out. until then its elephant trunk arch.

below #5 is a very beautiful little canyon. very narrow. we headed down the sandstone footholds that had been carved in, and crossed the questionable old bridge seen below. rap #6 is to on the cross wall and drops into a grotto that is very cool. I wouldn't skip it again, unless I was pressed for time.

The old footbridge still remains, but its integrity is questionable.
this might have been the most dangerous part of the excursion..

The final rappel is another 100 yards down canyon, and easily found. We used webbing around a tree that had been left, and there is an array of natural anchor options here, as long as you have enough webbing or gear for some ghosting.

An elevated viewpoint to the right of the final rappel.

After the final rappel, keep hard right below the giant boulder to find this cool little cave. there are a variety of places we would consider camping on this route. this cave would be the least susceptible to any flash floods or windstorms. not sure what the NPS would think about us camping here, but we are going to look into it for next time.

LITTLE WILDHORSE CANYON

After Cassidy Arch Canyon, we headed back into Torrey, grabbed some subway, and then headed off to the west. our next hike. Little Wild Horse Canyon.
Little wildhorse is just passed Goblin Valley, is a great hike for families. scenic narrows and a beautiful slot.

Craig looking up for the picture. The narrowest section of canyon lasts a good 3/4 mile in my estimation.

Every time ive done LWH I have encountered water. plenty of people trudge through it, but if you're okay at stemming, you can pass by the water without getting muddy... though it takes a toll on your shoulders and back.

more stemming

and even more stemming.

The sun came into the canyon and gave golden hues and beautiful light to the walls. I wish I would have packed the real camera and a tripod, but the iphone still did well.