Cassidy Arch Canyon

Jeremy Dye
Jeremy Dye
Date 2013-02-23
Distance 3.6 km2.2 mi
Duration 1h:54m
Photos 100
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We decided to do Cassidy Arch Canyon to see if it was appropriate to take the boy scouts on. Turns out it isn't a good canyon for scouts, but it is an awesome canyon and a whole lot of fun.On the trip were Jeremy Dye, Ray Schofield, Tracy Nielson, and Zac Nielson.We got to the trailhead at around 10:00 and finished at 2:45 for a total trip time of 4 hours 45 minutes. We didn't push ourselves super hard, but we didn't waste a lot of time either.Cassidy Arch Canyon is an extension of the popular Cassidy Arch hike. Hike up Grand Wash for 0.2 miles until the Cassidy Arch trail splits off to the left.A rock sign where Cassidy Arch Trail splits off from the Grand Wash trail. The elevation at the arch is not really 6,350 ft. It is more like 5,970 ft.The trail climbs quite steeply at first and has several switchbacks.At 1.25 miles, you'll come to a trail junction. The Frying Pan trail continues to the right toward Cohab Canyon and the campground. Take the left fork toward Cassidy Arch.The trail soon crosses slickrock where rock cairns mark the trail.At 1.5 miles, you'll reach the top of Cassidy Arch. If you feel like it, you can walk out on top of Cassidy Arch.There is a good tree to anchor to on the far left of the picture below.Cassidy Arch.Rappel #1We set up a 2-ring retrievable sling around the tree. The rappel is about 140' tall.Ray rappelled down first.Zac was second down.Tracy went third.Cassidy Arch from below.By this point it was snowing, so Ray set up a handline over to the top of the second rappel.Rappel #2Rappel #2 is a 140 ft rappel off a 2-bolt anchor on the right. The rock is pretty steep here, so we all clipped in.It all ended up being a jumbled mess, but we got through it.Another view of Cassidy Arch from below.Rappel #2 drops you into a fun cave-like canyon.Ray pulling the rope at the bottom of Rappel #2.Rappel #3Rappel #3 is a 2-stage rappel. The first drop is about 10 feet, and I just handlined it. Then you walk about 20 feet before dropping another 20 feet through a natural bridge. I handlined the second drop too.Zac at the top of Rappel 2 part 1.The walking section between rappels.Arch #2 from above. The second part of rappel #2 goes through this natural bridge.Tracy and Ray waiting for thier turn to rappel.Arch #2 from below.Rappel #4Rappel #4 is listed as being from a cairn anchor on some other guides. However, there are now 2 bolts here.The first part is a skinny squeeze through some rough rock.Then there is a 15 foot drop.Tracy standing at the bottom of Rappel #4We stopped and ate a quick lunch here before moving on.About 20 feet past the bottom of Rappel #4 is a short 7 ft down climb that is very easy.Then the canyon merges with another canyon coming from the north. Take a right and continue down canyon.Rappel #5Rappel #5 is a 50 ft rappel from a 2-bolt anchor.Rappel #5 drops through Arch #3 and is spectacular.Rappel #6Rappel #6 is the most difficult rappel to locate. When you get to the top of a large drop and can see a wooden bridge below, back up and climb the ledge on your left.Zac (yellow backpack) is at the start of the cable traverse, and Ray (orange backpack) is at the end.Ray going down Rappel #6Tracy going down Rappel #6The cable traverse.Zac going down Rappel #6An old wooden bridge helped original explorers enter Cassidy Arch Canyon from below. There are also several steps carved into the rock next to the bridge.Rappel #7Rappel #7 is a 40 ft rappel off a tree.Ray going over the lip of Rappel #7.Jeremy at the top of Rappel #7.At this point the canyon levels out with just boulder to navigate around.You soon reach the Grand Wash road and road walk abould half a mile back to the car.Looking back, you can barely make out Cassidy Arch through the snow.

Here's where I throw in a shameless pitch for my website. Visit http://dyeclan.com/outdooractivities/canyoneering/cassidy-arch-canyon/ for this trip report. Or go to http://dyeclan.com/outdooractivities/  for hundreds of other outdoor activities.

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