Much of Southern Utah is still vast, and untouched – a landscape where it’s easy to imagine what it was like when this place was the Wild West. Notorious bank robbers like Butch Cassidy could run from the law and hide out for months in this red rock country. There’s a hiking trail in Capitol Reef National Park that takes you through some of the same spots where Cassidy once roamed. Check out the Grand Wash Trail:
Utah’s least-visited park is an underappreciated gem full of wonders just waiting to be discovered.
Capitol Reef National Park/Facebook
Believe it or not, this 241,904-acre landscape was once the place where bank robbers and murderers fled to escape the law of the Wild West. Most notably, Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch once roamed this land.
James Catalfano/Alltrails Butch Cassidy’s most famous hideout is Robber’s Roost, which is just east of the park, near Hanksville.
Take the Grand Wash Trail, where you can explore places where Butch Cassidy himself may have walked back in the 1800s. It’s an easy hike that takes you through a beautiful gorge.
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The trail is 4.4 miles long, out and back, and it has an elevation change of less than 450 feet, so you won’t be slogging uphill. You will be stopping to take photos all along the way, because this place is just gorgeous.
James Catalfano/Alltrails
Grand Wash is part of the Waterpocket Fold, and the rock formations through this gorge are absolutely amazing. Make sure to check the forecast or check with a park ranger before you hike; flash flooding can be deadly.
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You’ll see a junction for the Cassidy Arch trail, and if you’re up for a little bit of a climb, it’s well worth it. To reach the arch, you’ll ascend up out of the canyon 400 feet.
James Catalfano/Alltrails
Cassidy Arch was named after Butch Cassidy, and it’s a large arch that’s definitely picturesque. You’ll want to spend a little bit of time exploring it before heading back to the Grand Wash Trail.
James Catalfano/Alltrails
Can you imagine Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch hiding out from the law here?
James Catalfano/Alltrails To reach the trailhead, start at the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center. Take the Scenic Drive for 3.5 miles, and turn onto Grand Wash Road. The trailhead is clearly marked at the end of the road, and there’s a small parking lot.
Learn more about Capitol Reef National Park on the National Park Service’s website, and check out the park’s Facebook page to see special events and other happenings.
Capitol Reef National Park/Facebook
James Catalfano/Alltrails
Butch Cassidy’s most famous hideout is Robber’s Roost, which is just east of the park, near Hanksville.
GabyVM/Tripadvisor
BradJill/Tripadvisor
To reach the trailhead, start at the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center. Take the Scenic Drive for 3.5 miles, and turn onto Grand Wash Road. The trailhead is clearly marked at the end of the road, and there’s a small parking lot.
Looking for another easy Utah hike? Check out this hike that takes you through an enchanting forest.
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