Distance: 2.3 miles (one way)
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: No
Water: No
Grand Wash is an easy 2.3 mile (one way) hike in Capitol Reef National Park that brings hikers through a deep canyon with beautifully imposing narrows roughly halfway through the hike. It can either be hiked completely through as a longer hike, or hiked to its narrows and returning to the trailhead after.
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Grand Wash Trail Description
While the trail can be accessed from the Grand Wash Trailhead or the Cassidy Arch Trailhead, the official trailhead for the full wash is along Highway 24. Starting from here, the canyon walls quickly narrow as you enter into the narrows section of the canyon. The trail twists and turns through the snaking sandstone canyon, revealing incredible surprises carved into the walls along the way.
The trail is easy to follow, so venture as far as you’d like, and return to the trailhead you began from when ready.
Elevation and route courtesy of Route Scout
Getting There
From the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center, head east (right) on Highway 24 for 4.5 miles. Look for the trailhead on your right.