Utah
Nature|Hiking

Take This Utah Trail To Travel The Same Spots As A Notorious Criminal From The Past

Explore the Grand Wash Trail in Capitol Reef National Park, where Butch Cassidy once roamed, featuring stunning rock formations and historical significance.

Published Jul 31, 2019

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

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.

alt
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.

advertisement
alt
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.

alt
GabyVM/Tripadvisor

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.

alt
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.

alt
BradJill/Tripadvisor

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.

advertisement
alt
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.

alt
James Catalfano/Alltrails

Can you imagine Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch hiding out from the law here?

alt
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.

Looking for another easy Utah hike? Check out this hike that takes you through an enchanting forest.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Utah Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

When it comes to iconic hikes in Utah, Zion National Park is the first place I think of (along with Arches and Bryce Canyon, of course). After all, it's home to some of the most stunning views our state has to offer, and millions of people travel from all over the world each year to revel in its magic. One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

advertisement
alt
AllTrails Kristin Kozelsky

At 3.6 miles long, the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail is by no means the longest hike in the park, but it is one of the most challenging. The out-and-back trail is rated as hard on AllTrails due to its steep ascent. You'll climb over 1,100 feet in a relatively short distance, navigating tight switchbacks before arriving at the final viewpoint known as Scout Lookout.

While the view at the top is definitely the pièce de résistance, you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery along the entire trail. At the beginning, the path crosses the Virgin River on a bridge before paralleling the river for a short time. From there, the ascent begins, and as the scene unfolds before your eyes, it only gets more picturesque with every step you take. With the ancient, majestic canyon walls rising up all around, you'll swear you're looking at a painting or a postcard. That's just part of living in Utah - what a blessing to call such a state home where the scenery is almost too beautiful to be real.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue past Scout Lookout to Angel's Landing, but only experienced hikers should attempt this. Additionally, the trail does not offer much shade, so consider starting either in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat if you're visiting in the warmer months.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you're an avid hiker. The app is an incredible resource with features like 3D flyovers, wrong-turn alerts, and offline map access. Your first week is free, so there's no risk involved in trying it out.

Have you ever embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? What are your favorite iconic hikes in Utah? Tell us in the comments!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

The Completely Free Art Panel Hiding in a Utah Park is a Must-Visit

The Rochester Panel is one of three sites that make up the San Rafael Swell. It's a short and sweet hike to view it.

Published Oct 23, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

The Rochester Panel is one of three sites that make up the San Rafael Swell. Goblin Valley is certainly the most popular out of the three, its surreal rock structures are a beautiful sight. The Wedge’s incredible valleys, canyons, and gorges are so magnificent, that its nickname is the Little Grand Canyon. 

advertisement

But the third site, the Rochester Panel, is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the other two, and that’s a shame! Many believe this rock art to be the most unique rock art in Utah! The hike to reach the panel is only about half a mile, and it’s completely free. 

alt
Michael Fisher/All Trails

With any trail, I’m always going to have my AllTrails + account open before I reach the trailhead. The Rochester Panel trail is mostly well-marked and easy to follow, but it’s always better to come prepared. Especially in Utah’s wilderness. 

The out-and-back-trail clocks in at just shy of one mile with an elevation gain of 98 feet. Like many hiking trails in this area, there is very little/no shade. A wide-brim hat and sunglasses are always part of my hiking essentials, and of course, sunscreen. 

The hike to the petroglyphs is fairly scenic, and overall a moderate hike. Once you read the petroglyphs, prepare to be amazed! These figures were made by many cultures over time, including prehistoric groups all the way up to early settlers. 

It’s a fascinating site to see in person. You could sit here for hours just admiring these drawings. Some of them are 2,000 years old! Pack a lunch, sit for a spell, and think about the first people who marked these rocks. What do you think this area looked like 2,000 years ago?

alt
Ryan Moreau/All Trails

As you’re admiring the petroglyphs, you’ll notice some…modern additions. Since apparently we can’t have nice things, I feel the need to remind everyone not to do this. Do not write on the panels, do not add your initials, and don’t even touch them. Take all the photographs you want, but leave it as you found it so future generations can enjoy it, too. 

Because there’s little shade, I’d recommend viewing the Rochester Panel early in the morning or closer to dusk to avoid that mid-day sun. This is a great trail for the spring and fall, though it’s not impossible to tackle in the winter. You’ll just have to make sure your vehicle can reach the trailhead. 

Share this article with someone you want to visit the Rochester Panel with and start planning your adventure today. 

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Trip Ideas
Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day To Visit This Small Town In Iowa, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Megan Todaro
on Oct 31
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Drive to This Hawaii National Park Unit Is Almost as Beautiful as the Park Itself

by Trent Jonas
on Oct 31
alt
Nature
National & State Parks

The Audubon Important Bird Area in Colorado Where You’ll See More Than 100 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

by Lisa Sammons
on Oct 31
alt
Food

Yeti Dogs: Popping Up Everywhere in Anchorage All Winter Long

by Megan McDonald
on Oct 31
alt
Food
Restaurants

I Can’t Get Over This Mom and Pop Shop That Has the Best Vietnamese Comfort Food in Alaska

by Megan McDonald
on Oct 31
alt