Overview
Cassidy Trail is 9 miles long. It starts on Route 12 in Red Canyon and heads north going beyond the junction with
Losee Canyon Trail to end at Casto Canyon Trail. Rich Trail is 2 miles long. It starts in the southern parts of Cassidy Trail and goes parallel to it. The loop described here will take you from Route 12 in Red Canyon north to Brayton Point on the southern rim of Losee Canyon. It then goes south to Ledge Point to give you a good view of Red Canyon before returning to Route 12.
The 19th century outlaw
Butch Cassidy is said to have hidden in this area after a brawl in the nearby town of Panguitch.
Map |
Getting There
From the intersections of Routes 89 and 12 (6 miles to the southeast of Panguitch, UT), drive more than 4 miles east on Route 12. Between mile markers 4 and 5 (west of the tunnels) look for trailhead on the north side of the road. Make sure you do not mistake this trailhead with “Butch Cassidy Draw” on the east side of the tunnels.
Route Description
Place | Elevation | Distance |
Trailhead | 7300 ft | zero |
Brayton Point | 7880 ft | 2.15 miles |
Ledge Point | 7850 ft | 0.95 miles |
Back to trailhead | 7300 ft | 2.20 miles |
Total | - | 5.30 miles |
Trailhead |
When I was in the area, the trails were well signed. Follow Cassidy Trail north at the bottom of a valley among the red hills.
After 0.80 miles, you will reach the signed junction with Rich Trail on the left. Continue straight on Cassidy Trail.
The trail makes a few turns and goes up to reach the top of a plateau where you will find tall trees (You will go past 2 other signed intersections with Rich Trail. Continue on Cassidy Trail).
At 2.15 miles you will reach Brayton Point. You will suddenly find yourself 400 vertical feet above the bottom of Losee Canyon. The views are spectacular.
Cassidy Trail continues north. To do the loop described here you must retrace your way back south to the intersection with Rich Trail and then follow Rich Trail south to reach the intersection with Ledge Point Trail.
Follow Ledge Point Trail south a short distance to the end of it at Ledge Point where you will have good views of Red Canyon more than 500 feet below.
Head back north to Rich Trail, follow it east to Cassidy Trail and turn south to return to trailhead.
Red Tape
No Fees or permits needed for day hikes.
For all rules and regulations contact:
Powell Ranger District-Dixie National Forest
Panguitch, UT
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Forecast.