Frying Pan Trail
The Frying Pan Trail across high ridgetops can be hiked from either the Grand Wash trailhead or the Cohab Canyon trailhead, and acts largely as 2.9-mile connector between Cohab Canyon and the Cassidy Arch Trail.
Plan Around Frying Pan Trail
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Frying Pan Trail Details
The Frying Pan Trail, which runs across high ridgetops, can be hiked from either the Grand Wash trailhead or the Cohab Canyon trailhead, and acts largely as 2.9-mile connector between Cohab Canyon and the Cassidy Arch Trail. While it can be hiked from either end, the views are better if the trail is followed from south to north. To begin the hike, park your car at the end of the Grand Wash Road, and for .2-mile, follow Grand Wash. Hikers will turn left at the sign indicating the start of the Cassidy Arch Trail, which gains 600 feet of elevation over a mile, making for nice views down Grand Wash. The trail forks a little over a mile from the trailhead; veer left to walk .5-mile to Cassidy Arch, or veer right to begin the Frying Pan route. Just over a mile past this junction, the trail reaches the hike's high point, offering sweeping panoramic views. To the north, there's a white band of Navajo domes, and to the northwest, views of Fruita are partially blocked by a rim of Kayenta sandstone. The trail begins a mile-long descent here into Frying Pan Canyon, a steep ravine with red-orange walls. After the final drop into Frying Pan Wash, hikers have another .8-mile to reach Cohab Canyon. With the Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch Trail bits, as well as the final mile in Cohab Canyon to the trailhead, the hike becomes 5.2 miles one-way so those who wish to avoid the hike back should arrange for a shuttle.
Difficulty
High
Distance
2.9 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Frying Pan Trail
Compare nearby parks around Frying Pan Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Frying Pan Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Frying Pan Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.2 mi away
Grand Wash Trailhead (Scenic Drive)
The Grand Wash Trailhead, which has parking and restrooms off Scenic Drive, is one of two trailheads for this relatively flat and easy trail.
0.6 mi away
Cassidy Arch Trail
The 1.7-mile one-way Cassidy Arch Trail shares a trailhead with Grand Wash Trail, and offers a view of the eponymous Cassidy Arch, named for legendary outlaw Butch Cassidy.
0.8 mi away
Cassidy Arch
Cassidy Arch is named after the legendary outlaw Butch Cassidy (of Sundance Kid fame), who was reputed to have had a hideout nearby.
1.1 mi away
Oyler Mine
Around the turn of the 20th century, deposits of uranium were discovered here in the bottom layer of the Chinle Formation rock.
1.2 mi away
Grand Wash Road
The Grand Wash spur road begins at 3.5 miles along the park's main road, Scenic Drive.
