Hickman Bridge Trail Capitol Reef National Park
Hike to a massive natural arch in Capitol Reef, offering stunning desert views and a moderate challenge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Hickman Bridge Trail Capitol Reef National Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to a massive natural arch in Capitol Reef, offering stunning desert views and a moderate challenge.
"The Hickman Bridge Trail is a must-do in Capitol Reef, offering an awe-inspiring natural arch and beautiful desert scenery."
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert sun is no joke! Stay hydrated on this moderate hike.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail has varied terrain and some inclines. Good grip is essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hickman Natural Bridge
End of the trail
Stand beneath this massive 133-foot natural arch for an awe-inspiring experience. It feels like nature's cathedral!
Behind the Bridge Exploration
Trail loop behind the arch
Venture behind the arch for a unique perspective and a slightly more adventurous path back.
Scenic Desert Landscape
Along the trail
Enjoy breathtaking desert vistas and unique rock formations throughout the entire hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Trail Navigation & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert sun is no joke! Stay hydrated on this moderate hike.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail has varied terrain and some inclines. Good grip is essential.
📸 Wide-Angle Lens Recommended
Capture the full grandeur of Hickman Bridge with a wide-angle lens.
🔦 Pack a Flashlight
Signage can be misleading; a flashlight ensures safe return if you hike near dusk.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert sun is no joke! Stay hydrated on this moderate hike.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail has varied terrain and some inclines. Good grip is essential.
📸 Wide-Angle Lens Recommended
Capture the full grandeur of Hickman Bridge with a wide-angle lens.
🔦 Pack a Flashlight
Signage can be misleading; a flashlight ensures safe return if you hike near dusk.
⬆️ Hike Early for Solitude
Arrive before 9 AM to enjoy the trail with fewer people.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hickman Bridge Trail for its beautiful scenery and moderate challenge, making it a highlight of Capitol Reef. The impressive natural arch and the option to explore behind it are frequently mentioned as favorite aspects. Some reviewers note that trail markings can be unclear in certain sections, and distances might be underestimated, advising preparedness for varying conditions.
"Beautiful hike, moderate effort, trail is marked well. Bring water. We saw a bighorn sheep on the opposite rock walls."
Terri Moh
"I went there for a quick run and got done in 28 minutes. It had families and couple spaced throughout the trail. The trail is a 2 mile out and back. There is about 475 feet of elevation gain. Make sure you use wide angle on your pictures at the bridge."
Greg K
"Fun trail but not very well marked. When you get near the top it appears that recent rock falls have forced a change in the path. Ended up hiking down in the dark with flashlights. We had fun, but we enjoy this stuff. Signs are misleading with the distance. I tracked almost 2 miles one way. No pics of the arch since it was dark."
Jason Lever
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hickman Bridge Trailhead is located off the Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef National Park, near the Fruita Historic District. It's a popular starting point, so look for the designated parking area.
Yes, there is a decent-sized parking lot at the Hickman Bridge Trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Public transportation options directly to the Hickman Bridge Trailhead are very limited. Most visitors drive their own vehicles or use tour services.
The main park road and the Scenic Drive are generally accessible for RVs. However, parking at the trailhead itself might be more challenging for very large vehicles.
Capitol Reef National Park is best accessed by car. The nearest major airports are in Salt Lake City (SLC) and Grand Junction, Colorado (GJT), both requiring a scenic drive to reach the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance fee is required to enter Capitol Reef National Park, which includes access to the Hickman Bridge Trail. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online.
Capitol Reef National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers and facilities have specific operating hours, and the Hickman Bridge Trail is accessible during daylight hours.
Park entrance passes can be purchased in advance online through the official NPS website or at park entrance stations upon arrival.
Capitol Reef National Park offers various passes, including an America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entrance fees for all national parks for a year. Check the NPS website for details on senior, military, and other applicable discounts.
To avoid lines, it's best to purchase your park entrance pass online in advance or arrive very early in the morning.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Hickman Bridge Trail is approximately 1.7 to 2 miles round trip and typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the bridge.
The trail is considered moderate. It involves some elevation gain, particularly at the beginning, and can be a bit rocky in places. 
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Hickman Bridge Trailhead, which is convenient for hikers.
Yes, the trail offers an option to loop around and walk behind the Hickman Bridge, providing a unique perspective. Stay close to the wall to follow the path.
Yes, it's a popular choice for families. While moderate, the manageable distance and the reward of the bridge make it enjoyable for most ages.
You might spot desert bighorn sheep on the rock walls, lizards, and various desert birds. Keep an eye out for wildlife, but maintain a safe distance.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
The closest dining options are in the Fruita Historic District, where you can find the Gifford Homestead for pies and snacks. More extensive dining is available in the nearby town of Torrey.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. It's highly recommended to bring plenty of water and snacks, especially during warmer months.
No, there are no food or drink facilities directly at the Hickman Bridge Trailhead. The nearest amenities are in the Fruita Historic District.
Don't miss the famous fruit pies from the Gifford Homestead, especially if you visit during fruit season. They also offer ice cream and other baked goods.
Yes, there are picnic areas within the Fruita Historic District, which is a short drive from the trailhead. It's a lovely spot to enjoy a packed lunch.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the scale of the bridge. A standard zoom lens is also useful for general landscape shots.
Drone usage is restricted in all national parks, including Capitol Reef. Check the official NPS website for current regulations regarding drone operation.
Try shooting from below to emphasize its size, from the sides for a different perspective, and from behind the arch if you take the loop trail.
Absolutely! The entire trail offers stunning views of Capitol Reef's unique geological formations and desert scenery, perfect for landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day. The Fruita Historic District nearby offers a chance to see orchards and perhaps enjoy a famous Gifford Homestead pie, adding another layer of fun for younger visitors. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Consider extending your visit to explore other trails like Cassidy Arch or the Grand Wash, or simply enjoy the scenic drive and the tranquility of the park. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Hickman Bridge Trail
As you ascend, the views of the surrounding Capitol Reef landscape unfold, making the journey as beautiful as the destination. Many visitors note that the trail is well-marked, though some recent rockfalls might make certain sections near the top appear less defined. It's advised to stay close to the canyon walls when exploring the loop around the bridge to ensure you follow the intended path.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, the trail allows you to walk behind the arch and explore the backside, which can be a fun and unique experience. This part of the trail requires a bit more attention to navigation. Many travelers recommend bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the bridge and the surrounding scenery.
Capitol Reef's Underrated Charm
The Fruita Historic District is a charming oasis within the park, known for its historic orchards. Visitors can pick fruit in season or enjoy delicious homemade pies and pastries from the Gifford Homestead.
Many travelers find Capitol Reef to be a more relaxed and less crowded alternative to its more famous neighbors. It's a place where you can truly unplug and recharge, enjoying the quiet beauty of the desert.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit