Our hike to Hickman’s Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah was in October 2020. We were actually planning on just driving through Capitol Reef on our way from Moab to Bryce Canyon but saw a photo of Hickman’s Bridge and decided it would be worth stopping for and hiking to.
Location
Capitol Reef is located in south central Utah. From Moab, we headed North on 191 to I-70 and headed west until we reached 24 W which we turned south on. 24 W took us directly through Capitol Reef National Park and passed by the Hikman Bridge Trailhead. It took us a little over 2 hours to drive from Moab.
About Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef is a smaller park in Utah but it is very beautiful, green and lush. You can follow this national park link for more information on Capitol Reef. There is a historic town here called Fruita. There also is a historic orchard where you can pick fruit when allowed. You can read about the orchard here and you can read about the town of Fruita here. We did not have the time on this particular trip to see the town or pick fruit. It would have been fun and interesting though.
Hikman’s Bridge Trailhead
We came across the trailhead to Hickman’s Bridge shortly after entering Capitol Reef National Park and found it to be moderately crowded. The parking lot was full so we parked along the road as we saw others had done.
The Trail
The trail to Hickman’s Bridge is well marked and well maintained. It was a good trail and easy to walk on. There was elevation gain with steps and incline quite a bit of the way up. The path is dirt and occasionally rock but not slick. At one point there was sand to trek through but not for long. The Hickman Bridge trial has a moderate rating. It is a 1.8 mile out and back trail with a loli-loop following under the bridge. It took us one hour and 15 minutes. We stopped and chatted with a some people and took photos so I would think an hour is enough time to budget for this trail.
Hickman’s Bridge
The Bridge itself was quite spectacular. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out we could walk under it. I also thought the trail itself was scenic and enjoyed both the climb up and back.
Capitol Reef on the Way Out
We stopped at the Visitor Center and debated on taking the scenic drive from there as the rangers told us the trees were beautiful at this time. Instead we decided to take a few photos on our way out and continue on our way. We had plans to hike Peek-a-Boo and Spooky slot canyons before we ended in Bryce Canyon for the night. This turned out to be a good decision as we would have been cutting it too close to night fall while visiting the slot canyons had we stayed longer at Capitol Reef.
Conclusion
Capitol Reef National Park and Hickman’s Bridge are both gems that do not get the attention or visitors the more popular Utah parks and areas do. Much less crowded. Even though the park is smaller, there is still plenty to do here and I would not hesitate coming back again. We at least were able to see the park and get a taste of it!
Click the Below Links for More of My Utah Posts:
Hiking the Navajo and Peek-A-Boo trail in Bryce Canyon, Oct 2020
Sunrise and Sunset at Bryce Canyon, Utah, Oct 2020
Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons Near Escalante, Oct 2020
Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, Utah, Sept 2020
So beautiful!!
I’m having vacation withdrawal each time I write a post!! lol
I get it. But what memories
Yes! I’ll get over it, I always do! Just need some sunshine and a good walk!!
I’ve also done this lovely hike. In retrospect, I wish we had gone for Cassidy Arch instead or also.
Not that anyone asked, but the difference between a Natural Bridge and an Arch is that a Bridge is formed by flowing water, and an Arch is formed by wind and/or freeze – thaw.
We thought about Cassidy also but pressed for time… I did not know that about Arches and bridges!! Thanks for the information!!!
Although we didn’t hike in Capitol Reef, we drove through as much as we could. Lovely scenery, especially in the fall. In fact, all our Utah parks are spectacular. Great photos in this post!
Thanks! It is a pretty park!
Utah has so many unique canyons, rock formations and hikes. We did not have time for this one when we visited Utah and Arizona. Thanks for sharing. Allan
We could have spent a lot more time in Utah but unfortunately Steve only took 2 weeks off work , which is actually more than he usually takes!!
It’s a good idea to highlight Capitol Reef National Park, it has all the ingredients of the other landscapes of the region.
It was a very nice park!
Great photos as always! Why are the red & tan rocks so compelling and spectacular? Looking at them creates such longing to be there in person, breathing that air. I’m not much of a hiker if it involves up and down. 🙂 Several years ago my husband, son and I were out in both Bryce and Zion. We did the trails on horse and mule. Simply stunning. All of them.
I agree, there is a pull to return to this area!! So unique!! I have not tried mules or horses yet! Not sure my husband would like that!! Lol
Love the National Parks in Utah!
that is a cool set of rock formations. I like the part of the trail that has the steps – makes it look like at least that part was easy hiking… 🙂
It was actually a really fun trail!!
Thanks for the pics! My mother spent a week camping nearCapitol Reef a few years ago and couldn’t stop raving about how unique it was. She said it was one of the highlights of their three month trip.
Your mother is right! Capitol Reef is very unique! Wish we had more time there! Thanks for reading and commenting!