3.2
(14)
63
hikers
Hickman Bridge Trail
01:04
2.86km
90m
Hiking
Embark on the Hickman Bridge Trail, a moderate hike that takes you along the Fremont River before ascending past diverse rock formations and panoramic vistas. This rewarding journey covers 1.8 miles (2.9 km) with an elevation gain of 305 feet (93 metres), typically completed in about 1 hour and 4…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Capitol Reef National Park
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
498 m
Hickman Bridge Trail Junction
Highlight • Trail
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Tip by
1.39 km
Hickman Bridge
Highlight • Natural Monument
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1.57 km
Valley View
Highlight • Viewpoint
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2.86 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.77 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
2.77 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,720 m)
Lowest point (1,630 m)
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 10 May
25°C
10°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike the Hickman Bridge Trail?
The hike typically takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes to complete. It's a relatively short route, but the elevation gain contributes to its moderate rating.
Is the Hickman Bridge Trail suitable for beginners?
While rated as moderate, the trail does involve a fairly steep climb at the beginning with stairs and switchbacks. Hikers from lower elevations might find the initial ascent challenging due to the starting elevation of around 5,000 feet. However, it's a popular and rewarding hike for those with a basic level of fitness.
Is the trail a loop or out-and-back?
The trail features a loop section that takes you directly under and around the impressive Hickman Bridge, offering excellent photo opportunities. The overall route is a loop.
What can I see along the route?
Beyond the magnificent Hickman Bridge, you'll encounter diverse geological formations, including sandstone with solution cavities and black volcanic boulders. Keep an eye out for the remains of ancient Fremont pit houses and a granary. You'll also pass a smaller natural bridge, sometimes called the Nels Johnson Natural Bridge, and enjoy panoramic views of landmarks like Navajo Dome, Capitol Dome, and Pectols Pyramid from the Valley View.
What is the terrain like on the trail?
The trail begins with a fairly steep climb featuring stairs and switchbacks. After this initial ascent, it continues with a steady climb through grassy scrub, and you may encounter sections with slickrock slopes and sandy washes. The path is generally easy to follow, marked by rock cairns.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for hiking. Summer can be very hot with little shade, making early morning or late evening hikes preferable. Visiting during these off-peak hours also helps avoid the crowds, as it's a very popular trail.
Is the Hickman Bridge Trail dog-friendly?
No, pets are generally not allowed on trails in Capitol Reef National Park, including the Hickman Bridge Trail. This is to protect wildlife and natural resources.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the Hickman Bridge Trail?
The Hickman Bridge Trail is located within Capitol Reef National Park. While there isn't a specific permit required for this trail, an entrance fee is required to access the scenic drive area of the park, which includes the trailhead. Check the official NPS website for current fee information.
What should I bring for the hike?
Given the lack of shade and potential for heat, especially during warmer months, it's crucial to carry plenty of water. Sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy hiking shoes are also highly recommended.
How can I avoid crowds on the trail?
The Hickman Bridge Trail is very popular. To avoid large groups and the heat, especially during peak seasons, it's best to start your hike early in the morning or later in the evening.
Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Rim Overlook Trail, Navajo Knobs Trail, and Cohab Canyon Trail.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
After experiencing the sunrise at Bryce Canyon in the morning and each completing a (quite strenuous) hike, we continue in our motorhome to Capitol Reef National Park. Since rain is forecast for the next day, we mobilize our remaining energy for an afternoon hike. After a short stretch of shared walking, we each choose our own trail. GTLC60 takes the more challenging Rim Overlook Trail [https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2292747893], while I hike to Hickman Bridge, a huge natural stone bridge. A perfect end to this eventful day! USA 2025: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/3534240
In the morning we started in the direction of Goblin Valley and took a break from hiking at the parking lot (trailhead) to the well-known Hickman Bridge. We had found a parking space and the approx. 3 km long tour was interesting and entertaining. The rock arch of the Hickman Bridge was impressive. If we hadn't eaten one of the famous cakes at Clifford House yesterday, we would certainly have made a short detour today (after all, it's open from 8 a.m.)
The Hickman Natural Bridge is a 125-foot-high natural bridge in Capitol Reef National Park. The formation spans 130 feet, making it one of the largest rock spans in the park. The sandstone bridge was carved 65 million years ago from a geologic formation known as the Kayenta Formation, formed by running water that flowed down the rock fin and eventually broke through the soft shale. The trail runs under and around the natural bridge and is considered moderately difficult by the National Park Service due to the switchbacks and length of the trail.
Almost completely copied from the tour to Cassidy Arch. The difference was that there were a lot more people out there and for a while it ran along a small river, the Frimont River. The loop was also less strenuous. We won in the end and it was just rocks again... but the structure is completely different to Bryce Canyon and also very beautiful. We set off in glorious sunshine, then a bit of wind picked up, which was quite pleasant at 24°C. And the clouds were getting darker and lightning was becoming more frequent, so our return journey went a bit faster than planned. And when we got to the car the sun was back.
Today's hike is the most popular route in this area. While we hardly encountered anyone on the previous hike, we encounter far more people here. The river flows noticeably faster here and is much higher. Capitol Reef is known for its waters, including the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 160-kilometer-long geological fold. This unique structure formed approximately 50 to 70 million years ago during the Laramide Orogeny, a period of tectonic activity that pushed the Earth's crust upward. The rock layers you can see today in shades of red, yellow, and white were formed by hundreds of millions of years of sedimentation and then eroded by the force of water, wind, and ice. The colors are truly all around you. This hike ends at the Hickman Bridge, a naturally formed bridge in the middle of an impressively rugged landscape. A spot that is also incredibly photogenic. The climb up is quite challenging and long, especially in the heat. After about a kilometer, I decided to turn back, even though I was almost there. It didn't feel wise to continue. Tommy, of course, kept going and finished the entire route while I went to cool off in the car with the air conditioning on. It's actually quite funny, because at home I'm the one who walks for miles every day. Tommy normally hates it, but here in a completely different landscape, he does. Now on to our next hotel in Green River. A place we probably would never have ended up without the fire.