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Hickman Bridge

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.2 (57)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southeastern Utah
  4. …Capitol Reef National Park
  5. Fruita / Front Country
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“An incredible trail with sandstone bridges and cliffs and a beautiful view of the valley. ”

Josh Whitmer
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Map Key

1.8

Miles

2.9

KM

Out and Back

5,703' 1,738 m

High

5,340' 1,628 m

Low

393' 120 m

Up

393' 120 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Geological Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

The Hickman Natural Bridge Trail provides a great overview of what Capitol Reef National Park has to offer. Its convenient trailhead, short distance, and wealth of notable points of interest make it a must-do hike.

As the trail climbs gently to its namesake natural bridge it traverses a landscape that is rich with human history. For a thousand years the Fremont people lived along the river at Capitol Reef. Remnants of a Fremont pit house, evidenced by a ring of black stones, can be seen off a short spur trail near the start of the hike. Further along the trail there is a granary tucked high up in the cliffs. The Fremont people constructed granaries to store seeds, squash, corn, and beans. - Overview by Jessica Beauchemin, Outdoor Project

Description

This trail is very well marked, so don't worry about losing your way. The trail follows the Fremont River for the first couple hundred yards. It then takes the majority of the ascent on switchbacks, then up a drainage. At the top of the cliff, proceed along the trail until you come to a fork with a sign. Follow the loop that goes to Hickman Natural Bridge and back. My favorite way to hike this loop is by going to the right first (counter-clockwise).

The trail is hard to follow shortly after the fork, but as the bridge is visible just after the fork, it should be easy to find the trail again after some traversing over sandstone. The sandstone bridge stretches over the trail at the far edge of the loop. Continuing along the trail, you'll come to the edge of the sheer cliffs of the valley, providing some incredible views. The trail then returns to the fork for a quick descent back on the first part of the trail. Or, if you are looking to extend your hike, you can connect to the Rim Overlook Trail for a more difficult out-and-back addition.

History & Background

Hickman Natural Bridge was named after a more recent resident and champion of the area, Joseph Hickman. Hickman was a local school administrator and legislator who recognized the value of the area, then known as "Wayne Wonderland." In 1925, Hickman successfully helped pass a bill setting aside several acres around Fruita as a state park. This paved the way for the eventual formation of Capitol Reef National Park.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Capitol Reef National Park

Shared By:

Josh Whitmer with improvements by C Webster
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 57 votes

#2

in Fruita / Front Country

#227

Overall
  4.2 from 57 votes
5 Star
42%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
19%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Fruita / Front Country

#27

in Utah

#227

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,783 Since Feb 19, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
5%
14%
73%
5%
2%
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Photos

Hickman Land bridge as seen near the bifurcation in the trail.
Feb 8, 2021 near Loa, UT
Hickman Bridge from underneath
Jul 29, 2018 near Loa, UT
Hickman Bridge
Jul 29, 2018 near Loa, UT
Unique rock sightseeing.
Sep 8, 2016 near Loa, UT
Hickman Bridge takes on new beauty at sunset.
Jun 28, 2017 near Loa, UT
The Hickman Bridge is a spectacular formation, and well worth the trouble.
Jan 12, 2016 near Loa, UT

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 27 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 29, 2024
Victoriah Meyer
1.8mi — 1h 30m
Jun 22, 2024
Abhishek K
Apr 15, 2024
Lonny Stern
Nov 25, 2023
Grace Gordon
Nov 13, 2023
Claire Finley
Cool arch, more challenging than expected.
Sep 10, 2023
Elizabeth Nolan
Aug 18, 2023
Matthew Kidd
Jul 20, 2023
Chuck Tracy
round trip, 2.7 miles but we did a lot of off trail meandering..

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