Hickman Natural Bridge
133-ft Navajo Sandstone arch—erosion in action beneath Capitol Reef.
Arrive early for parking
Pack extra water
Natural Attraction
From the base, a 133-foot span of Navajo Sandstone arches overhead, a doorway framed by copper-toned walls. The light shifts along cross-bedded surfaces as air thins and the arch reads its color. This is erosion in slow motion—water and wind have trimmed away softer layers for millions of years, leaving a robust bridge to stand beneath. The hike offers a tangible lesson in deep time at human scale.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- From the Scenic Drive's south end, follow Hickman Bridge Trailhead signs; the 2-mile round-trip hike climbs to the base of the arch.
- Distance From Entrance
- Approximately 1.5 miles from the south end of the Scenic Drive.
- Parking Availability
- Small, paved parking area at the trailhead; fills quickly during peak season.
- Peak Fill Times
- Summer weekends; parking fills early.
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Spring and Fall; late-afternoon golden-hour light.
- Best Visit Times
- Spring and Fall; late-afternoon.
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Alpenglow potential; dawn/dusk lighting can illuminate the arch nicely.
- Best Season
- Spring and Fall
- Busiest Season
- Summer; weekends.
- Seasonal Access
- Open year-round with heat considerations; spring and fall favored.
- Weather Patterns
- Desert climate; hot and dry; plan for shade and hydration.
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Geological Formation
- Main Features
- Natural Bridge; 133-foot span; Navajo Sandstone; cross-bedding; erosion.
- What Youll See
- Base viewing area beneath the arch; Navajo Sandstone walls with cross-bedding; desert vegetation and wildlife nearby.
- Unique Characteristics
- 133-foot span; Navajo Sandstone arch; erosion-dominated monument within the Waterpocket Fold region.
- Photo Opportunities
- Golden-hour photos beneath the arch; side-light highlights cross-bedding textures in the sandstone.
- Photography Spots
- Under the arch; along the base; nearby Scenic Drive pull-offs for broader canyon views.
- Best Viewpoints
- Direct base viewing area beneath the arch; additional viewpoints from nearby Scenic Drive pull-offs.
- Common Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, lizards, snakes, and various birds; pinyon jays and Clark's nutcrackers in woodlands.
- Best Wildlife Times
- Bighorn sheep sightings mainly on higher cliffs; times vary.
- Geological Formation Type
- Natural Bridge (Arches)
- Scientific Interest
- Visible erosion processes in a Jurassic Navajo Sandstone context; cross-bedding textures and differential weathering demonstrated to visitors.
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- Varies
- Permits Required
- No
- Restrooms Available
- Yes
- Restroom Type
- Vault toilets
- Picnic Areas
- No
- Water Available
- No
- Cell Service
- Unreliable; download maps offline.
- Interpretive Signs
- Yes
- Accessibility
- Moderate; uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible.
- Accessibility Level
- Moderate; uneven, rocky terrain; not wheelchair accessible.
- Nearby Services
- Vault toilets; no potable water; limited services at the trailhead.
- Nearby Facilities
- Vault toilets at trailhead; no potable water.
- Family Friendly Notes
- Steady footing required; keep children close near the edge; bring water for all ages.
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- Desert hiking requires hydration and sun protection. The trail is uneven and exposed; there are no barriers at the bridge—stay on the path and supervise children.
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Waterpocket Fold viewpoints along Scenic Drive; other Capitol Reef hikes accessible from Hickman Bridge Trail.
- Connecting Trails
- Hickman Bridge Trail connects to other Capitol Reef hikes; Scenic Drive provides additional viewpoints.
- Trailheads Here
- Hickman Bridge Trailhead
Planning advice
- Insider Tips
- Arrive early for parking
- Pack extra water
- Download offline maps
- Look for cross-bedding textures in Navajo Sandstone
- Tips Advice
- Start early to beat heat and parking crowds
- Bring 2–3 liters of water per person
- Wear sturdy, grippy shoes for uneven sandstone
- Download offline maps; cell service is unreliable
- Stay on the defined trail and keep a safe distance from wildlife
More details
- Park Area
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Elevation Feet
- 6510
- Visitor Center Present
- No
- Guided Tours Available
- No
- Fishing Nearby
- No
- Swimming Allowed
- No
- Boating Allowed
- No
- Climbing Areas
- No
- Review Summary
- Rated 4.8 stars from 507 reviews. Visitors praise the close-up view of the 133-foot arch and the moderate 2-mile round-trip. Expect heat in summer and crowding on weekends, but the trail remains accessible for most hikers.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?
Parking fills quickly in peak season; plan to arrive early or be prepared to park along the Scenic Drive.
Is the hike to Hickman Bridge worth the effort for first-time visitors?
Yes. It’s a moderate 2-mile round-trip with a dramatic 133-foot arch and informative interpretive signs along the way.
Can I bring water and is there potable water at the trailhead?
Potable water is not available at the trailhead; bring all you need for the hike.
Is cell service reliable in Capitol Reef?
Cell service is unreliable; download maps and guides for offline use before you go.
Is the trail accessible for kids or visitors with limited mobility?
The trail is moderate with uneven terrain and is not wheelchair accessible; plan for a slower pace and extra supervision for youngsters.
More at Capitol Reef National Park
Head of the Rocks Overlook
Head of the Rocks Overlook: Slickrock Navajo Sandstone at 5,648 ft with a drive-up view on Scenic Byway 12.
Larb Hollow Overlook
Waterpocket Fold panorama with the Henry Mountains in the distance. Uplift and erosion shaped the scene.
Pioneer Register
Historic names carved into Capitol Gorge walls from 1871 onward. Walk 0.8 miles to see 150 years of explorer signatures.
Bentonite Hills
Colorful striped badlands in gray, red, and purple—Cathedral Valley's remote geology. High-clearance 4WD required.
Capitol Dome
White sandstone fins that named Capitol Reef. Visible from Hickman Bridge Trailhead, especially in late afternoon light.
Fruita Schoolhouse
Restored 1896 schoolhouse where a 12-year-old teacher shaped pioneer children's education.
Sources
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.