Hickman Bridge Trail is a 1.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Torrey, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November.
Capitol Reef National Park charges a fee to enter. Fees are $20 per vehicle or $15 per motorcycle. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $10 per person. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $35. The Hickman Natural Bridge trail is a very relaxing and scenic trail in Capitol Reef National Park. A trail brochure - available at the trailhead - points out 17 things to observe along the hike. Notable among these are an indian granary, a small natural bridge called Nels Johnson Bridge, and, of course, Hickman Bridge.
Utah Travel Council, Council Hall, P.O. Box 147420 , Salt Lake City, UT, 84114, Phone: 801-538-1030, travel@utah.com
The Hickman Bridge trail is not difficult and can be completed by any healthy adult or child. No special gear is required other than footwear suitable for walking over rough ground. The hike involves walking approximately one mile each way over a well maintained trail with an elevation gain of 400 feet. The route will require approximately two hours round trip to complete. Much of the route is exposed to the sun and there is little shade available. During hot weather an early morning or evening hike is recommended. Every member of your hiking party should carry at least one liter of water. This hike should be easily accessible year round.
Directions from Capitol Reef Visitor Center: Drive eastward on Highway 24 approximately 1.5 miles to the Hickman Bridge Trailhead.
Third time that I have done this hike and it is still one of my favorites. We got to the parking lot at 8:00 am and we were the only car there. We finished the hike at about 10:15 am and we were still the only car in the parking lot. We had the trail to ourselves the entire time. The weather was perfect and the views were incredible. This is an easy hike for young and old.
Quite a beautiful trail during the winter season. Make sure you go right at the sign for the Hickman loop.
It's a pretty place to see. The hike doesn't have too many surprises, but that arch is definitely massive! For folks looking for a trek that's not too hard but sure looks great, then this one surely won't disappoint. On a cloudy day, the view after the arch is less stellar, though.
Definitely a lot of incline! Bring lots of water because there's only a river at the beginning and that's it Gorgeous views of Capitol Dome and the surrounding area. Lots of places to have lunch at the bridge, which is far more spectacular in person. Saw multiple folks carrying toddlers with them, which seems hard but hey if they can do it so can you.
This hike blew my mind. I honestly didn’t know much about Capitol Reef but chose this trail on a whim. It did not disappoint. The Bridge is massive and such a cool rock feature. Capitol Reef terrain is super unique and like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Short and easy hike but worth it!
This is a don’t miss hike. Be sure to explore the small bridges you can clime on, over and in and the tank in the wash on the way in. Lots of critter caves too and big horn sheep. Nice vista views to go along with a little scrambling. Fun for all levels of abilities. Love all the black lava rocks, they are very concentrated on the ridge. Icy in spots but they covered with sand to make it easygoing. Thank you NPS.
Did this hike 1/9/2021 around 10am and it was a little slick in some places but overall very nice and beautiful trail. We loved it so much the bridge is amazing!
Hiked on 12/28. Started about 10:30am and left about 12:15pm. It was snowing heavily. We wore spikes - more snowy than icy, spikes were helpful. Decently challenging hike uphill to the bridge. Nice view, quick hike, cold and snowy. It was our first park and first hike out of the 5 and a nice way to start our trip.