Hiking Hickman Bridge Trail, 6/12/2018

Today we left our doggie, Sadie, at home in the air-conditioned RV and headed out to Hickman Natural Bridge Trail in Capitol Reef National Park. Parking for the trail is 2 miles east of the park’s Visitor Center on Highway 24. The trail is rated moderate and is about 2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 400’.  

Initially the trail follows the Fremont River through a sandstone side canyon and then switchbacks take you up to a plateau. Note the dark volcanic rocks strewn about here. The geological history of this region is wild! 

Most of the elevation gain is at the beginning of the hike. About a quarter of a mile in, a sign indicates that Hickman Natural Bridge is to the left and Rim Overlook (views of Fruita and the Fremont River) and Navajo Knobs Trails to the right. 

More dramatic rock formations can be seen at this elevation. 

The trail becomes mostly slickrock and there are lots of interesting rock formations along the way. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for the small Nels Johnson Bridge to the right of the trail. Only 5 feet high, it is one place where you can find some shade along the trail. It feels more like a cave when you explore the area. 

You can choose to hike in either direction on the loop trail that runs under Hickman Natural Bridge (we went right). 

At first the natural bridge seems to “hide” in the rocky landscape...  Can you see it yet?

But once we got closer the dramatic 133’ span of the natural bridge is so impressive.

We continued on the loop trail under the bridge and made our way back to the parking area. 

This was a great scenic hike with parking close to the road and not too strenuous (for us old people). Ha! Be sure to carry plenty of water per person as the arid and hot climate demands it!  

When we returned to the RV, we picked up our doggie, Sadie, for a walk in the Fishlake National Forest a short distance from Sandcreek RV Park (where we are staying). We spent some time exploring a short portion of the Great Western Trail. 

Sadie had a great time looking for lizards and we enjoyed more spectacular views. 

I snapped some photos of the delicate flowers that live in this arid climate. 

Happily fatigued after our adventures today, we returned home for dinner and cocktails!

For additional information about Capitol Reef National Park, go to www.nps.gov/care. For more information about Fishlake National Forest, go to www.fs.usda.gov/main/fishlake.