Hickman Bridge is one of the highlights of Capitol Reef - a large, elegant natural arch in a scenic side canyon high above the Freemont River, surrounded by the great white domes of Navajo sandstone that characterise the national park. It is quite easily reached, by just a 1.2 mile hike from UT 24, and receives s steady stream of visitors, some of whom continue up the linked Rim Overlook Trail, a steeper, 2 mile path that climbs westwards to a summit at 6,900 feet with panoramic views over the reef and river valley.
Hickman Bridge Trail: The trailhead is at a parking area two miles east of the visitor center turn-off, just beside the point where UT 24 crosses from the south to the north side of the river. A NPS brochure is available, describing 18 numbered points of interest. The route is along the river bank for a short while, up the cliffs (400 feet elevation gain) and across an open area then down into a shallow canyon. The bridge is half a mile further, at the head of the canyon and has an quite an impressive setting. It is comparable in dimensions to the three of arches of Natural Bridges National Monument, with a 130 foot span and 125 foot height.
Views: The far end of the path loops under the bridge and there are plenty of different vantage points allowing photography from a variety of angles. Just beyond is a good overlook of the Freemont River valley and distant lands to the west. All around are eroded rock formations of many colours, with larger domed summits in the distance. The round trip to Hickman Bridge and back (2 miles) takes less then one hour.
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