Hickman Bridge Capitol Reef Hike Guide
Hickman Bridge is a short out and back hike located in the heart of Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. This hike is short at just under 2 miles and brings hikers to and under a massive natural bridge. A short but sweet hike, this one is best during the spring, fall and winter months to avoid the summer heat. If you only have time for one quick hike during your trip to Capitol Reef, Hickman Bridge would be my choice. This one is family friendly but does not allow dogs.
Hickman Bridge Quick Facts
Hickman Bridge Rating: ★★★★ (⅘ Stars)
Virtual Trail Guide: Hickman Bridge Capitol Reef National Park
Distance: 2 Miles RT
Elevation Start: 5,344ft
Highest Elevation: 5,714ft
Total Elevation Gain: 440ft
Estimated Time to Complete: 1-2 Hours
Difficulty: Easy What does this mean?
Class: Class 1 – What does this mean?
Season: Year Round – Best in Winter, Spring and Fall
Directions to Hickman Bridge
Trailhead: Hickman Bridge
Getting Here: In between Hanksville and closer to Torrey Utah – take Utah 24 until you enter Capitol Reef National Park and reach the signed trailhead located in a small pull off. I am not sure which direction you are coming from so it’s best to just enter it into your GPS.
Parking: The parking area is a popular one and will often fill up on busy weekends or summer days. However, the lot can fit about 15-20 cars and most hikers are visiting Hickman Bridge which is a shorter hike and has more turnover in the parking lot. The parking area does have a non-plumbing bathroom.
Fee: Read more about Capitol Reef National Park fees here – unlike most National Parks, there is no entrance station to this area of Capitol Reef so you must pay your fees at the visitors center.
Summary
Dogs: Unfortunately, Hickman Bridge is in a National Park so dogs are not able to come with you on almost every hike in the park, including this one.
Camping: Read more about camping in Capitol Reef National Park here.
Make it a Loop: Hickman Bridge is an out and back hike with a small loop towards the bridge itself. If you want to add additional hiking, check out the Navajo Knobs or Canyon Overlook hike for a much longer day. This hike also gives you a unique view of Hickman Bridge as well.
Trail X Factors: Additional Information
When starting your hike you will notice a small guide you can pay for using a 50 cent donation. If you pick this up, you will learn more on this hike and also be directed to some side attractions along the way. In general, take your time to explore the little social trails that extend off the main one, but please always stay on trails that already exist – do not create your own.
Hike Tip(s): Looking for a unique view of the bridge? Backtrack a bit to the Navajo Knobs hike and check out the viewpoint that adds just a few extra miles to this short hike.
Best Views: This hike is beautiful from start to finish with great views of the Capitol Dome, the bridge itself and the stunning area in Capitol Reef National Park.
Hickman Bridge Hike Route
Gear Needed
- Men’s Trail Runners
- Women’s Trail Runners
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men’s)
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Women’s)
- Backpack
- Food & Water
- Map of Area
- Optional: Garmin inReach
- Optional: Hiking Poles
- Optional: Microspikes – only during winter months
- Optional: Garmin Fenix Watch
- Optional: Camera and Lens
- Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod
- *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
Our Trip to Hickman Bridge: November 2021
With no Thanksgiving plans and a low snow year, Jackie, Juno and I decided to head to southern Utah. Our main objective was to head down to Bryce Canyon National Park, but as a spur of the moment addition, we decided to add on Hickman Bridge. Our route took us through Capitol Reef, so we said, why not?
The weather was beautiful, cool and in the 30s with a powerful sun overhead. The hike to Hickman Bridge was straightforward and direct but we really enjoyed this one. If you have the time, I would highly recommend a quick stop to tackle this beautiful hike.
One thought on “Hickman Bridge Capitol Reef Hike Guide”
Mickey, glad to see you made it back to Cap Reef! My wife and I were there right after you were earlier in 2021. I appreciated your Navajo Knobs guide because it’s usually pretty difficult for me to get my wife to do any hikes over 7 or 8 miles and at least she was able to see that it might be worth it. It definitely was! Capitol Reef may be my favorite UT park now; the jury’s still out between it and Zion which we’ll be going back to this summer. A recommendation for next time if you haven’t yet: The Golden Throne. It’s the best bang for the buck in what’s already a hiker’s paradise. Btw, that’s Pectol’s Pyramid across the River/highway that you’re pointing to in the video. The Capitol Dome is due east of Hickman’s. Some of the map labels of the area are quite inaccurate! Happy trails.