This last week, we got to spend a few days with friends and family down in Wayne County for Thanksgiving. After completely gorging ourselves with turkey and pie at Thanksgiving dinner, we decided that we better take advantage of the close proximity to Capitol Reef and spend the rest of the afternoon hiking. And Hickman Bridge ended up being the perfect trail!

We had a blast on this short, family friendly hike. The trail is well-tread and easy to follow, with signs along the way to keep you on the right path. The trail is never steep, and many of the inclines have man-made rock staircases to help you make your way up. However, there is minimal shading along the trail, so if you plan to do this in the summertime be prepared with plenty of water.

This hike provided us with some amazing desert scenery, even before we reached the arch. Be sure to take the time to enjoy the views of colored rocks, deep canyons, and unique peaks. At one point along the trail, we found a short “bridge” that formed a sort of cave with the canyon. We had a blast playing around here for a short time. If you choose to do this hike in the summertime, I’ve got a feeling this place would provide the perfect shaded resting spot.

Once you reach the bridge, the trail forms a loop that leads you underneath the arch. This loop provided us with some great perspectives of the arch, and led up to some amazing views. We definitely took our time here, and recommend that you do, too!

Capitol Reef is a truly unique area, and is one of my favorite parks in the state of Utah. While you’re there, be sure to check out some of the other trails in the area. And remember to let us know about your experiences, we would love to hear from you!