If you have kids, you know how tough it can be to motivate them to enjoy hiking. Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park is one of those rare gems that has plenty to keep little hikers interested. The hike is short, the scenery is top notch, and there’s lots of nooks and crannies to explore.
Hickman Bridge
Hickman Bridge is a large, natural bridge located two miles east of the visitor center in Capitol Reef National Park. The bridge is an impressive 133 feet across and 125 feet high, nestled among spectacular red rock cliffs. The bridge is easily one of the top scenic features to see in the Waterpocket Fold.
The Hike
What makes Hickman Bridge so great for kids is that it’s short at only 2 miles round trip. Still, the hike isn’t “easy” for little legs. The trail starts steep with lots of big rock steps to navigate. But once it levels out, the hike becomes fun as the trail enters the canyon. There’s slickrock, small caves, and mini slots that my 4-year-old loved to squeeze into.
On a recent hike, the bridge itself was a good motivator for my boy. I jazzed him up by telling him that it was a “giant’s bridge” where massive beasts used to use the bridge to get across the canyon and sleep under its shade.
Once at Hickman Bridge, it did not disappoint. Both me and my wife were transfixed by the natural rock bridge and spent time beneath it taking photos.
The trail continues beyond the bridge and wraps back around to the main trail for a sort of lariat loop.
Getting There
To get to the Hickman Bridge trailhead, start at the Capitol Reef National Park visitor center and drive east on Highay 24. In 2 miles, turn left into a parking lot with signs showing the way to Hickman Bridge.
For this and many more family-friendly hikes in Capitol Reef, definitely pick up a copy of “Best Easy Day Hikes Capitol Reef National Park” by Brett Prettyman.