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Hickman Bridge Trail

Torrey, UT

Nature

A 3 km return trail in Capitol Reef climbs to a 40 m natural bridge above the Fremont River. The trailhead is right on Utah 24, which crosses the park free of charge.

The Hickman Bridge Trail is a hiking route in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, near Torrey, to Hickman Natural Bridge. The Kayenta sandstone bridge spans a dry wash, has a span of about 40 metres (133 feet) and is roughly 38 metres (125 feet) high. It is named after Joseph Hickman, a school superintendent and later member of the Utah legislature.

The trail begins on Utah State Route 24, first follows the Fremont River up steps and then climbs in switchbacks; according to the national park it is moderate and about 2.9 kilometres (1.8 miles) round trip, and Fodor's reckons about two hours. Along the way you see petroglyphs, a granary and a pit house. At the fork keep left for the bridge; the right branch is the steeper climb to Navajo Knobs. The path goes under and around the bridge.

Utah juniper, pinyon pine and prickly pear grow along the trail. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, and you should expect company. Bighorn sheep and mountain lions live in the area; stay alert.

Nearest town
Torrey, UT
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
38.2883, -111.2280

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and September. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Sources

Featured in these trip guides

Nearby

Campsites nearby

  • Fruita CampgroundMotorhome stopover
    1 mi from Hickman Bridge Trail · 71 pitches
    TentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposal
  • Wonderland RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    10 mi from Hickman Bridge Trail
    TentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
  • Singletree CampgroundCampsite
    10 mi from Hickman Bridge Trail · 31 pitches
    TentsCaravansToiletsWaste disposal
  • Thousand Lakes RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    12 mi from Hickman Bridge Trail
    TentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
  • Oak Creek CampgroundCampsite
    15 mi from Hickman Bridge Trail · 9 pitches
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
  • Sunglow CampgroundCampsite
    16 mi from Hickman Bridge Trail · 7 pitches
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets

All campsites in Utah · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Hickman Bridge Trail?

Hickman Bridge Trail is in Torrey, UT, at GPS 38.2883, -111.2280. It is about 28 mi from Boulder.

Can you camp near Hickman Bridge Trail?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fruita Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 16 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Hickman Bridge Trail?

Hickman Bridge Trail is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: San Rafael Swell and Goblin Valley to Capitol Reef.

What is there to see near Hickman Bridge Trail?

Places worth a stop nearby: Capitol Reef National Park (1 mi), Fruita Campground (1 mi), Little Wild Horse Canyon (31 mi) and Lower Calf Creek Falls (33 mi).

When is the best time to visit Hickman Bridge Trail?

The most pleasant months are usually May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

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