Enchanted Wanderlust: A Tale of Discovering the Hidden Splendor of Hickman Bridge, Capitol Reef National Park

Enchanted Wanderlust: A Tale of Discovering the Hidden Splendor of Hickman Bridge, Capitol Reef National Park

The morning sun began its ascent, casting a soft glow over the rugged landscape of Capitol Reef National Park. My heart quickened with anticipation as I embarked on a journey that promised to reveal one of the park's most enchanting treasures—the hike to Hickman Bridge Arch. I left the scenic parking lot, nestled along the banks of the Fremont River, and started the uphill journey with excitement to see what beauty nature had in store for me.

hickman bridge arch with morning rays making it glow at capitol reef national park, photo by traveling artist blogger MeganAroon

Fine art Prints of this photo available in my print shop, click on photo

The trail unfolded before me like a secret pathway into the heart of nature's grandeur. A gentle breeze carried the scent of sagebrush, and the crunch of red earth beneath my shoes provided a rhythmic soundtrack to my footsteps. The towering cliffs on either side seemed to whisper tales of ancient times, and the rustle of leaves hinted at the hidden inhabitants of this desert sanctuary.

Views of the towering cliffs on the hike up to hickman bridge at capitol reef national park, photo by traveling artist blogger MeganAroon


As I hiked deeper into the canyon, the red rock walls rose like towering sentinels, their surfaces etched with the artistry of wind and water. The trail meandered through a landscape of stunning diversity, from sun-drenched open spaces to narrow passages where the cliffs almost touched overhead. Each bend in the path revealed a new tableau, a masterpiece painted by the patient hand of time.

red rock walls on hike to hickman bridge at capitol reef national park, photo by traveling artist blogger MeganAroon
the canyon on the hike up to hickman bridge arch at capitol reef national park, photo by traveling artist blogger MeganAroon

The anticipation heightened as the trail led me to the entrance of a sandstone amphitheater, and there, framed against the azure sky, stood Hickman Bridge. Its graceful arch spanned the canyon like a natural work of architecture, a testament to the sculpting forces of erosion that had crafted this marvel over millennia.

hickman bridge arch in the morning light at capitol reef national park, photo by traveling artist blogger MeganAroon

As I approached the base of the arch, the scale of nature's craftsmanship became evident. Hickman Bridge loomed above, its curves and contours creating an elegant silhouette against the vast expanse of the desert sky. The rock, weathered to perfection, displayed a palette of colors—from deep reds to subtle ochres—that shifted and danced with the changing light. I stood in awe of this monolith carved to perfection by the hands of time. I hiked to get views from every minute angle taking photos to memorialize this stunning work of natures prowess in ultimate artistry.

compilation of photos at all angles of hickman bridge arch at capitol reef national park, photos by traveling artist blogger MeganAroon

I found a quiet spot to sit beneath the shade of the arch, allowing the coolness of the stone to envelop me. From this vantage point, I marveled at the intricate details of the rock face. Time had etched patterns and textures, creating a tapestry of geological art that unfolded in every nook and cranny.

I reveled in the joy of having the entire canyon and golden arch to myself. The silence was palatable, broken only by the song of distant birds dancing on the wind, or the rustle of leaves falling onto rocks smoothed by the passage of wind and water through the ages. It was a moment of communion with nature, a silent conversation with the ancient rocks that held the secrets of countless eons.

Hickman Bridge Arch at Capitol Reef National Park, photo by traveling artist blogger MeganAroon

As I lingered beneath Hickman Bridge, time seemed to stand still. I dreaded the hike back, only because I never wanted to leave this wonderous place that transcended time, epitomized by this natural arch, separated from the ordinary of the world outside. It was a reminder that there are places on this Earth where the past and present have sculpted wonders that defy description—a reminder that in the quietude of nature, one can find not only solace but also a profound connection to the enduring beauty of our planet.

As the sun cast a warm glow over the arch, I knew that this journey to Hickman Bridge had become a chapter in my own story. Capitol Reef National Park had opened its heart to me, revealing a tapestry of beauty that would forever be etched in my memory—a testament to the timeless allure of the natural world.

hiking views upon leaving hickman bridge arch at capitol reef national park, photo by traveling artist blogger MeganAroon
To get to the Hickman Bridge Trailhead ~ From the Visitor Center of Capitol Reef National Park, travel east on Highway 24 approximately 2 miles to the signed Hickman Bridge trailhead on the north (left hand) side of the road.  The trailhead has limited parking so get there early!  And there is a pit toilet. The trail was easy to access and follow, and even in areas where I wasn't sure where to go, there were trail cairns to guide this intrepid traveler down the correct path.  Read all about trail cairns in my blog post ~ "Trail Cairns: Nature's Little Helpers on the Hiking Path"
Distance: 1.7 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Elevation gain: 416 feet
Time:1 – 1.5 hours
Hiking style shoes recommended, and hiking poles if you have any issues with walking, especially downhill. 
Sign up for the MeganAroon Newsletter for weekly blog updates
Back to blog

Leave a comment