Bridge over "the Reef": Hickman Natural Bridge (Capitol Reef NP, Utah) [ 1:17 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
The hardest thing about Hickman Bridge trail was the heat. The trail was only two and a half miles round trip. It was rated “moderate” and had no major elevation changes, but the arid July temperature and intense Utah sun slowed us down to a more measured speed. Teamwork and a moratorium on “Wow, is it hot!” helped, as did sipping freely from our ice water-filled Camelbaks.
The landscape hit “surreal” fairly quickly. Sparse greenery. And no water in “the Reef” once we left the Freemont River near the trailhead, but the erosive marks of water were everywhere around us:
Caves, canyons and Swiss-cheesed boulders… Swirled cliff faces, both smoothed and pocked across the same space… The ever-present “signature” white domes in the distance…
And, Hickman Natural Bridge itself, Kayenta Formation sandstone that once straddled an erosive stream…
The arch, Hickman Natural Bridge, spans a dramatic 133 feet from a height of 125 feet above the trail that slips beneath it. No man chiseled it, but its Artistry is evident. And it is Inspiration in the middle of nowhere…
Excellent, Heather
I like the surveyors pin and the $250 fine mentioned, which would have been a fair amount in 1947 — assuming the pin has been there that long.
Amazing! no engineering could beat natures.
Hi heather, nice to read your blog about Utah and its wonderful attraction. Last month i had visit to this park. I just got amazed by Nature’s creativity.
What beautiful and dramatic landscape photos, Heather!!! Jeff has to travel with me to Utah one day. I can’t wait to see this firsthand!!! The colors and heights and shapes and swirls are awe inspiriing. FANTABULOUS post!!!
That must have been a tough hike with the relentless heat. Sometimes the mailbox seems miles away when the humidity is high. You are a trooper to endure that weather.
Hugs, JJ
Beautiful shots. I closed my eyes and imagined I was there with you guys. I could feel the heat and taste the cold water on my lips. Nicely done…
Thanks Jean-Luc. I’ve been running snow-dusted trails this week and am really missing those hot days in Utah!
Delmer: I’m not sure how (or why?) one would go about incurring that $250 fine. ~Too hot to make that much of an effort! But, it fit nicely in the camera lens.
Sadia: True words! ~And personally, I find a natural sandstone arch a bit more inspiring than an urban bridge…
Thank you Megalead11. Capitol Reef is one of the least visited of the national parks. Gorgeous landscape; no crowds… you can’t really beat that!
JJ: When you’re doing something you love to do, the weather is such a minor factor. ~ Which explains all the shivering parents at soccer games …and you and Jeff hiking in the frigid cold through Michigan winters!
Intrepid: I’ve done the same thing with your Hawaii and Australia posts! I want to go everywhere. If I have to wait awhile for some destinations, I’m grateful to share the experiences of my friends!
That first photo is spectacular.
The high heats devastate me so much more now I’m older. They never used to touch me, but my last trip to Egypt just about did me in.
awesome !
the dreamland !
Superb photos really capture this natural wonderland – the red dust, the heat, the beauty…
Suzanne: I loved reading about your amazing Egypt trip and am glad you were able to share the highlights amidst your temperature challenge.
We debated our preferred weather “extreme” the other night as we braved a cold evening at our annual “Columbus Zoo Lights”. Hannah and I opted for heat; the boys were unanimous in choosing the cold. Unscientific, but interesting, nonetheless.
Aminhers: Yes. That’s the word. “Dreamland.”
Mark: Thank you, sir. ~Kind of wish I were back there now; we’re stuck in rainy, cold and dreary here in Ohio for the moment.
Enjoy the new look. I loved the information. Thanks for your nice blog post.
Thank you, Normand! Me too (new look). And we’re aiming for another great hiking trip this June ; )