Bridges, Monstrous to Miniature

Hickman Natural Bridge is a popular hike in Capitol Reef National Park, and Sundays are usually busy days in the park, but we got lucky and found a parking spot right next to the trailhead. The trail itself was not terribly busy, and maybe it was the colder weather or the light rain that would occasionally come down, but we met very few people on the trail. Our friends, Tom and Justine, took me along for this hike, and I appreciate Tom staying with Suki and Cassie, since they are not allowed on the trails.

The trail starts sandwiched between the high cliff on one side and the Fremont River on the other. Stairs made of rock and switchbacks on the trail helped us rise quickly from the river valley into the rocky bluffs above. After climbing a bit, the drainage that the trail was in widened. When we looked up, there was a miniature arch in front of us. We thought this couldn’t be our destination, because it was only 15 feet across and short enough that I had to crouch down to go inside it. It definitely was not the Hickman bridge, but it was a nice place to explore and take some photos before the next section of climbing. Inside this cavern was a small fern plant growing in the wall. I have no idea how it got there or how it survives with no soil, and not much water, but it seems to be managing just fine in its little spot.

Back on the trail, we encountered several places where the water has scoured deep holes into the sandstone. These tiny alcoves would make a great shelter for small animals. There was one that was large enough for a small person to climb into. It had a cave-like opening, but was really only deep enough for one person to kneel inside. Justine and Tom found another alcove that was shaped just right to sit inside, kind of like a hanging chair. They both tried it out before we continued, saying it was actually very comfortable.

Around the next corner the valley opened up and at the top of the waterway we saw the Hickman Bridge. We continued on the trail as it looped underneath. As we got closer to it, we could get a real sense of its size. It spans 133 foot and the rock of the arch itself is wide and tall. It is not a delicate arch by any means and in fact, looks massively heavy and imposing, but I guess that is how it has survived all this time. We saw where large pieces of rock have broken off, but it still stands strong. The bridge is named for Joseph Hickman, who was one of the early advocates for protecting Capitol Reef, and as a legislator helped preserve it as a state park before it became a national monument and eventualy a national park.

Under the bridge you could see shallow, almost brittle layers of rock in some areas. While looking around, my eye was caught by some small shelves in the rocks. They had windows and columns separating them, and were almost right under the bridge

We followed the loop from the backside around the adjoining rock outcropping until we returned to the trail that led us up the hill. There was a great overlook of the valley below as we traveled this loop. We only got wet a few times from the rain as we descended the slope back down. It was a cool rain, but even with the lower temperatures, it was refreshing.

Tom and I, with the girls in tow, took another hike today. We were not sure if we wanted to go again today, after getting worn out and still aching from the hike yesterday, but decided to get out and see one more thing while we are here. It did not have much elevation gain, but it was mostly in the sun, had deep, loose sand for a walking surface, and it wore everyone out again. A short nap and an easy supper rounded out the evening. Tomorrow is a travel day, so some good rest tonight is in order. I appreciate all the good weather we have had while staying here, even though it has been chilly in the mornings.

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