Natural Rock Arches in Capitol Reef National Park

The most famous natural arch in Capitol Reef is Hickman Natural Bridge. The self-guided nature trail to Hickman Bridge is a short and moderate two-mile round-trip. Find the trailhead parking lot two miles east of the visitor center on Highway 24.

On the way to Hickman, you’ll pass by a Fremont pit house ruin, Fremont granary, and another arch, the small Nels Johnson Natural Bridge. Once you cross under the Hickman Natural Bridge, continue down the trail to the Fremont River Overlook.

Another popular rock arch is Cassidy Arch. You can see the arch from a pull-off on Capitol Reef’s Scenic Drive. As you’re driving south from the visitor center, watch the canyon tops on the left. Physically fit park visitors with no fear of heights can hike to the arch on the 1.7-mile one-way strenuous and steep trail. The trailhead is on the Grand Wash Trail near the lower entrance of Grand Wash.

Other popular arches include:

• Bear Canyon Arch
• Boomerang Arch
• Bow String Arch
• Brimhall Arches (upper and lower)
• Cap Arch
• Cherrios Double Arch
• Cohab Canyon Arch
• Dome Arch (Lower)
• Frying Pan Arch
• Muley Arch
• Oyster Shell Reef Arch

Learn more about natural arches

Need a map? Download an official Capitol Reef National Park map for basic road and attraction locations. For a detailed, topographic trail map, buy the NatGeo Trails Illustrated Map for Capitol Reef National Park at REI.com. The map includes trails, trailheads, points of interest, campgrounds, lakes and much more. Or get the complete Utah National Parks Map Pack with five topographic maps. All of the NatGeo maps are printed on waterproof, tear-resistant material.

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