The Hickman Bridge, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA

© Tim Fitzharris/Minden Picture

Capitol Reef National Park

You won't find a lot of solitude on the Hickman Bridge Trail, a 2.7-kilometre route in Capitol Reef National Park that leads to this magnificent natural arch. The trail is used by hikers, runners and nature lovers who come for the incredible rock formations, gullies and remnants from the Fremont Culture Native American civilization from the early part of the 20th century. Hickman Bridge itself is one of the best-known geologic features of the park.

Capitol Reef National Park was first established as a national monument in 1937, then became a national park in 1971. The geology of the park is defined by the nearly 160-kilometre Waterpocket Fold, a wrinkle in the Earth's crust that formed around the end of the dinosaur era. Wind, rain and time have eroded the Navajo Sandstone into colourful canyons, buttes and natural arches like Hickman Bridge. The dramatic rock formations make Capitol Reef a favourite destination in the American West.