Brimhall Natural Bridge Trail

Overview

This is a strenuous, remote out-and-back to a rare double natural bridge tucked deep in the Waterpocket Fold. From Halls Creek Overlook, the route drops steeply into Halls Creek and then winds into Brimhall Canyon to the bridge. Total distance is about 4.6 miles round-trip, but don’t let the mileage fool you—the effort comes from the steep descent/ascent, scrambling, and route-finding.

What You’ll See

The payoff is Brimhall Natural Bridge, a pothole-style double arch sculpted in Navajo Sandstone—striking, unusual, and extremely photogenic. Along the way, you’ll soak up big desert vistas from the overlook, then move through colorful, layered canyon country into a narrower, more rugged drainage. Keep an eye out for old cowboy signatures on the approach—faint reminders of the area’s ranching past.

Trail Experience

Expect a steep, loose descent of over 800 feet in the first 1.5 miles to the creekbed, with limited signage and long stretches of unmarked terrain. Scrambling is part of the fun and the challenge. Potholes in the canyon can hold deep water—after rain or in cooler seasons, you may be wading or even swimming; dry bags for essentials are smart.

Best Time to Hike

March through November is the window most hikers target. Summer heat here is brutal—start very early and avoid mid-day exposure. Flash flood season peaks July–September; do not enter narrow canyons if storms are forecast anywhere in the basin. Shade is limited and natural water sources are unreliable.

Getting There

Access is via Halls Creek Overlook on a rough spur road off Notom–Bullfrog Road. It’s remote, high-clearance/4WD is recommended, and the road can become impassable when wet. Build in extra time for the drive and check conditions before committing.

Tips and Safety

• Navigation matters: carry a topo map/GPS and be ready to route-find.
• Bring all the water you’ll need; don’t count on finding any.
• Expect scrambling and potential swims through potholes after rain—stash electronics in dry bags.
• No cell service—leave a trip plan with someone.
• Day hiking doesn’t require a permit; overnight trips do.

Bottom Line

For experienced, prepared hikers, this is a rewarding, solitude-heavy adventure to a unique geologic feature in a dramatic corner of Capitol Reef. Casual hikers, kids, and pets should skip it; the hazards, exposure, and navigation demands are real.