Brimhall Natural Bridge Trail

Brimhall Natural Bridge is a 4.6-mile out-and-back, measured round trip from Halls Creek Overlook to the base of the double arch. Allow 3–5 hours; about four is a useful plan. I’d save it for hikers comfortable with a remote, unmarked route, steep climbing and technical moves. The destination is striking, but this is a serious day hike, not a casual walk to an arch. Reaching the bridge may involve a deep swim, and the return climb is hard.

The first view opens from Halls Creek Overlook across the Waterpocket Fold; on a clear sightline, you may pick out the arch far below. A cairned path drops about 800 feet over 1.2 miles to Halls Creek. Mark the spot where you leave the drainage: the turn back up to the overlook isn’t signed, and it’s easy to walk past. Cross the creek and follow the wash downstream into Brimhall’s side canyon. Much of the route beyond the descent is unmarked. Return the same way, finishing with the steep climb to the overlook.

A rock stack is used to bypass a dryfall in the side canyon; it can be unstable, especially on the way down. Farther in, a deep pool may require swimming, followed by exposed, hands-on scrambling. Pool depth changes over time, and the water can be very cold. Don’t assume there’s a dry bypass. If the water, footing or scramble is beyond your ability, turn back. The route reaches the arch’s base and view; it doesn’t require climbing onto the formation.

Brimhall is a pothole-style double arch in Navajo sandstone. From below, you see the paired openings set into the canyon wall. At Halls Creek Overlook, a telephoto view can pick out the arch beneath the much wider sweep of the Waterpocket Fold; it’s small from there, but that distance gives the scene its scale.

An old wagon road followed Halls Creek, and faint traces remain in parts of the drainage. Those lines help explain the broad wash, but they’re not maintained route markers. The walking route is remote and can be difficult to follow even where the old road is visible.