Since we never had a chance the day before, we decided we’d hike up to Hickman Bridge before leaving. It was a beautiful morning and thunderstorms were not forecast for the next few days. The hike is easy and the bridge is worth seeing.
Another interesting feature is all the graffiti etched into the stone below the bridge. It’s from the 1930’s or earlier, before it was parkland.
On the hike out, we took our time and met an excited “young” couple in their 70’s who were visiting the area again after 40 years. They’d remembered the hike to the bridge and wanted to see it again. They were, dare I say, precious. We assured them they were almost there and pointed up to Hickman Bridge which was still in view. Off they went.
Returning to the car, we bid farewell to Capitol Reef and headed east on 24 and then south on the Notom Rd. It was about 11am and we had dinner reservations at the Hell’s Backbone Grill at 6:30pm. Plenty of time. We enjoyed our drive north on Notom Rd. on our last trip, and this time we’d see it and the Burr Trail from the opposite direction.
Every now and again, we’d slow down for a low area where the graders had repaired the washed out road to allow passage.
The recent storms had watered the ranchlands on both sides of the road and irrigation sprinklers were taking advantage of the flow. We noticed a couple of Bed and Breakfast signs. Interesting option. Farther down the road, the ranches disappeared and wildflowers, including the brilliant salmon-orange desert mallows, lined the roadside adding a festive touch.