Visa

No visa is required for U.S. citizens or residents. Check the link for foreign travelers.

COVID

Fully open. The last remaining vaccine requirements for foreign travelers ended in May 2023.

Not as grand, but still a circle, with the most stunning parks of Utah and Arizona.

Small Circle

Embark on the ultimate road trip with all the parks and regions of the Grand Circle.

Full Grand Circle

Grand Circle

This is the best time to visit all the parks. March might be a bit unpredictable with snow still covering some trails, but April and May feature perfect weather with some green fields to contrast with the outworldly landscapes. And there are no summer crowds yet.

Spring

Summers feature warm sunny days, but it comes with hoards of people and brief but heavy rainstorms in some regions. Aim to hit the trails in Grand Canyon and Zion at 9 am latest if you plan to enjoy them.

Summer

Fall is another sweet spot for this trip with lesser crowds and cooler days for strenuous hikes. But some roads and hotels start closing with the first snowfall in November, so plan accordingly. Also, make sure all-season or winter tires are installed on your rental car.

Fall

Winter snow usually affects Grand Canyon and Bryce regions, but the rest of the parks are fully open. Some high-elevation trails can be closed or difficult to navigate. We only recommend this season to advanced travelers with winter gear.

Winter

The Grand Circle

America’s Road Trip

The Grand Circle – America’s Road Trip

Hickman Natural Bridge is a popular hiking destination in Capitol Reef National Park, known for its stunning geological features and scenic beauty. The trail to Hickman Natural Bridge is a moderate 2-mile long. The hike starts from a parking area along Scenic Drive and follows the canyon bottom upstream.

The natural bridge itself is an impressive sight, stretching 133 feet across a narrow canyon and rising 125 feet above the floor. It was formed by erosion over thousands of years, as water gradually wore away the sandstone walls of the canyon. You can walk under the bridge and explore the alcoves and archways on either side.

We recommend visiting Hickman Natural Bridge in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky and the colors of the rock formations are at their most vibrant.

AllTrails

Hickman Natural Bridge

Less crowded but equally stunning, Capitol Reef’s cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges tell a geological story millions of years in the making. The scenic drive and fruit orchards offer a serene experience.