USA Pectols Pyramid

En Route to the very popular “Hickman Bridge”, if you turn around and look back towards the trailhead and highway 24 (which will no longer be visible), you’ll see Pectols Pyramid. The primary objective for most people on the trail is the highly photogenic natural bridge but the entire 2 mile R/T hike to Hickman Bridge is full of photogenic spots, including this one. The pyramidal shaped monolith isn’t apparent until you get to a particular area along the trail. While I had searched for it unsuccessfully on my way to Hickman Bridge, I spotted it quite by accident during my return hike to the trailhead. It was a sort of a Eureka! moment.

Use a wide angle lens. It only takes around 15 minutes to get to this spot from the trailhead (not counting stops for photos) but you’ll need to plan your shot for very early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and to ensure you get a parking spot at the trailhead.

From the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, drive East on Highway 24 for 2 miles (3.2 km) to the Hickman Bridge trailhead. There is a large parking area but it fill very quickly due to the popularity of the hike.