Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
4.8(4.1K)google
4.6(191)yelp
Rock FormationGeologyHiking
Overview
Tonto Natural Bridge is a natural arch in Arizona, United States, that is the central feature of Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, Tonto Natural Bridge stands over a 400-foot-long (120 m) tunnel that measures 150 feet (46 m) at its widest point and reaches a height of 183 feet (56 m). The state park is located off State Route 87 ten miles (16 km) north of Payson, Arizona.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeIn spring (April–May) the waterfall has the most water and the surrounding valley is lush green; in autumn (October–November) the weather is cool and the leaves in the canyon start to turn yellow, with very rich colors
Getting ThereLocated about 10 miles north of the small mountain town of Payson in central Arizona; driving along AZ-87 you'll see very clear signage for the site, and the drive is flat and scenic
Travel Tips
- This preserves what is believed to be the world's largest natural travertine bridge, with a span of 150 feet and a height of over 183 feet; hidden deep in the canyon are lovely waterfalls and secret natural lava caves
- The park has four hiking trails of varying difficulty, all of which can take you down to the canyon floor
- Because spring water seeps out at the canyon floor year-round, the rock surfaces are covered with an extremely slippery layer of moss, so be sure to wear anti-slip hiking shoes with strong grip
- Because it's part of the Arizona State Parks system, it does not accept the U.S. federal National Park annual pass; you need to buy a separate state park ticket at the entrance gate (charged per person)
Reviews
Positive
- After seeing enough of Arizona's great desert, arriving at this green, tree-shaded canyon with mountains, water, and a waterfall is a breath of fresh air! Standing beneath the huge natural arch watching the spring water drip is very spectacular
- Although the trail is a bit steep, the distance is short—it takes only half an hour to get down to the canyon floor. You can explore the natural rock caves under the bridge, and both kids and young people have a great time
Heads up
- Because it's a fairly narrow deep gorge, the park is actually quite small and unsuited to backpackers wanting a dozen-kilometer hardcore trek. On weekends and holidays the only parking lot is often full