Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

By Judy Hedding

Updated 05/17/17

  • 01 of 10

    First View

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park After entering the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and parking the vehicle, this is one of the first views you will see. That's not the natural bridge, though. That's just the way to get over the water on the Gowan Loop Trail. © Judy Hedding

    Arizona Natural Wonder North of Payson

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, about an hour and a half from Phoenix, is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point. Visitors to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park can stand on top of the bridge or hike down below.

    Note: These pictures were taken in 2004. In February 2009 the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was closed for repairs. This park begins opening on select weekends in May 2009. Check the official web site (link below) for schedule information.

    Note: These pictures were taken in 2004. In February 2009 the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was closed for repairs. This park begins opening on select weekends in May 2009. Check the official web site (link below) for schedule information.

    Continue to 2 of 10 below.
  • 02 of 10

    First View

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Springs can be seen flowing down the limestone aquifers, and continue to help in the formation of the natural bridge. © Judy Hedding

    Note: These pictures were taken in 2004. In February 2009 the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was closed for repairs. This park begins opening on select weekends in May 2009. Check the official web site (link below) for schedule information.

    Continue to 3 of 10 below.
  • 03 of 10

    Look Inside

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Your first look into the Tonto Natural Bridge comes just a short way down the trail. © Judy Hedding

    Note: These pictures were taken in 2004. In February 2009 the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was closed for repairs. This park begins opening on select weekends in May 2009. Check the official web site (link below) for schedule information.

    Continue to 4 of 10 below.
  • 04 of 10

    Walk Down

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park The steps are rather steep getting down to that first full view of the Tonto Natural Bridge. © Judy Hedding

    Note: These pictures were taken in 2004. In February 2009 the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was closed for repairs. This park begins opening on select weekends in May 2009. Check the official web site (link below) for schedule information.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    A Steep Trip

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Then the steps disappear and the trail is steep and rocky. © Judy Hedding

    Note: These pictures were taken in 2004. In February 2009 the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was closed for repairs. This park begins opening on select weekends in May 2009. Check the official web site (link below) for schedule information.

    Continue to 6 of 10 below.
  • 06 of 10

    The Hike Is Worth the Effort

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park If you can handle the difficult trail, the view below is worth the effort. Notice the people on the right side of the photo who made it all the way down. © Judy Hedding

    Note: These pictures were taken in 2004. In February 2009 the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was closed for repairs. This park begins opening on select weekends in May 2009. Check the official web site (link below) for schedule information.

    Continue to 7 of 10 below.
  • 07 of 10

    Stabd Under the Bridge

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Every child we saw at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park couldn't wait to get to the bottom of the trail and stand under the bridge. © Judy Hedding

    Note: These pictures were taken in 2004. In February 2009 the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was closed for repairs. This park begins opening on select weekends in May 2009. Check the official web site (link below) for schedule information.

    Continue to 8 of 10 below.
  • 08 of 10

    Climbing Back Up

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park I actually always think that climbing back up is easier than getting down. The chains made this hike much more comfortable for me. © Judy Hedding

    Note: These pictures were taken in 2004. In February 2009 the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was closed for repairs. This park begins opening on select weekends in May 2009. Check the official web site (link below) for schedule information.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Beautiful Surroundings

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park The scenery at the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is just beautiful. If you can, go when the temperature in the Payson area is around 65-75 degrees. © Judy Hedding

    Note: These pictures were taken in 2004. In February 2009 the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was closed for repairs. This park begins opening on select weekends in May 2009. Check the official web site (link below) for schedule information.

    Continue to 10 of 10 below.
  • 10 of 10

    Heed the Warnings

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Please be prepared when visiting the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, and heed the warnings on this sign. This trail is not for the weak!. © Judy Hedding

    Note: These pictures were taken in 2004. In February 2009 the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park was closed for repairs. This park begins opening on select weekends in May 2009. Check the official web site (link below) for schedule information.