The Great Big Wonder

Nestled in the pine trees between Payson and Pine in central Arizona lies what is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. This remarkable landscape is a quick day-trip from Phoenix. Offering short hiking trails that lead to spectacular views and located on the lands of the Tonto and Apache people, Tonto Natural Bridge is an important historical and natural monument.

Brief History & Ecology

Formed thousands of years ago, Tonto Natural Bridge stands 183 feet high with a 400-foot long tunnel. The State Park was opened and dedicated in June 1991.

Pine Creek flows through the bottom of the tunnel and pours down cliff sides in spectacular waterfalls. Surrounding the bridge, you’ll find Oak, Juniper, Arizona Sycamore and Pinyon Pine trees. The park is home to several kinds of bats, bobcats, javelinas, grey foxes and birds.

Things to do

See the bottom of the Tonto Natural Bridge

A hike down is the best way to see the falls. I have a whole section on hiking at the park below. It’s important to note that the bottom of the tunnel is VERY slippery. To get from one side of the 400-foot tunnel to the other, you must scramble over large rocks with slick drop-offs that slide 20+ feet towards the bottom below. Even as an experienced and confident hiker, I was afraid at points of the scramble. I would not suggest climbing through the tunnel if you are not sure-footed or are scared of heights. If you do choose to go under the bridge you will get wet. You can see the tunnel and waterfall from the observation deck on the Gowan Trail if you don’t want to crawl through it. 

If you’re unable or don’t want to hike, set off on the paved walking path that makes the upper part of the Bridge. On this path you can enjoy beautiful sights and four viewpoints with interpretive signs.

Complete the Junior Ranger Program

Most State and National Parks / Landmarks have a junior ranger program. Head to the Gift Shop / Ranger Station to pick up your free junior ranger booklet and complete it while in the park. At the end you’ll state your oath and receive your Jr. Ranger badge.

Goodfellow Lodge is a historic 1920s 3-story cabin that guests can tour with a ranger or guide. See the State Park site for more information on when tours take place.

Visit the Gift Shop for books, postcards, shirts, and more to commemorate your stay.

Hiking

While it’s perfectly possible to see the Bridge from the top of the park, as this is where the park entrance and gift shop are located, the best view is from the bottom. Most trails “END” under the bridge and connect to another trail. 

There are four hikes in Tonto Natural Bridge State Park:

Pine Creek Trail is 1/2 mile and follows pine creek to the bottom of the bridge. It connects with both the Anna Mae and Gowan Trail in the tunnel. 

Gowan Trail descends 0.3 miles to the observation deck. Its is a steep hike back up and is doable by most hikers, but I would consider it a moderate hike. Take your time and enjoy the view. If you go out and back it totals 0.6 miles. However, it connects to the Pine Creek Trail and Anna Mae Trail in the tunnel.

Anna Mae Trail descends 0.1 mile to the bottom of the bridge. This is a steep descent, and it connects to Pine Creek Trail and Gowan Trail at the bottom.

Waterfall Trail is a SHORT 0.2 mile out-and-back trail to a lush waterfall. You hike down a pretty hefty set of stairs to see the waterfall, so get your knees ready for this one.

Warning: Again, the bottom of the bridge is VERY slippery. To get from one side of the 400-foot tunnel to the other, you must scramble over large rocks with slick drop-offs that slide 20+ feet to the bottom. I would not suggest climbing through the tunnel if you are not sure-footed or are afraid of heights. If you do choose to go under the bridge you will get wet. 

Park Information

The park is open most days but closed on Christmas day and has special hours for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Please see the State Park Website for up-to-date hours and to see if any special closures are in place.

CURRENT HOURS 
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(Last entry at 4:00 p.m.)

Park Entrance Fee

*As of June 2023*
Adult (14+): $7.00
Youth (7–13): $4.00
Child (0–6): FREE