Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

The first time I stayed for more than a few days in Arizona, I went to the Flagstaff Visitor’s Center and picked up a copy of a thin publication called 99 Things to Do in Northern Arizona. I was thrilled to find so much information on scenic areas in one place! I explored many of the suggested sites and took hundreds of photos. The introduction to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park came from those pages.

The park is actually in the central part of the state near Payson, about 100 miles north of Phoenix. (So I’m thinking I must have seen it mentioned in an ad in the magazine, rather than included as one of the 99 things to do.) The bridge is thought to be the largest natural travertine bridge in existence. It has a height of 183 feet and looms over a tunnel that is 400 feet long and 150 feet across at its widest point.

Unlike the mental image many folks have of Arizona, this park has water, including waterfalls, as well as an abundance of trees. Oak trees of various types dominate the area, but there are also a good many junipers, cottonwoods, alders, sycamores, pinyon pines, and some sumac. Prickly pear cactus and century plants can be found there as well.

Although the wildlife I saw during my visit was limited to birds, the area provides habitat for bobcats, black bears, gray fox, mountain lions, and five kind of bats. Birds frequently seen include 8 different woodpeckers, roadrunners, owls, several raptors, and various wrens and vireos. (A superior spot for my birding friends to explore!)

The park has 4 short hiking trails, all of which lead down to the water. The trails can be steep, have uneven steps, and are often slippery, so caution is advised.

My journey to the park was through the Mazatzal Mountains. As you can see from the photo below, this mountain range showcases a myriad of saguaro cacti. It was the first time I had seen them growing like trees, so plentiful and close together.

During my visit, I saw only a handful of people. And from what I’ve read, it is still one of the least-visited Arizona State Parks. One writer calls it Arizona’s best-kept secret.

If you are in the state anywhere between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, I urge you take a day to check out Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Its unique geology and beauty won’t soon be forgotten.

Blessings for Exploration,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.