Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a unique natural wonder located in Pine, Arizona, about 10 miles north of Payson. Here’s what you need to know about this remarkable destination:
Natural Features
The park’s main attraction is the Tonto Natural Bridge, believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. This impressive geological formation stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point. The bridge is made of travertine, which is unusual as most natural bridges are formed from sandstone or limestone.
Hiking and Viewpoints
The park offers several hiking options for visitors of varying abilities:
- Four easily accessible viewpoints from the parking lot for those who can’t manage steep hikes
- Waterfall Trail: A quick and easy option
- Anna Mae Trail: Recommended for those who want to get under the bridge
- Pine Creek and Gowan Trails: Longer options for more adventurous hikers
Hikers should wear shoes with good grip, especially if planning to scramble along the rocks under the bridge.
Visitor Information
- Park hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last entry at 4:00 p.m.)
- Entrance fees: Adult (14+): $7.00, Youth (7–13): $4.00, Child (0–6): FREE
- Annual passes are available for frequent visitors
- The park has a visitor center, gift shop, and picnic areas
- No pets are allowed on the trails
- No cell phone signal or internet access in the park
Tips for Visitors
- Visit mid-week for smaller crowds
- Bring plenty of water, especially during hot weather
- Pack a lunch to enjoy at the picnic areas
- Check the park website for potential closures or special events before visiting
- Allow ample time if planning to hike down to the bridge, as trails close at 4 p.m.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife, including javelinas, deer, and various bird species
Activities
While swimming is not allowed under the Natural Bridge itself, visitors can swim downstream in Pine Creek at their own risk. The park also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including an active community of hummingbirds depending on the season.Tonto Natural Bridge State Park provides a unique opportunity to experience one of Arizona’s natural wonders, offering something for visitors of all ages and abilities.
What are the best hiking trails in Tonto Natural Bridge State Park?
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park offers several excellent hiking trails that allow visitors to experience the beauty of the world’s largest natural travertine bridge. Here are the best hiking trails in the park:
Pine Creek Trail
- Length: Approximately 0.5 miles (400 feet developed, undeveloped in creek bottom)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Highlights: Leads to the Pine Creek natural area and offers views of the natural bridge from below
- Time: Allow about 1 hour
- Notes: Hiking shoes recommended, can be slippery
Gowan Trail
- Length: About 2,200 feet (0.42 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Leads to an observation deck in the creek bottom with views of the bridge
- Time: Allow about 1 hour
- Notes: Steep and rough in places, but less rocky than Pine Creek Trail
Waterfall Trail
- Length: Approximately 300 feet (0.06 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Ends at a waterfall cave with beautiful ferns and moss
- Time: Allow 15-20 minutes
- Notes: Has uneven steps
Anna Mae Trail
- Length: About 500 feet (0.09 miles)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highlights: Connects to Pine Creek Trail and leads to the natural bridge
- Time: Allow about 1 hour
- Notes: Steep dirt path, suitable for older kids and adults
Important information for all trails:
- All trails are considered steep and strenuous
- Carry plenty of drinking water
- Wear appropriate hiking shoes with good traction
- No pets or glass containers allowed on dirt trails
- Trails close at 4:00 PM daily
- Be prepared for slippery conditions, especially under the bridge
How crowded does Tonto Natural Bridge State Park get during peak season?
- It’s recommended to visit mid-week if possible for reduced crowds.
- On popular days like holidays, the park can fill up quickly. One visitor noted that on Veterans Day weekend, they arrived shortly after the park opened and there was no line, but by the time they left a few hours later, the line to enter was winding around the road.
- The park can reach capacity, especially during busy times. One person recalled an early memory of arriving at the park and having to turn around immediately because there was no more room for cars and the line was too long to wait in.
- While the search results don’t specify exact peak seasons, spring and fall generally offer the best weather for visiting. This likely correlates with higher visitor numbers during those seasons.
- Summer temperatures can reach the mid-90s during the day, which may impact crowd levels.
To avoid crowds, it’s best to:
- Visit on weekdays rather than weekends or holidays
- Arrive early in the day, as the park opens at 9:00 AM
- Consider visiting during shoulder seasons rather than peak times
- Be prepared for potential lines or waits, especially if visiting on weekends or holidays
Keep in mind that the last possible park entry is at 4:00 PM, and trails close at 4:00 PM, with the park closing at 5:00 PM.
Are there any special events that attract more visitors during peak season?
- The park offers some regular guided activities that may attract visitors:
- While not specifically mentioned for Tonto Natural Bridge, some Arizona State Parks offer special events that could potentially increase visitation:
- The park’s weather patterns suggest that spring and fall might be peak seasons:
- Summer can see high temperatures, which might affect visitation patterns:
- The park has some limitations that could affect crowd management:
While there’s no explicit mention of special events causing increased crowds during peak seasons, it’s reasonable to assume that the park might be busier during times with pleasant weather (spring and fall) and potentially during any scheduled guided activities. Visitors are advised to check the park’s website for current events or closures before planning their trip.
Are there any guided tours available during peak season?
- Tours of Goodfellow Lodge:
- Guided Bird Walks:
While these regular guided activities might attract more visitors, there’s no specific mention of special events during peak seasons that would significantly increase crowds. However, it’s worth noting that:
- Spring (particularly April) and fall (October and November) are considered to have the best weather for visiting the park, which could naturally lead to higher visitor numbers
- The park’s hours are extended during the summer months (May 23rd through September 7th), opening at 8 am instead of 9 am, which might accommodate more visitors
It’s important to remember that the park has some limitations that could affect crowd management:
- The latest possible park entry is at 4:00 p.m.
- Trails close at 4:00 p.m.
- The park closes at 5:00 p.m.
These regular guided activities, combined with pleasant weather during certain seasons, likely contribute to increased visitation during peak times. However, there don’t appear to be large-scale special events that would cause significant spikes in attendance beyond normal seasonal fluctuations.