Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
The centerpiece of the park is a natural bridge that stands over a 393ft long, 183ft tall, and 150ft wide tunnel. It is believed to be the largest travertine bridge in the world. The tunnel is so large it feels more like a cave. Pine Creek runs through the tunnel and creates a grotto oasis that has become a popular swimming hole for Arizonans looking to escape the summer heat. A small stream runs along the top of the bridge that plummets over its southern end.
To get under the bridge, take the short yet somewhat steep Anna Mae Trail to the creek and follow it through the tunnel. I recommend wearing shoes with good traction if you’d like to get close to the waterfall. To get through the tunnel you must scamper over smooth and steep rock faces that may be wet. The tunnel drips from the roof and the mist from the waterfall dampens much of the southern end of the tunnel. The Gowan Trail leads to an observation deck at the base of the waterfall, but the deck has been closed for some time. The Waterfall Trail does not take you to the waterfall over the bridge, but a gentle flow of water running down a mossy cliff face. This trail is very short, down ~100 uneven and usually wet steps.
Getting to the park requires a steep 14% grade descent into the Pink Creek ravine and trailers are prohibited. If you’re hauling a trailer you can park it in small turnaround at the top of the ridge. The lot is not entirely flat, so make sure you have wheel chocks and maybe a hitch lock if you’re one of those people.
