Author Archive: Niccole Radhe

Escape: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

David Douglas Gowan, an early wild west prospector from Scotland, accidentally stumbled upon this gorgeous natural bridge when fleeing from Apaches in the late 1800s. While hiding throughout its various caves, he explored for days and ended up claiming squatter’s rights to this picturesque landscape in 1877. Gowan later encouraged his nephew and his nephew’s family to emigrate from Scotland in 1898.

The Gowan Trail, named after David Gowan, is a fast and steep half mile trail that takes you directly to the entrance of the under belly of the bridge.
Photo: Nicci Radhe

It has been protected as a historic state park since 1990, though the state had been working to acquire and protect it since 1967. Many improvements and restorations have taken place within the old lodge, as well as to the scenic park’s access points. Tonto Natural Bridge is the largest known travertine bridge in the world and at its prime, thousands of years ago, was more than double the size it is today. The 400 foot tunnel reaches widths of up to 150 feet throughout the interior and caps out at 183 feet tall. There are four distinct and easy access viewpoints to see different angles of the bridge and three short but technical hiking paths.

The immensity and wonder of the bridge and its outside cave cannot be fully appreciated without delving into the depths of the canyon, and this short journey will prove to be an unforgettable experience.

On a recent trip, we explored the first stop on the map – Waterfall Trail. After a cool five minute trek down hundreds of steep stairs, we found ourselves standing in front of a mossy rock face that was covered in endless bright green vines and wild blackberries. I picked and ate a berry, that proved deliciously sweet, while I stood watching the water eloquently flow into the depths of the canyon. The bright yellow columbine flowers arched overhead and dripped spring water on our faces; our eyes gazed upon the greenest canyon any of us have witnessed in Arizona. This pathway takes you 300 feet down to explore the caves and springs that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Pine Creek Trail is the best way to see all of the other wonders offered by this hidden place. It is a fun and short half-mile hike that starts out in the higher shrubs and slowly meanders through increasingly deeper and more lush terrain until you reach the majestic Tonto Natural Bridge. Travertine stalactites blanket the entire bridge from the inside out and there are small and large caves to be explored along the way, with limitless photo opportunities. After some tame rock climbing and sliding down the slippery slopes inside the tunnel, you will arrive at a deep pool with a waterfall cascading from over 200 feet onto a formation of mossy rocks. This is the quintessential desert oasis! After a nice, humid hike we stood in awe as the cold water fell around us.

Once you are ready to wrap up the Tonto adventure, you can take the Gowan Trail up to the parking lot. This trail is a short and steep half-mile trek that takes you directly to and from the bridge. Tonto Natural Bridge is only 13 miles outside of scenic Payson, which many call the heart of Arizona. Payson sits literally in the middle of the state and shows the diversity of the plants and animals that can be found where the Sonoran Desert flirts with the ponderosa pine forest.

This trip can be a one day getaway or a whole weekend of forest exploration. Flowing Springs Campground is only three miles outside of Payson and 10 miles from the natural bridge. You can set up camp on the East Verde River, wake up in the morning with the shade of the Oak trees and sounds of the rushing river below. This inviting campground is just one of about 30 in and around the quiet town of Payson, where you will find limitless outdoor excursions of every kind and stunning riparian landscape that rivals any in this fine and diverse state.

Making your escape: The town of Payson, Tonto Natural Bridge and Flowing Springs Campground are all conveniently located right off of Highway 87. From Tucson, head westbound towards Phoenix on I-10 for about 115 miles until you reach Phoenix and continue on 1-10 towards Mesa. Take exit 161 heading to the AZ 202 Loop E and get off on to merge onto AZ-101 Loop. You will then get back on the AZ 202 Loop E from exiting on 51A-51B. Exit 13 or Country Club Drive will take to on87 N for about 87 miles on the scenic mountain highway until you reach Payson. From here you continue on the 87 until you reach the Nf-583A in, this winding road will lead you straight down the canyons to the beautiful Tonto Natural Bridge.

For more information, visit: AZStateparks.com/Parks/TONA/.

Waterfall Trail leads you down a lush and green stairway with wild blackberries growing all around its dark and mysterious caves.
Photo: Nicci Radhe

Escape: Big Lake, Northern Arizona

Stunning summer sunset on Big Lake, just a short stroll from Cutthroat campground.
Photo: Niccole Radha

There is no place like home and no shortage of gorgeous lakes, rivers and creeks right here in Arizona. With just a five hour scenic drive through Arizona’s highways, you can escape from the city heat to a serene high country lake in the White Mountains this summer.

Its a majestic place where you can feel the cool mountain breeze in the quiet pine forest, fish in the crystal clear water, camp under the shade of towering trees and look up into the mesmerizing Milky Way at the end of an awesome day. The White Mountains and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests offer unlimited outdoor adventure during the perfect summer weather.

If you are someone who has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, riding horses, rock climbing and water sports, then this is where the summer fun can be found. Big Lake, with over 600 acres of 30 foot deep water, certainly does live up to its name. Big lake is located 9,000 feet above sea level and there can be found all of the comforts of home that one could possibly desire in their 200 fee-based camp sites ($14/day). The lake and campsites are immaculately maintained and the resident camp host, marina and informative visitors’ centers staff are most friendly and welcoming to help make your stay great. A convenience store is available onsite with limited food items so it is a good idea to stop and get all of your last-minute essentials in Pinetop-Lakeside before heading up the mountain.

There are a few important safety concerns to keep in mind. Most importantly, there are tight fire restrictions throughout Arizona so make sure to bring a propane grill and lantern and get know the fire restrictions for different areas. At Big Lake, located on the Apache reservation, no open flame is permitted whatsoever. Also, be bear aware! We must coexist peacefully and this is their season to come down to camp in search of food. Arizona has had more bear sightings this year than ever before; make sure you secure your campsite and make all belongings bear proof by tying them up in a tree or just leave food and drinks in your locked vehicle.

There are several campsites at Big Lake and Cutthroat Campground is a prime spot to set up. Located right off the shore, it has dramatic views and nearby bathrooms – the best camping spots are numbers one through five. Make reservations whenever possible, summer is a busy time for these quiet little camps and White Mountain towns.

Making Your Escape

From Tucson take North Oracle road/AZ -77 and continue north for about 181 miles. When you get to Globe turn left on US-70 W and after two miles turn right onto US-60 E. Here you will see the signs for AZ-77 N/Show Low/Springfield and continue for about 80 miles until you reach the fun little town of Show Low. Once you get there turn right onto West Whipple Street and shortly after make another right turn on South Central Avenue. Continue straight into East Woolford Road and make a right to follow the AZ-260/White Mountain Road. After about 35 miles you will take a right onto AZ-273 S highway and a final right to your destination on Big Lake Road. Along the way you will find many local businesses, lakes and rivers so stop by and splash around or take a trek in “the other Arizona!”

More visitor and camping information can be found at RRMofA.com/BigLakeRecreationArea.html.