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

Category: Nature, RECREATION