Want to know some great day hikes in Northern Arizona? Come to Tonto National Bridge State Park! While the world's largest cave-stone bridge is the main attraction at this cool Arizona state park, a handful of rainforest-like trails compete for attention with the huge travertine wonder. Somehow, this small oasis of water and stone recreate the look and feel of the wet, mossy rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
This state park is ideal for both basic overlookers to wild canyon explorers. Incredible scenery makes for a great afternoon, just a short drive from Flagstaff. Even better, if you see it during the monsoons and hike in wet conditions – the better to have a real rainforest experience.
Warning: on a sunny day, this is a popular place. Try to get to there on a weekday, to avoid tourists, Phoenicians and mobs of children. It’s worth seeing, though, even if a weekend day is all you have.
One last point, for pooch-loving trippers – don’t bring your dogs on these trails. It’s not permitted, for one. And second, most dogs would not fare well on these steep, slick, precipitious paths. Leashed canines are welcome at the overlooks and in the huge grassy field above the bridge.
The Overlooks:
There are four numbered lookout points, and each is worth a stop. Bring your binoculars and a good telephoto lens to really check out the cave formations, misty cascades, swirling swallows, canyon wrens and intrepid hikers below. Soothing sounds of the creek and falls drift up from below, if you can wrangle a viewpoint to yourself. Viewpoint 2, overlooking the new Annie Mae Trail, is the least crowded and most intimate spot, well-hidden in the lush brush above the biscuit-colored bridge. The paths to each handrailed overlook are flat and wheelchair-accessible.
The Trails: (all are steep and uneven, so wear good hiking shoes)
The Gowan Trail – the main trail at Tonto Natural Bridge - named for the park's 1877 Scottish discoverer - is steep, steep, steep. The half-mile loop switchbacks lazily down the east side of the canyon, pauses at a large wooden Observation Deck beneath the towering bridge, then climbs straight up the west side. You might need to grab those cable railings. In spite of the effort, the deck was nonetheless crowded with sightseers of all ages and fitness levels. It’s really worth getting down to see this bridge. Watching the soft cascade of water fall from the mossy hanging garden above, you’ll forget you live in the arid southwest.
Note: The large pools under the bridge are not open to swimming, but just a short distance downstream lie wonderful splashing pools. Explore at your leisure.
Pine Creek Trail - Hikers can hop their way down the half-mile following the fern-lined creek bottom. The first 400 feet are developed, but once reaching the creek, you’re on your own. Old arrows offer suggested routes down the creek’s slick boulders and at river crossings. Be prepared to scramble in spots. It’s worth the effort, when you come upon the backside of the massive natural bridge. The thrills continue when you go under and through the cool, echoing, cave-like massif, to emerge in the daylight and crowds on the Observation Deck. Make sure you look up to see dripping stalactites and the remnants of an old, handmade ladder high on a rocky shelf. Swimming in the dark pool under the bridge is not allowed. The descent to the Observation Deck requires negotiating Moki Steps (tiny footholds chipped into the smooth, glassy rock). Hikers who are afraid of heights should take the Annie Mae shortcut up and out of the canyon.
Annie Mae Trail – Just 500 feet long, but just as steep as everything else in the park, lies this new, well-constructed switchback trail. For folks wanting to explore Pine Creek, and the backside of the bridge, this is a relatively quick and easy descent.
Waterfall Trail – Don’t miss checking out this 300-foot long staircase to a deep, lush, moss-covered grotto of caves. Spring water gushes down the banks, over thick vertical carpets of maidenhair fern and starlike columbine, falling down to Pine Creek below.
Amenities - Grass areas, large barbecue, electricity; shaded ramada with 8 picnic tables, large barbecue; dining room in the historic lodge, restrooms and kitchen available. Overnight use of Historic Lodge, 10 bedrooms, kitchen and dining facilities.
Note: Pets are not allowed on the trails at this park.
Other Southwest Landscape Posters
When You Go:
Take Lake Mary Road to the juction with Hwy 85. Go South, towards Payson. The signed turnoff lies just south of Pine and 10 miles north of Payson. Day-use fees are $6.00 per car and the Eagle Pass is NOT accepted. For more info, call 602-542-4174, or check out http://www.azstateparks.com
Address:
P.O. Box 1245
Payson, Arizona 85547
(928) 476-4202
Giftshop (928) 476-2261
Fax (928) 476-2264
Note - Parts of this article were previously published on my Southwest Travel site at Suite101.com
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