Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tucked away in a tiny valley surrounded by a forest of pine trees, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park has been in the making for thousands of years. This area is about a 20 minute drive from our house. (Note: You can click on the pictures to enlarge them.)

One can stand on top of the bridge or hike down below to capture the true size and beauty of this geologic wonder.

The trail is steep and sections have wooden steps. Mom needed a little assistance from Jake but she made it all the way down and all the way back up. Not bad for almost 90!

It is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world.

Water runs all year round and creates a waterfall effect in front of the bridge. There are a number of great looking swimming holes at the bottom.

The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point. (Note the people in the lower right hand corner for scale.)

Here's Jake......he climbed father into the bridge over some very slimy rocks.

The story goes that the area was discovered by David Gowan, a prospector who stumbled across the bridge in 1877 as he was chased by Apaches. Gowan hid for two nights in a cave inside the bridge. On the third day he left to explore the tunnel and green valley surrounding it. Gowan then claimed squatter's rights. He persuaded his family to come over from Scotland and settle the land permanently. After a week of difficult travel from Flagstaff, they arrived at the edge of the mountain and lowered their possessions down the 500 foot slopes into the valley by ropes and burros.

Photo of water gushing over the rocks below. This place is quite a treasure!