What’s on your list of must-see destinations in Arizona? Local outdoor enthusiasts have no shortage of beautiful state parks to visit. But the wide-range of options makes it easy for some parks to get lost in the shuffle. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a prime example. Located just 10 miles from Payson, this 161-acre park includes awe-inspiring geological features and gorgeous views. It might not be the most popular park, but the experience rivals that of any state park in Arizona. Here are some ways you can make the most of a trip to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
This park is named after its famous natural travertine bridge. The 183-foot-tall bridge is regarded as the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. Located in water-filled Pine Creek, the bridge was once entirely submerged under seawater. Volcanic eruptions and erosion left behind this magnificent looking natural wonder. Today, it’s dazzling colors, hidden caves, and 400-foot tunnel make it a spectacle for any outdoor enthusiast. You can also hike, sightsee, and explore around Pine Canyon and its surrounding forest.
Hikers can wander down to the bridge via Pine Creek Trail. Though the trail is only about a half-mile-long, it’s a steep traverse down into the thick of Pine Canyon. Most of the trail is undeveloped and leads into the Pine Creek Natural area. Here you’ll encounter stunning views of the bridge and can even connect to additional trails for further exploration.
There are many ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tonto Natural Bridge, but none quite stack up with Gowan Trail. This trail is named after David Gowan, a prospector who originally found the trail in the late 1800s. Gowan Trail is a 2,200-foot trail that runs along the canyon walls and leads to an observation deck. Once there, you’ll be greeted by a scenic overlook of the canyon, caves, and forest.
The bridge isn’t the only historic part of this state park. It’s also home to Goodfellow Lodge, a cabin-style lodge built in the early 20th century. The 1920s cabin is hidden deep inside the park. It’s famous for having some of the best scenery in the park, in addition to its rustic amenities. Visitors can make a pit stop at their wood cabin group dining area for lunch. It has a full-scale kitchen, picnic stable seating, and a large fireplace to warm up. Goodfellow Lodge also has 10 private rooms available for overnight rental.
Looking to get closer to nature? Though Tonto Natural Bridge doesn’t have any official campground, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on a night under the stars. Christopher Creek Campground is located only 20 miles east of Payson. It’s located deep in the Mogollon Rim and is surrounded by one-of-a-kind canyons, buttes, and scenery. The campground is located in the Tonto National Forest and is elevated at over one-mile high, giving it a unique vantage point for visitors.
Take a visit to the Tonto Creek Hatchery, located about 20 miles east of Payson near the headwaters of Tonto Creek. This historic hatchery was first constructed in 1937, but has increased its production mightily since renovating in 1993. Today, the hatchery produces about 15 percent of Arizona’s trout stock—which equals about 50,000 pounds per year. You can take a self-guided tour daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m.
Take a trip to the past with an adventure to Shoofly Native American Ruins. It was once the home of some of Arizona’s first inhabitants. The ruins are located atop the Houston Mesa, a few miles north of Payson off Highway 87. Shoofly Village, the ruins most famous site, is believed to have once held 79 structures. Today, you can still see many of the foundations, walls and remnants made of rock. The ruins are also at an elevation of over 5,200 feet, meaning they have great views of the Mogollon Rim.
The Rim Country Museum is an ode to all things Payson. Originally built in 1907, it’s since been refurbished and holds a treasure trove of Payson’s finest relics. The museum includes the Oldest Forest Ranger Station in the Southwest. It also holds a replica of the Payson’s famous “Herron Hotel.” The Rim Country Museum is located about 15 miles from Tonto Natural Bridge, but it’s well worth the trek. You’ll find displays dedicated to the ancient Apache, Payson’s mining history, and the Payson Rodeo.
