Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Mike Shubic (Mike's Road Trip)

2024-04

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Arizona is a picturesque gem, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and accessible amenities. The park features a massive natural arch, creating a stunning bridge that is a sight to behold. For those keen on exploring, there are several trails that lead you down to the refreshing creek below and directly under the arch, providing an up-close experience of this geological wonder as well as shade on those warmer days. There is often a breeze making it even cooler.Parking is plentiful, making it easy to start your adventure without the hassle. One noteworthy aspect is the entrance fee, which is $7 per person. This differs from most parks where the fee is charged per car, so it's something to keep in mind, especially for larger families or groups.The park is well-equipped for a day out in nature, with numerous shaded areas and picnic tables scattered throughout. It's an ideal spot for a family picnic or just to relax after a hike. While exploring, you might even encounter some of the local wildlife, including families of havalina or deer, which adds to the experience.Visitors should be prepared with good walking shoes as some trails can be steep and rocky. Also, it's wise to bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months, to stay hydrated. The park is generally well-maintained, and the staff are friendly and helpful, ready to offer information or assistance.Overall, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts and those looking to escape into a serene, natural setting. Whether you're a hiker, photographer, or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors, this park provides a wonderful backdrop for outdoor activities and relaxation.Restrooms: There are both full service restrooms as well as a few outhouse style.Picnic area: There are picnic tables and some awning areas throughout the park, some with BBQ, some larger for groups or big families.

Sharon Jimenez

2024-04

For those that love hiking, nature and seeing what mother nature can do this is the place for you. We were awestruck at this natural formation. In simple terms it's a beautiful area and well worth the 2hr drive from Williams as that was our home base for our trip. The gift shop is cute and cozy staffed with friendly and knowledgeable staff.

PeteSki PeteSki

2024-02

Nice people work here.Great location, disappointed that there's NO place to pull over for a picture on the way to the parking lot-its beautiful!!!!Very nicely kept, no garbage, watch for Bees near bathroomS. Paths are fun to walk but NOT well maintained, the grounds crew should dump some gravel on the paths please! Wear your good waterproof hiking boots/good sturdy shoes, especially since they're too lazy to put gravel on the paths that are eroded away.Restrooms: Thee fanciest pit toilet I've ever used.Plus the view from these bathrooms is thee bestDog-friendliness: They allow dogs ONLY on a specific boundary path which is nice.Picnic area: SOOO many fantastic spots to set up and picnic near bathroomS

Demetria Andrews

2024-04

Absolutely stunning. The trails are well cared for and maintained. The facilities are well maintained as well. The views are breathtaking. Highly recommend. We brought a picnic lunch and there was a multitude of tables to choose from.

T Daniel (PNW Queer Hippie)

2023-12

The Tonto Natural Bridge is such a beautiful natural wonder. The drive down is a paved, winding mountain road with guardrails giving beautiful views of the canyon. When you get to the bottom and enter the park you will pay at the gift shop for your pass (if you don’t have one). It’s always recommended to check in anyway so they know how many visitors use the park and in case of emergency or evacuation they know who is there. Plenty of parking and picnic areas with accessible bathrooms. The trail along the top of the bridge is accessible to most anyone and is paved. The trail to go under the bridge required a lot of warnings and one way is easier than the other and it’s sketchy for some to try the entire trail. It’s recommended to take the easier and most popular route which you get to see the waterfall and doesn’t involve scrambling down steep wet rocks with cliff edges then double back up. The water was nice and refreshing after making it down the hill. The toughness of trail on my scale is it’s not for anyone who should not handle stairs and steep decline/inclines. Always make your own judgement. Be safe and have fun - bring water.Restrooms: Bathroom options at trailhead/parking and outside gift shopPicnic area: Plenty of tables all around for many to enjoy

Robyn Anderson

2023-12

We were first greeted by Ranger Jacob on site & his knowledge was a huge part of enjoying ourselves because he shared with us history of the lodge & the park itself. He explained that the lodge can be rented out for weddings, reunions & special occasions. He gave us a brief tour & absolutely loved that. He pointed out the wildlife & sent us on our way with a map and recommendations.The park itself is awe inspiring. We visited late November & pretty much had the bridge to ourselves. We hiked below the bridge and I wouldn’t recommend it for the faint of heart as the rocks are slippery & the boulders take a bit of skill to maneuver. But it was nothing short of magic. If you are travelling through Rim Country do not miss this stop!Restrooms: Clean and tidyDog-friendliness: Dogs aren’t allowed on the trails near the creek but there is plenty of room to walk your dog.Picnic area: Lots of covered and uncovered picnic areas

Paola Madrid B.

2024-02

It was such a fun experience. We got to hike and walk, and explore. There are also resting places (little benches alongside the trails or tables in the open spaces), restrooms, and even some grills. The sights are as impressive as they are beautiful, the photos don't bring any justice to it. 10/10 would recommend.

Amberly DeWitt

2024-04

Beautiful! Short hike for each area. Some areas were closed unfortunately, but gorgeous views anyway. The sign states the hike is "difficult", but I'd categorize it moderate for most people. The drive there was great and the people were friendly.

Christina Barrett

2024-02

It's absolutely stunning!! We have been in the summer and it was a wonderful adventure! Today, we went and saw the ice sickles under the bridge. The waterfall trail was gorgeous!Restrooms: Plenty of clean restrooms throughout the park.Picnic area: Lots of area to picnic, highly recommend packing a lunch and enjoying the whole day! Bring a frizbee or other outdoor fun to enjoy between hikes.

Shelley Slade

2024-01

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is known as the world’s largest natural travertine bridge. (Travertine = a limestone rock usually found around mineral springs or limestone caves. It has a fiberous/concentric white/cream/rust colour appearance). It is 183 feet high and has a 400 foot tunnel along the widest part of the bridge. There is a trail at the top of the bridge where you can see the view of the bridge’s tunnel from the observational points.I decided to brave the hike to the bottom of the bridge and back around to the visitor’s centre. The first initial hike to the waterfall was very short from the car park, but quite steep with stairs going to the waterfall. At the bottom of the trail it was quite slippy but very peaceful with the water falling down the mountain.The hike down to the bottom of the bridge was a challenge though! The first section of the trail was easy enough on well maintained paths, but getting down to the ravine there was lots of rock scrambling. For someone with short legs (5 ft 1 short…) there was a lot of what felt like rock climbing in some sections of the trail, as tall as me, to twice my height in one place. The hike was by no means far but it was certainly challenging. I’d recommend having at least an average fitness to handle most hikes, or if you have short legs having someone give you a hand up or down helps a stack. From the bottom of the bridge, the cool water falling down the bridge is seriously refreshing after a hike in the heat! No swimming is allowed though.Besides the hiking trails available, there is a picnic area and the park has quite a few display boards available giving information about the geology, plants and animals of the park.When visiting the park, be sure to bring enough water! During summer it gets properly hot on the hike.

Michelle Sosa

2024-01

Such a beautiful hike! We stayed after our hike to grill and saw an entire pack of deer with their babies and after that an entire pack of pickery! Such a beautiful experience $7 per person to get in.

Dawn Denham

2024-04

Beautiful and serene. Good hike. Not kidding when the rangers tell you the rocks are slippery even when dry!

Victoria Bischoff

2024-01

Absolutely gorgeous. Highly recommend going in November or December, and bringing grippy, water-resistent shoes/boots and maybe a covering if you don't want to get wet by the waterfalls. Highly recommend!

Serena Marie

2023-12

My husband and I came here to hike. Absolutely beautiful area. They do charge to get in but it's reasonable. The hikes are a bit strenuous, definitely not for the faint of heart. I had a couple close calls myself. Hiking boots are highly recommended, even better if they're waterproof since you are hiking along a creek. For those that can't hike they do have paved walk ways so that's nice too. I loved that there bathrooms were well kept and clean, even the non flushable ones. You're also able to bring in your own food or drinks. There are plenty of picnic areas and ramadas for use. They even have charcoal grills for patrons to use as well.Restrooms: Very clean, well kept.Dog-friendliness: Plenty of room for dogs to run around, they just aren't allowed on the hiking trailsPicnic area: Plenty of ramadas for picnics. They even have grills for use.

Jane Smith Carson

2023-10

This place is SO cool! The trails are all pretty short, and each viewpoint has something new to see. The bridge is a very unique natural feature - it's cool to see the cave-like formations from a long time ago. Make sure to bring water, because the climb out can be pretty steep for some!The pictures don't do it justice - it really is amazing!We went on an overcast day that stayed below 85° - it was perfect weather. The park rangers were informed, friendly, and funny. We went on a weekend and there was plenty of parking, even later in the day. We used our State Parks Pass for entry. There are vault toilets that are well maintained and not too stinky.

Ashley Crewl

2023-11

The hikes are short, but parts are steep, slippery, and rocky, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared! The park is beautiful and clean. The natural bridge is sight to behold. It's absolutely stunning and so much fun to explore.Restrooms: Several rest rooms near the parking lots.Dog-friendliness: Dogs can not hike down on the trails. They are only allowed at the top, where there are 4 viewpoints to look over at the bridge from.Picnic area: There are several picnic tables and benches throughout the park

Don Colann

2023-12

Always a great place to visit and hike. Definitely allow ample time to hike and enjoy the natural bridge. Definitely bring plenty of water and wear appropriate shoes. Places under the bridge can get wet and slippery.

Trasi France

2023-11

What a great experience this was. Ok so it's $7 per person well worth it too the place is super clean and the restrooms are too. Bring water and drinks they do sell some for $3.50 each at the gift shop. Wear good walking shoes too. So it's and easy not easy hike. We city folk made it to the water fall but didn't go all the way under it's not an easy hike under the bridge. It's slippery and lots of rocks and boulders not an easy hike under the bridge. The hike to get there took us 30 mins lots of loose rocks but the view wow. God is amazing 🤩 a must visit!

LANNG

2023-12

Entrance fee: 7$/ adult. Take us around 2.5hours to be there from Phoenix. I came here in peak time of summer, but the weather here was so good, totally different from Phoenix. Worth the time to be here. Remember to prepare appropriate shoes to avoid slippery. Recommend everyone to this place 👍👍👍

Nicholas McLaughlin

2023-08

One of the best state parks in Arizona hands down; well worth the admission cost ($7 per adult)!There is an outstanding blend of scenery, history, wildlife that can be enjoyed here. The visitor’s center, housed in a beautiful historic home, showcases the park and area history brilliantly.There are several short (easy access from parking lots) but very scenic hikes in the park that are suitable for all ages- they can be adventurous as you want them to be as well. The main hike down to the cave and waterfall is one of the best sights in Arizona. It's incredible to feel how much the temperature drops from the hillside trail down to the cave.You can hike along the pool inside the cave (you will see arrows marking the way) but it is VERY slippery and treacherous, even with boots and poles!

Vanessa Troupe

2023-07

This place is like no other. It is $7 per person to get in, but you have free roam then. We went on a Sunday, with great weather, and it wasn't too overly packed.There are a few short, but steep trails. Make sure to have good footwear!If going into the cave, be prepared for slippery rock. You get a mist from the waterfall above.There are cut outs on the rocks there however due to being slippery we slid a lot on our bottoms. So beautiful!The rangers were so nice and helpful at the front and in the gift shop!Restrooms: Plenty around the park

Hunter

2023-12

CASH ONLY Entrance fee 7$ a person, there's a direct path from the parking lot down into the canyon that's well maintained and has a deck at the end for viewing of the waterfall. Past the deck is a alternate trail that leads back/from the parking lot that is super fun but also challenging and not suggested for anyone not in good physical condition As you have to climb over huge boulders constantlyRestrooms: 10/10 restrooms right next to ParkingDog-friendliness: On a leash you'll be fine

Tammy Ziegler

2023-11

Great place to hike for all stages of fitness and/ or age. Easy trails with beautiful viewing points and difficult trails for the more adventurous. Lots of nice picnic areas. Pit toilets only and a limited gift shop.

Austin Briscoe

2023-11

Great place to spend some time enjoying the outdoors. The trails are steep and the section that goes through/under the bridge is basically a scramble with no real trail so plan accordingly (bring water, good footwear).

Brandi S.

2023-12

This is a short hike down/back (approx. .25 miles). It's steep though! There are viewpoints though if one doesn't want to hike down. If you do, bring water and prepare to stop at the benches on the way back out! Gorgeous!

Amaya

2023-11

Gorgeous and relatively easy. Bridge area is VERY slippery. I forgot my hiking boots but i was able to make it to the bridge in converse. Past where these photos were taken was not possible for me without better shoes and clothing.

Bobbles

2023-06

This was a great experience for the whole family. We brought our dog and we were able to walk along the trails up top and see the viewpoints throughout the park. Hiking shoes, hats, backpacks, and water are a must if you’re hiking under the bridge.The hike down under the bridge is moderately hard and suitable for kids to adults. You can’t take dogs down under the bridge. The hike down is steep so a walking stick is handy. It can be a little hard on the knees so if you have knee problems you may reconsider going down under the bridge. When you get to the bottom there is ample space to sit and rest and enjoy the view under the bridge. It’s very busy under the bridge so hiking through that trail can take some time and patience as you wait for others to pass and move along. The rocks are also pretty slippery and you will do a fair amount of rock scrambling to get through. You will get wet. We didn’t do the whole trail because there were too many people so we doubled back and went back up the way we came. The way back up can be a little bit intense if you aren’t used to hiking, especially in the heat. There are plenty of places to stop and take breaks on the way back up.It is absolutely STUNNING so if you can make the hike down and under the bridge, I highly recommend it.

Abd Elhamid Elsayed Halayeb

2024-02

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park located in Arizona, USA is a very beautiful park for those who love the nature and rock formations. If you visit the park during the rainy season you can watch a water fall and a small pool. It is with the visit even if you have to travel 100 miles.Playground: A decent size playgroundRestrooms: Restrooms are availableDog-friendliness: No dogs. The trail is not suitable for dogs.Picnic area: A small picnic area is available

Manuel Matus

2023-10

Amazing view! Nice trails, benches to have a picnic and recharge. Fun activity to do with the family and friends. Be mindful, under the bridge, the rocks are very slippery regardless of shoes. I've made the mistake of jumping ahead and almost falling in the water. Listen to the rangers and be respectful of the surroundings. 7 dollars per adult to get in, kids are discounted. If you're up for a little adventure and into hiking and the outdoors, pay this place a visit. You won't be disappointed.Restrooms: Clean, maintained.Picnic area: Nice, shaded and pretty well maintained. Be mindful of your surroundings and pick up after oneself.

Alessandra Camargo

2023-08

Cool place they have like 4 little hikes, none of them are that long. They’re just rocky and steep.My mom did it in flip flops so it’s doable, just be careful. Take a lot of water cause it gets really hot!Some people were swimming at the water below.$7 per adult to enter the park, not per car. Not a national park so your pass won’t work here. There’s lots of bathrooms and parkingRestrooms: Clean and nice restrooms.