Arizona has plenty of amazing hikes for almost every age, fitness level, and preferred scenery. If you’re looking for a challenging trek with undeniably rewarding views, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is just the place. This iconic geological wonder features a breathtaking half-mile bridge trail guaranteed to make your stomach drop — in the best way possible. Scenic and awe-inspiring, there’s no other hike like it in the state.

Open since 1991, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park has attracted millions of visitors; locals and tourists alike. This happens to be one of my favorite stops whenever I'm visiting Payson and Pine.
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
The incredibly high traffic is due to an incredible geological wonder being located here: the world's largest natural travertine bridge. And, believe me, it's a sight to behold!
Google/Victoria Ward
Four trails meander through the park, each one offering its own unique adventure. Distance ranges from 300 to 2,200 feet, so there's a hike for every fitness and energy level.
TripAdvisor/Beth B.
Gowan Trail is the longest and most difficult of them all, its rough and steep terrain posing a formidable challenge to even the most trained of athletes. A fairytale footbridge leads through lush greenery and craggy rock formations, and the hike takes about an hour to complete in its entirety.
TripAdvisor/Rick S.

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Arduous as the trek may be, every drop of sweat is totally worth it when you reach the summit. Majestic hills stretch infinitely toward the clouds and create stunning panoramic views you'll remember forever.
TripAdvisor/Jodack
Another, much shorter hike only takes 15 minutes while promising equally awe-inspiring views. The Waterfall Trail ends at a massive cave complete with a powerful stream cascading down a series of ledges into the tranquil pool below.
Google/Todd Mowen
I prefer the hike that goes underneath the natural bridge. Extraordinary and cave-like, it's not always open but when it is, it's worth making the trek. It's the best hike at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park!
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
Just be sure to have a good pair of hiking boots or water shoes as it's quite wet and slippery as you climb over rocks along the way. When I first hiked beneath the bridge, I was wearing my sneakers and nearly slipped and fell into the water a few times, so consider yourself warned!
The other two paths boast incredible features that can't be found anywhere else in the park. Reserve a whole day to explore all the trails to experience everything this amazing place has to offer.
TripAdvisor/StevieVnuk
The address for Tonto Bridge Arizona is Highway 87, Pine, AZ, 85544.
Google Maps
Visitor center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Take a look at this video at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park by @XploreMore:

For more information on Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, visit the Arizona State Park website or the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Facebook page.

Have you ever been to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park? Have you ever visited this natural wonder in Arizona and taken one of the trails around or under the bridge? Let us know in the comments. This is one of my favorite state parks to visit in Arizona!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In Arizona

Melissa M. | September 30, 2023

What are some of the best hikes in Arizona?

With all the state and national parks, mountains, and natural wonders, you can find many incredible hikes around the state. Here are some of the best hikes in Arizona:

  • Devil’s Bridge Trail in the Coconino National Forest in Sedona leads to a natural bridge among the area’s famous red rocks.
  • Seven Sacred Pools via Soldiers Pass Trail is an easy yet scenic trail in Sedona.
  • Horseshoe Bend Trail in Page leads to one of the most famous scenes throughout the Arizona landscape – Horseshoe Bend in the Colorado River.
  • Piestewa Peak Summit Trail #300 in Phoenix is a challenging hike with panoramic views from the top.

 

Hiking in Arizona is a popular activity, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you live in the city or a small town, chances are there’s a mountain or a park with trails to explore. One of my favorite parts of living in Arizona is the outdoor recreation we can enjoy throughout the year. However, hiking anywhere in the state is best done between October and April.

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Featured Addresses
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Nf-583A, Pine, AZ 85544, USA