Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park features a massive limestone arch that rises 180 feet above a tunnel carved through the rock, spanning roughly 150 feet across. This formation stands over a creek where several marked trails guide visitors through the landscape to view the bridge from different angles.

A Scottish prospector discovered the bridge in 1877 while fleeing Apache raiders and subsequently claimed the land through homesteading rights. His settlement marked the beginning of European presence in this remote canyon area.

The historic Goodfellow Lodge functions as a visitor center today, showing how early settlers lived in this remote location. Visitors can observe the way the house was built and used, reflecting the pioneering spirit of those who stayed here.

The park has four hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, all clearly marked and accessible from the visitor center. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as some paths are steep and shaded, offering protection from the sun during hot seasons.

The limestone arch formed over thousands of years through an unusual combination of volcanic lava and seawater that created a durable dam-like structure. This geological process is difficult to see today, but it shaped the landscape in ways that most visitors never fully understand when they first arrive.