Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
HOURS:
8 am to 6 pm (with last entry at 5 pm) 7 days a week. Starting September 5, 2011 the park will be open 5 days a week: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, & Mondays. The park is closed on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving Day the park will close at 2PM. One hour prior to closing the park will be closed to incoming visitors and the trails will be closed to those going below the bridge.
FEES:
Adults 14 and up is $5, 7-13 years of age it is $2, and those under 7 are free.
AMENITIES:
Gift shop, hiking trails, Ramada’s, many picnic tables, barbeque stands, open fields for games and parking for a large number of vehicles. There are three sets of very clean porta-poties and hopefully in the near future permanent toilets. Arrangements can be made for weddings and receptions around the lodge. There are four view points above the bridge giving you great views of the bridge and the canyons for those who may not wish to hike below.
TRAILS:
There are four separate hiking trails with three that lead to underneath the bridge. The Pine Creek Trail begins at Parking Lot #1 and goes through the Pine Canyon to underneath the bridge and up the Gowan Trail. The Ana Mae Trail begins at View Point #2 and leads down to 100 yards north of the bridge from which you can hike to the bridge and underneath. The Gowan Trail starts at the south end of the bridge and leads below the bridge to a viewing platform. From there you can go under the bridge, out the north end or back up the Gowan Trail. The Water Fall Trail leads 300 feet to beautiful falls that look like something from a tropical area and not Arizona. ALL trails are steep with steps and rocky areas. It is highly recommended that you wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike to the bottom of the bridge. A map for all trails and the park is given to visitors. It is also highly recommended that each person carry water if they are going to hike any of the trails. Caution! The elevation at the top of the bridge is 4533 ft. If you are coming from a much lower altitude you may encounter altitude sickness if you over exert yourself.
RESTRICTIONS:
Pets are allowed in the park but not down any of the trails leading into the canyon. This is a state health law we strictly enforce. All pets should be restrained at all times. There are many wild animals within the park boundaries and the most visible can be the Javalina. They do not like dogs and will attack them if they get too close most likely to protect their young. Please do not leave your animals in parked cars during hot weather. During high fire seasons the only use of cooking devices will be propane stoves or the like. There will be no smoking on the trails. There is no wading in the water or swimming underneath the bridge. There is a swimming area south of the bridge near the wooden foot bridge. Please advise all of your party there is no throwing of objects of any kind from above or below the bridge.
VOLUNTEERS:
Volunteers are always needed in areas of park hosts, gift shop persons and maintenance. It is a great opportunity to serve and enjoy. Contact the park for more info.
