Visiting
Help us protect this unique feature for generations to come. Please follow all park rules when vistiing Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Note: There is no public telephone or cell phones signals at the park.
Park Rules
- Littering is unlawful; tossing your cigarette butts on the ground is littering.
- High Fire Danger occurs every summer; during these times, smoking is restricted to the parking lots and charcoal fires are prohibited while propane stoves are okay.
- Pets are allowed on the park but we suggest leaving them at home. If you bring a pet, you are restricted to parking level and viewpoints and they must be kept on a 6 foot controlled leash at all times; Pets are not allowed on park trails. Pets cannot be left unattended during your visit.
- Rock throwing is not allowed on the park and take care while hiking down the trails as rock may fall naturally from the steep cliffs above.
- Swimming and wading is prohibited under the Natural Bridge; passive water play is available upstream and downstream from the Bridge.
- The Park possesses numerous natural hazards; please use caution while visiting the park.
- No glass containers on the trails.
- Good shoes, with ankle support are ideal. Flip-flops, sandals, and high heels are not good shoes to wear at Tonto Natural Bridge.
- 2 liters of water per person are highly recommended; 1 for the way down and 1 for the way back.
Facilities
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.
Parking Lot Viewpoints
One may see the Natural Bridge from four different parking lot viewpoints without hiking down to the bottom.
Visitor Center
The Tonto Natural Bridge Visitor Center offers information and a gift shop. Note: There are no restrooms located in this building.
Visitor Center hours: 10 am - 5 pm
Restrooms
Portable toilets, including one handicap accessible toilet, are located at each parking lot.
Gift Shop
We have a variety of books for sale about the region and the area. We also sell snacks, water, soda, walking sticks, and T-shirts.
Museum & Exhibits
Informative information is located inside the Visitor's Center.
Group: Day Use Areas
Goodfellow Group Use Area:
Lodge & Lodge Dining Room:
Cypress Ramada: 20x30 ramada with picnic tables and BBQ grills available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations.
10x10 Ramadas: 3 ramadas with a picnic table and BBQ grill are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations.
Picnic Areas
Many unsheltered picnic tables are located throughout the park for your enjoyment.
Hiking Trails
Thank you for packing out what you pack in. Please carry drinking water while hiking these trails. All Trails are steep and strenuous. No pets or glass containers on any trails!
Pine Creek Trail is about ½ mile long (400 feet developed - undeveloped in the creek bottom), leads to the Pine Creek natural area. Hiking shoes are recommended. Follow the arrows. Allow one hour.
Waterfall Trail is about 300 feet long, ends at waterfall cave. Uneven steps. Allow 15–20 minutes.
Gowan Trail is about 2200 feet long, down and back leading to an observation deck in the creek bottom. The trail is steep and rough. No trash cans. Hiking shoes are recommended. Allow one hour.
Anna Mae Trail is about 500 feet long and leads to Pine Creek Trail and The Natural Bridge. Allow one hour.
You may download a printable map here.
Swimming
Swimming is not allowed under the Natural Bridge. However, you may swim downstream in Pine Creek. Please be advised there is no lifeguard on duty. Swimming is at your own risk.
Wildlife Viewing
Many different birds species visit the park. Please ask for a park bird list when paying your fee at the entrance station. Deer, rabbits, and javelina also inhabit the park.
