Tonto Natural Bridge
| Tonto Natural Bridge State Park | |
| Arizona State Park | |
 Tonto Natural Bridge
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Arizona |
| County | Gila |
| Location | Payson |
| - elevation | 4,530 ft (1,381 m) |
| - coordinates | 34°19′11″N 111°27′24″W / 34.31972°N 111.45667°W |
| Area | 161 acres (65.2 ha) |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Management | Arizona State Parks |
  Location of Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Arizona
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Tonto Natural Bridge is a natural arch in Arizona, USA, that is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The area surrounding the bridge has been made into a state park called Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, which is located off State Route 87, just 10 miles (16 km) north of Payson.[1] Tonto Natural Bridge stands over a 400-foot-long (120 m) tunnel that measures 150 feet (46 m) at its widest point and reaches a height of 183 feet (56 m).
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History [edit]
This natural bridge was first documented by David Gowan, a Scotsman, in 1877 while hiding from hostile Apache tribe members.[1][2] Gowan was impressed by the location and persuaded his family to emigrate and live there.[2] Gowan also tried to claim the land for himself under squatter's rights.[1]
Gowan family members lived near the bridge until 1948. Their lodge building survives to this day and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Park facilities [edit]
- Walking trails
- Pine Creek Trail - approximately 0.5-mile (0.80 km) long
- Waterfall Trail - approximately 600-foot (180 m) round trip to waterfall cave.
- Gowan Trail - approximately 0.5-mile (0.80 km) long, ending at an observation deck in the creek bottom.
- Picnic tables and recreation area
- Gift shop
- Portable restrooms
Closure [edit]
It was announced in early 2010 that the park was scheduled to close on June 3, 2010 because of budget cuts and to allow for repairs to the historic lodge.[3][4] Since that time, three groups have donated funds to allow the park to stay open until the end of September 2011.[5]
References [edit]
- ^ a b c Arizona State Parks. "Tonto Natural Bridge State Park".
- ^ a b Crossley, John. "Tonto Natural Bridge State Park". AmericanSouthwest.net.
- ^ Coates, Bill (February 27, 2009). "State park closures will turn away visitors and their money". Arizona Capitol Times.
- ^ Arizona State Parks (2009-02-24). "Arizona State Parks Board Temporarily Closes Two State Parks" (Press release).
- ^ Arizona State Parks (2010-08-06). "Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Again Rescued By Rim Country Residents" (Press release).
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