| The scenic rewards for just a little
bit of hiking are great in
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Located just
north of Payson, the park's namesake natural bridge is 183 feet high and
over 400 feet long. It's believed to be the largest travertine bridge in
the world.
The half-mile Gowan Loop Trail offers the best view
of the natural wonder, climbing down up a steep incline to an observation
deck located near the base of the bridge. For a view from below, there's
the Pine Creek Trail and -- if you're up for a shower -- the Waterfall
Trail.
Although the park is best known for the bridge, it also
supports a lush riparian habitat with numerous wildlife species. The area
under the bridge and the moist banks of Pine Creek are home to American Dippers,
Canyon Wrens, Bell's Vireo, Downy Woodpeckers, Ash-throated Flycatchers and
Western Bluebirds. Bring a picnic lunch to eat while you enjoy the spectacular
wildlife and views.
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