I think by now, most people have come to accept and love that New Zealand served as the setting for J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic novels in the Lord of the Rings movie series. There were many fantastic locations that brought to life a lush, dramatic landscape where you could think that hobbits, orcs, and other strange creatures could roam.

While Arizona is better known for its desertscapes, I think you can find some spots around the state that could give the New Zealand locations a run for their money. One example also happens to be the home to the world’s largest travertine bridge: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.

Randy Jenkins/Flickr
Massive and surrounded by a lush forest, this location in central Arizona is one beautiful place that will make you feel like a tiny Hobbit walking around Middle Earth.
Alan Levine/Flickr
Pine Creek runs along a portion of the park and right over the arch itself, creating a beautiful waterfall that not only makes this area look absolutely beautiful but also contributed to the formation of the arch.
Pawsitive Candie_N/Flickr

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Looking at all that water and moss, you wouldn't think this place was in Arizona!
Alan Stark/Flickr
As for the arch, or "bridge," itself, it is simply enormous. The tunnel that forms the archway measures 400 feet long and is 186 feet at its tallest point.
Devon Christopher Adams/Flickr
Look how tiny this average-sized person looks compared to it!
The park also has a few short hiking paths to enjoy the surrounding area and plenty of spots to sit back and enjoy nature's beauty while contemplating the kind of Middle Earth creatures that might call this place home.
Clintus/Flickr
What scene from the series do you think could have taken place right here?
Jonathan Hull/Flickr

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is located about 14 miles northwest of Payson, just off of Beeline Highway. Directions from Payson can be found at this Google Maps link. Visiting details can be found at the park’s website, azstateparks.com.

Want to check out more magical locations around Arizona? You might want to start by reading our article about Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, a place that looks almost too surreal to exist!

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