This Waterfall Staircase Hike May Be The Most Unique In All Of Arizona
During certain times of the year, hiking may be the last thing on your mind. But what if the trail was less than half a mile and lead to something awe-inspiring? This short Arizona hike may be the perfect fit for the occasion when it’s too hot (or too rainy!) to get outside and play for long periods at a time.
The waterfall staircase located within the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park delivers visitors to a prime viewing location to see the spilling spray of the waterfall as it drops from the top of the natural bridge.
The state park has four trails (all can be accomplished in an hour or less). The Gowan Trail is the one that arrives at the staircase leading up to the foot of the waterfall. The hike is steep and has many stairs. If you want a shorter hike, then the park's Waterfall Trail is a mere 300 feet long.
Warmer weather means bringing more drinking water along on your hikes.
This one may be short but it's not easy, so be sure to bring plenty water to rehydrate — and to pack out what you bring in. (There are no trash cans on the trail.)
After a short and adventurous thirty minutes, you'll find yourself climbing the staircase and standing on the platform admiring the main event.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is located at Highway 87, Pine, AZ 85544. The trails are open during the following hours: Saturday of Memorial Weekend through Labor Day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Beginning the Tuesday after Labor Day to the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No dogs are permitted on the trails. Park entry costs: Adult (14+): $7.00; Youth (7–13): $4.00; Child (0–6): free. Learn more on the official website for Arizona State Parks.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
