The Largest Natural Travertine Bridge In The World Is Here In Arizona And It’s An Unforgettable Adventure
Katie Lawrence
Author
There are a lot of “world’s largest” things in Arizona, and today, we’re going to highlight one of the most incredible of them all. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is home to the largest natural travertine bridge on earth, and it’s certainly among the grandest natural wonders in Arizona. Welcome to the incredible Tonto Natural Bridge, the largest natural Travertine bridge in the world.
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This jaw-dropping 4K video is an amazing introduction to Tonto Natural Bridge and all its wonders:
Visit the Arizona State Parks website to learn more about Tonto Natural Bridge, including current hours and entrance fees. You can also find Tonto Natural Bridge State Park on Facebook.
Have you ever been to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park? Did you look in awe at the largest natural Travertine bridge in the world? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more reasons to visit the quaint town of Payson.
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Largest Natural Travertine Bridge in the World
What is the largest natural Travertine bridge in the world?
Hidden away near Payson, Arizona, is an incredible sight: the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, otherwise known as Tonto Natural Bridge. It’s a short drive from town, followed by a magical, brief hike, and we strongly recommend checking it out. Some interesting facts about the Tonta Natural Bridge are things like:
- The bridge is 183 feet high, standing over a 400-foot-long tunnel which measures 150 feet wide at its widest.
- Admission to the park in which the bridge is located is just $7 a day for adults and $4 a day for kids seven and older. Children six and under are free.
Learn more about the amazing natural wonder in Arizona known as the Tonto Natural Bridge.
How was Tonto Natural Bridge formed?
The Tonto Natural Bridge is, as we mentioned, believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. It was formed over millions of years in several phases, and it went something like this:
- First, natural springs emerged from the earth, carrying within them plenty of dissolved limestone. As the water flowed, it deposited calcium carbonate, which formed a travertine dam.
- Some centuries passed, and eventually, a crack appeared in the dam – and water began seeping through.
- Over many more centuries, the water flowed through the underside of the dam, turning the dam into a bridge.
Learn more in-depth about this incredible natural wonder in Arizona, and how it came to be.
What are some other natural wonders in Arizona worth checking out?
Obviously, Tonto Natural Bridge is far from the only natural wonder in Arizona to write home about. We’re home to plenty of utterly incredible natural features, including:
- The Grand Canyon – This is almost the default answer, but come on! Our state is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. How cool is that?
- Antelope Canyon – This awe-inspiring slot canyon is a photographer’s dream, though it’s only accessible by guided tours.
- Havasu Falls – This one requires an 11-mile hike to reach, but the waterfall is utterly incredible and you’ll never, ever forget it.
Learn more about our favorite natural wonders in Arizona.