The Bridge Hike In Arizona That Will Make Your Stomach Drop

Arizona has plenty of amazing hikes for almost every age, fitness level, and preferred scenery. If you're looking for a challenging trek with undeniably rewarding views, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is just the place. This iconic geological wonder features a breathtaking half-mile bridge trail guaranteed to make your stomach drop — in the best way possible. Scenic and awe-inspiring, there's no other hike like it in the state.

Open since 1991, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park has attracted millions of visitors; locals and tourists alike. This happens to be one of my favorite stops whenever I'm visiting Payson and Pine.

The incredibly high traffic is due to an incredible geological wonder being located here: the world's largest natural travertine bridge. And, believe me, it's a sight to behold!

Four trails meander through the park, each one offering its own unique adventure. Distance ranges from 300 to 2,200 feet, so there's a hike for every fitness and energy level.

Gowan Trail is the longest and most difficult of them all, its rough and steep terrain posing a formidable challenge to even the most trained of athletes. A fairytale footbridge leads through lush greenery and craggy rock formations, and the hike takes about an hour to complete in its entirety.

Arduous as the trek may be, every drop of sweat is totally worth it when you reach the summit. Majestic hills stretch infinitely toward the clouds and create stunning panoramic views you'll remember forever.

Another, much shorter hike only takes 15 minutes while promising equally awe-inspiring views. The Waterfall Trail ends at a massive cave complete with a powerful stream cascading down a series of ledges into the tranquil pool below.

I prefer the hike that goes underneath the natural bridge. Extraordinary and cave-like, it's not always open but when it is, it's worth making the trek. It's the best hike at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park!

Just be sure to have a good pair of hiking boots or water shoes as it's quite wet and slippery as you climb over rocks along the way. When I first hiked beneath the bridge, I was wearing my sneakers and nearly slipped and fell into the water a few times, so consider yourself warned!

The other two paths boast incredible features that can't be found anywhere else in the park. Reserve a whole day to explore all the trails to experience everything this amazing place has to offer.

The address for Tonto Bridge Arizona is Highway 87, Pine, AZ, 85544.

Visitor center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Take a look at this video at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park by @XploreMore:

For more information on Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, visit the Arizona State Park website or the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Facebook page.

Have you ever been to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park? Have you ever visited this natural wonder in Arizona and taken one of the trails around or under the bridge? Let us know in the comments. This is one of my favorite state parks to visit in Arizona!