We’re Obsessed With This Arizona Trail That Leads to an Incredible 80-Foot Waterfall

For those who have been to the Payson area, chances are you’ve stopped at the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in nearby Pine. Home to the largest known travertine bridge in the world, it’s another natural wonder we are proud to have here in the Grand Canyon State. And depending on what time of year you visit, you can also view a gorgeous 80-foot waterfall in Arizona, cascading right over the bridge. So, have you ever seen the Tonto Natural Bridge Waterfall, Arizona? I have many times, and I will tell you all about it.

Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a place I visit nearly every time I make the drive up the Beeline Highway from Scottsdale to the Payson area. It’s a gorgeous park with a few short trails but, most impressively, a massive travertine bridge considered the largest on our planet.

Just so you're prepared for your visit, there is an entry fee of $10 for ages 14 and older, $5 per youth (7-13), and free for children ages six and under. There should be a ranger at the booth by the historic Goodfellow Lodge (pictured here), so you can pay there. If not, you must park your car and go inside to pay. Inside the 1920s lodge is a small gift shop, and it's worth seeing its historic architecture.

After parking your vehicle in the large parking lot, follow the signs and take a short trek to an overlook where you'll see the natural bridge and the top of the waterfall. This part of the park is accessible to all.

Pictures are as much of a must at the top as they are when you eventually get to the bottom to see the full scope of the bridge and its cascade! This photo I took from the top is of the walkway to the observation deck at the natural bridge. This is where we will head next.

To get to the observation deck at the bottom by the creek, you will take the Gowan Trail, which has a bit of a steep descent. Make sure you take water with you, wear sunscreen, and wear a good pair of hiking boots. This Arizona waterfall trail isn't for everyone. If you can't make the climb, stay at the top to view the bridge and the waterfall from the observation areas.

There are some switchbacks along the trail, and—I have to say—it's quite exciting to see the bridge and waterfall cave come closer into view as you descend. There is also a creek running under the observation deck and through the entirety of the natural bridge.

The travertine bridge measures 183 feet high, 150 feet wide, and more than 400 feet deep, creating a cave-like tunnel you can actually hike through if the park allows it during your visit. I have hiked through it before, and it requires a lot of climbing up, over, and around rocks. Due to the water in the cave, many of the rocks are slippery. It's definitely not a hike for everyone!

Now, I must warn you, this waterfall has been different every time I've visited. I've seen it flow so powerfully in a jaw-dropping fashion and as a mere trickle, depending on the time of year and if there was recent rainfall. And yet, I find it impressive no matter what—and I think you will, too!

On this particular visit, which was in April 2024, the water didn't have too much of a powerful flow, but it was a bit more than a trickle. Still, we were fascinated by its beauty, the bridge, and the rest of the park.

While it was a cold and rainy day the last time we visited Tonto Natural Bridge and its waterfall, it was worth it—it always is, no matter the weather! If you haven't yet been, I strongly urge you to add it to your Arizona bucket list.

(If you like the hoodie I'm wearing, you can order your own from our friends at Wear Your Roots!

I highly suggest heading here if you're looking for waterfalls in the Payson area. Have you ever been to this incredible state park? Have you ever seen the Tonto Natural Bridge Waterfall, Arizona? For park information, visit the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park web page.

What are some of your other favorite Arizona waterfalls? Please share them with us through our nominations page. And if you want to explore another waterfall in the Payson area, check out the incredibly stunning and fun Water Wheel Falls.