Tonto Natural Bridge

Less than 90 minutes from Origins B&B you will find what is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point. It lies just north and east of the geographic center of Arizona. You can reach it by driving the scenic highways through Camp Verde, Pine and Strawberry.

Tonto Natural Bridge as you approach it from downstream

Two large springs have emitted water into the creek for possibly hundreds of thousands of years. Travertine is formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from water. It appears the travertine grew over time in a manner which dammed the creek; at some point, water seepage through the dam caused an opening, which grew in size to form the natural bridge we see today.

Tonto Natural Bridge up close

Here you can sense just how large the opening is. Note the people in the bottom-right of the photo.

Pine Creek, AZ

And here is a typical Arizona riparian area, which is viewed from just north of the Bridge. (An arrow points to Karen!)

This view through the Bridge's opening is from upstream. Many years ago, there was a ladder one could climb to the ledge far above at the right of the cave. It is easy to imagine people living along Pine Creek and even within the cave during hot summer months. This area has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years. When Anglos first 'discovered' it in the 1860s (explorer/trapper Pauline Weaver), a band of Tonto Apache (Dilzhe’eh Apache) was encamped here.

Looking through the Bridge

Karen along the pathway within Tonto Natural Bridge

Here is Karen up close, as she navigates her way among the slick travertine bolders.

We enjoyed a beautiful afternoon there!

For more information, go to: https://azstateparks.com/tonto