The Pine Victorian Inn

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Visitor's Center

by Basaic

Tonto Natural Bridge 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. The trail down to the bridge, and even more so back up is fairly steep and not recommended for people with medical problems. Your first stop here should be the Visitor's Center where you can get an informative brochure and buy souvenirs. Entrance fee is $3 for adults 14 and up. Facilities include 4 hiking trails including the Gowan Trail which leads down to the natural bridge; picnic facilities, viewpoints on the upper level of the cliff, and some exhibits in the Visitor's Center.

Rim Country Museum Haught Cabin

by Basaic

Another display belonging to the Rim Country Museum is The Haught Cabin which was moved here from Mount Ord. The cabin was built there in 1904 by the Haught Family. The Haughts figure very prominently in the founding and history of Payson.

Rim Country-Payson

by AVG2319

Payson is a short drive from Phoenix-about 90 miles. Take the Beeline Hwy (87) and you are on your way to cooler temps and some beautiful spots. It is considered the heart of Arizona's Rim Country and draws a lot of tourists looking to enjoy the national forest that surrounds Payson and at an elevation of 5000 relief from the hot desert sun.

Under the Natural Bridge Tonto Park

by AVG2319

"Nature at it's finest"

The best part of the hike is exploring under the bridge. You cannot walk directly under the waterfall, but you can walk along the rocks to the side and then behind the waterfall. There are pools of water and small waterfalls splashing over rocks underneath the bridge. High above you are numerous caves where back in 1877 David Gowan hid from Apaches. Later he claimed squatter rights on the land.

"Exploring Under the Bridge"

You almost will feel like you are entering some secret place when going from the bright light outside into the filtered light which feels somewhat like exploring a cave. One of the pools of water under the bridge

Another pool of water.

Looking back you can see the waterfall from behind streaming down the rock and hitting the mossy boulders below. It is almost prettier from this view.

You can then take the Anna May trail back up to the parking lot area from here. This trail is another travelogue.

Looking back you can see the waterfall from behind streaming down the rock and hitting the mossy boulders below. It is almost prettier from this view.

You can then take the Anna May trail back up to the parking lot area from here. This trail is another travelogue.