impressed by the location and persuaded his family to emigrate and live there. Gowan also tried to claim the land for himself under squatter's rights.
Gowan family members lived near the bridge until 1948. Their lodge building survives to this day and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
The bridge is 400 feet wide and spans a canyon about 150 feet wide. A waterfall cascades over the top of the arch that creates a rainbow.
Careful visitors can take the train to the canyon floor to explore the underground tunnel.
The park is open daily except Christmas and the fee is $3.00 per vehicle.
From Payson, go 11 miles north on AZ 87 and turn left on a gravel road at the sign.
Contact info:
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Box 1245
Payson, Arizona 85547
928-476-4202
Gowan family members lived near the bridge until 1948. Their lodge building survives to this day and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
The bridge is 400 feet wide and spans a canyon about 150 feet wide. A waterfall cascades over the top of the arch that creates a rainbow.
Careful visitors can take the train to the canyon floor to explore the underground tunnel.
The park is open daily except Christmas and the fee is $3.00 per vehicle.
From Payson, go 11 miles north on AZ 87 and turn left on a gravel road at the sign.
Contact info:
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Box 1245
Payson, Arizona 85547
928-476-4202
© 2006 by "DiscoveringArizona Inc." · All Rights Reserved · E-Mail: jayq@discoveringarizona.com
Tonto Natural Bridge is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The area surrounding the bridge has been made into an Arizona state park called Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, which is located off State Route 87, just 10 miles north of Payson.
This natural bridge was first documented by David Gowan, a Scotsman, in 1877 while hiding from hostile Apache tribe members. Gowan was
This natural bridge was first documented by David Gowan, a Scotsman, in 1877 while hiding from hostile Apache tribe members. Gowan was
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