Tonto Natural Bridge State Park - October 2013

Tonto Natural Bridge. Considered the largest travertine bridge in the world, it’s more than 180 feet (55 meters) high and about 150 feet (46 meters) at its widest point. It is located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Payson, Arizona. Visited in October 2013, and the weather was perfect for hiking.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
The Natural Bridge as seen from about halfway down the Gowan trail.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
At the Gowan trail entrance. The water fall acted as a natural air conditioner keeping everything nice and cool in the tunnel.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
The waterfall.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
The waterfall. Another view.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
The waterfall. One more view.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
Visitors can look down from the top of the bridge into the tunnel below.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
The ceiling of the natural bridge.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
Underneath the natural bridge is a 400 foot (122 meters) tunnel. The water that flows through here is called Pine Creek.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
Water has carved the walls of the bridge over eons.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
A view of the canyon walls. Somehow the tree in the photo has been able to withstand the rushing water when the creek rises.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
Moss was growing everywhere on the rocks.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
Another view of Pine Creak right under the bridge.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
The water has made the rocks very smooth and slippery.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
Looking out of the backside of the bridge. You can come in from this end using the Anna Mae trail.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
If you look closely you can see the water raining down from the top of the natural bridge.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
This is a good photo showing how smooth the rocks are.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
Water from the top of the bridge raining down on the rocks below.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
I am naming this photo "hanging on." This cactus somehow took a foothold on a crevice on the side of a vertical wall.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
I thought the Agave cactus in the middle of the photo looked cool just hanging off the side of a cliff.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
A View of the Natural Bridge as seen from Viewpoint #1.