I visited Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.  It’s kind of a bummer that you have to pay an entrance fee for each park in Arizona.  I am used to all the parks being free, as they are in PA.  They have an annual pass for $75, but I won’t be here long enough to get any value at that price. 

But this park was worth the admission.  I had no expectations, I just saw it and decided to stop in.  I hiked the Waterfall Trail first.  GULP!

The sign scared me, but I went on.  Then I got here, and almost did turn around.  If I hadn’t seen the chain to hang on to, I would have. 

But I pressed on and ended up seeing my first waterfall in Arizona.  Actually, the trail ended IN the waterfall.

Then there is the bridge.  It has 4 viewing points that are easy to get to.  There are also some trails that go to the bottom.  I could see them and that they did not have chains or handrails, so I couldn’t do them. I really need to get some hiking poles.

 

I think it is interesting that, although it is a higher elevation and there is a lot of water around, there are still many desert plants, like the Prickly Pear.

Later,

Jana

“There is no happiness for the person who does not travel. For Indra is the friend of the traveler, therefore wander!” – Brähmann