Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge is believed to the the largest natural travertine bridge in the world.  It stands 183 ft high over a 400-foot tunnel that measures 150 ft at its widest point. 

Here, on the same level as the waterfall, we can see a little bit of rainbow. 

From one of the trails down

The tunnel - visitors can stand on top of the bridge or hike down below to capture the true size and beauty of this geologic wonder.  Under the bridge are several small caves.

The bridge was discovered in 1877 by David Gowan.  He was a prospector who stumbled upon it while being chased by Apaches.  He hid for two nights in a cave under the bridge.  On the third day he left to explore the tunnel and valley after which he claimed squatter's rights.

Western Sneezeweed attracts butterflies.....

and a white-lined spinx hummingbird moth.  The body was about 5" long.  Frenetic doesn't describe it.  It would not land but the proboscis is uncurled as it feeds on the individual blossoms.

A different trail takes us to a viewpoint on the opposite side from the waterfall.

Stalagtites hang down on this side.

A few of the small caves can be seen across the way.

The weather has gotten hot again.  We spent today at higher elevations. The bridge was around 5,000 feet elevation.  After the bridge we drove a forest service road which was over 7,000 ft.  The area on the Mogollon Rim was much cooler - 68F - compared to 85F down here at the RV park when we returned.

Ponderosa Pines

Lots of elk tracks here but still NO ELK unless we are fortunate enough to see elk at a campground......  This was our final day of Wheeling in Arizona for the 2010-2011 season.  Tomorrow the journey home begins.  

See you in Central New York when there will be one final post of this trip (with maybe some elk?) !