Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (day 2)

Even though this is not an overnight camping park, we were allowed to pitch our tents and spend the night. Nice to have State Parks sponsor meetings! The spring and bridge were 'discovered' in the late 1800's and the water was diverted to water the grounds and a bit of farming.

Some remnants of a simpler time

An early morning walk to the side/cliff falls we had seen on the hike the day before.

And just beyond that one is this one:

Above the natural bridge, I noticed a herd of javelina. There must have been 20 of them!

They didn't seem too concerned by my presence until I got close enough for them to spook in groups of 4 or 5.

They can run fairly quickly when they want to.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (day 1)

Had a meeting at Tonto Natural Bridge SP. What a beautiful spot. And I believe I would say that even if I wasn't missing the first 100+ (F) day of the year back in Phoenix.

The bridge is a travertine formation, meaning it is growing ever so slightly as minerals in the water are deposited and build up over time.  The water comes from a spring that flows fairly well in spring and early summer.

The river runs when the water runoff is good, and the water is super clear.

Here's a look through the bridge.

Here's looking up at the back side. You can see the travertine here, too.

We took a hike through and up the stream a little way back up to the parking areas.

The trees are amazing. Obviously, the soil has been washed out in a flash flood or two over time, and the roots still find there way to the steam.

Columbine were blooming.