Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a nice, short drive from Payson. People can hike, picnic, and bring pets into the park, although dogs are not allowed on trails. It's a beautiful area where you can enjoy nature. The Tonto Natural Bridge was our focus, so we walked down the upper path directly above the natural bridge. There is a large hole underneath the bridge where water can pass thru. If you're there at the right time of day, you can see the sun shining through the large opening; otherwise, the opening can look small and dark. It's worth a trip if you've never been there!

We drove all the way into the park. There was no signage anywhere about “no dogs” allowed. After making the trip in, having to park and go inside and waiting on line to pay, we are told no dogs allowed on hike. Our dog is a 2 1/2 pound Yorkie carried in a small bag. The only sign we found after the fact is small and in the middle of their website. We had no phone service to check ahead of time as we were already in Pine. Put a sign up at the park entrance people! That was wasted time and gas to drive all the way in and be disappointed. Our doggie has gone everywhere with us for 12 years. The reason given was, “ we have had problems with dogs in the past”. Lame.