Ansel's Spring Walkabout

Click any image below for a larger view

In one of the narrow V-shaped ravines that stem from the Mogollon Rim, a series of underground springs with mineral-laden waters have built up large deposits of travertine (calcium carbonate) through which Pine Creek, a year-round stream flowing through

the canyon, has eroded a passageway

leaving the rocks above standing a natural bridge. The natural bridge was discovered

by David Gowan, a Scotsman, in 1877 while hiding from Apache Indians.

After passing through the entrance to this State Park I parked my car and headed for the trail.  Not knowing what to expect I followed a small nicely flowing creek to the trail head.  I noticed a spray coming back over a safety rail and when I took a look to see this was my first view.  The water filters through the grass and moss and falls over the Bridge in a multitude of droplets.

After a long walk down a steep trail I reached the bottom and was able to walk to the base of the Natural Bridge.  You are not allowed to pass through the opening.  I do not believe it is due to fear of injury but the concern of the impact of a countless throng of people that could cause irreversible damage to this natural formation.

At the bottom of the bridge looking up 183 feet to the overhang you can see the water falling.

The picture on the lower left gives you a brief glimpse of the stream as it continues on it way after it's long fall from the top of the Natural Bridge.

The vegetation seen in the two pictures below I found growing next to the small stream.  It is called WESTERN SOAPBERRY Jaboncillo
Sapindus drummondii - Sapindaceae, Soapberry Family.  Birds eat the fruit and use the shrub for cover and nest sites. 

The plant on the right is known as the

Crucifixion Thorn
Scientific Name: Canotia holacantha Torr.
Synonym:
Family: Celastraceae