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State Park Link:
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Nearby Parks:
Page Springs State Fish Cultural Station
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| State Park Contact Information: |
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Dead Horse Ranch State Park
675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd.
Cottonwood, Arizona 86326
Phone: 928-634-5283
Reservations: 928-634-5283
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Area Accommodations
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Photography: add your photos
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| State Park Overview: |
| The developed portion of Dead Horse Ranch State Park covers 423 acres. The 3,300 foot elevation accounts for the mild temperatures that are ideal for camping, mountain biking in the Coconino National Forest, hiking along the Verde River, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, or just wading in the cool water.
A six-mile reach of the river is known as the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area. Its unique ecosystem, the Cottonwood and Willow riparian gallery forest, is one of less than 20 such riparian zones in the world. Life along the river changes with the seasons, giving visitors a glimpse of the numerous species of raptors, neotropical migrants, resident songbirds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| Mammals common in the park include Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), Coyote (Canis latrans), Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus sp.), Coues or White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus couesi), Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus), Bobcat (Felis rufus), Mountain Lion (Puma concolor), Javelina (Pecari angulatus), and of course, the Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis).
The park is also home to a huge variety of reptiles and amphibians.
The lagoons and the Verde River provide excellent habitat for birds. The park boasts an extensive bird list (almost 200 species) and is also home to the yearly Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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Very Pleasant Outing( Fishing & Hiking)
VERY NICE OUTDOOR FUN ... MOST OF ALL THE BATHROOMS WHERE VERY CLEAN:)... FISHING WAS GREAT!!! A MUST DO..PUT THIS PLACE on THE LIST...EVERYBODY THERE VERY PLEASANT......
Written by FISHING-FAN
19-May-2008
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Great time
We had a terrific experience and will go back. Not even the wet weather could dampen the experience. It was a first camping trip for the 5 year old of our group and she loved every minute of it, as did we! The grounds were well cared for, people were friendly and the area is very moderate temp in the Fall.
Written by Camp Mom
4-Oct-2008
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Wow, what a park!
We visited in the spring. Tons of wildflowers, lots of hiking trails, very dog friendly. Very clean facilities as well. Great place to camp!
Written by AZ Cowgirl
22-Feb-2009
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We just returned from our trip to Arizona/Utah. We stayed at Dead Horse for six days and it was great. Very central to all the things we wanted to do in Arizona. It was surprisingly cool at night but the camp host always had plenty of fire wood for sale. All of the volunteers and staff were friendly and helpful. The bathrooms were always clean, although it seems like they should have more than three showers. We would recommend this to anyone and hope to go back someday!
I forgot to mention all the crazy critters! Lizards, quail, jack rabbits! What fun to watch them up close!
Written by Suzie from MO
21-Jun-2009
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| Camping: |
| There are over 100 large RV sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most of the pull through sites can accommodate 40-foot motor homes and truck & trailer rigs up to 65 feet, and include potable water and 30/50-amp service. All campsites may be used as non-electric sites simply by not plugging into power. Generators are prohibited. All loops include modern, ADA accessible restroom facilities providing hot water & showers and are free to registered campers. There is a stay limit of 14 nights in a 30-day period. We can be full in the spring and fall so call 1-2 days in advance to check availability.
Fees: Fees are per vehicle,per night with electric and based on per night without electric (no extra fees for tow vehicle).
Quail Loop: 43 campsites, including one ADA accessible site.
Red-Tail Loop: 36 campsites, including one ADA accessible site.
Cooper?s Hawk Loop: 27 campsites, including two ADA accessible sites.
Blackhawk Loop: 17 non-electric campsites, including one ADA accessible site, reserved exclusively for tents. RVs, including campers and vans, are not permitted. The loop is adjacent to modern restroom facilities providing hot water & showers. |
| Trails: |
| The trails in this system are in Dead Horse Ranch State Park and in the Coconino Natinal Forest. Trail users, the Dead Horse Ranch Trails Coalition, Arizona State Parks, and the Forest Service have worked together to develop and manage this system for you enjoyment
Forest Loop: A 0.5 mile loop. Multi-use. Starts and ends in the River Day Use Area. Circles around and through a diversely forested area and provides river access by way of short narrow side trails.
Lime Kiln: A 2.1 mile trail, one way. Multi-use. This trail follows a portion of the historic Lime Kiln Wagon Road. Originally the Lime Kiln Trail, then a road, provided access to a Kiln that was constructed in the 1800's. This Kiln was used to burn limestone to create lime, which is an ingredient of the mortar needed to construct fireplaces and chimneys. Soon after the construction of the kiln, the road to the kiln was extended and used as a route between Sedona and Jerome. The remains of the kiln can still be seen beside the trail. The Lime Kiln Trail is also the southern leg of a multi-use trail loop that includes the Thumper Loop Trail* of 2.5 miles and the Raptor Hill portion of 2.5 miles. Average mountain-bike time is approximately 1 hour to complete the loop.
Mesa: A 1.2 mile loop. Interpretive. Trail can be accessed from all areas of the park. It circles on top of the hill west of the North Campgrounds and provides overlooks of the valley.
Tavasci Marsh: A 1.0 miles one way trail. Multi-use. Access from the West Lagoon parking lot or the Mesquite Day Use Area. Follow along the historic Hickey irrigation ditch through a canopy of Ailanthus and Mesquite trees.
Hicky Ditch: A 0.5 mil trail, one way. Multi-use. Access from the West Lagoon parking lot or the Mesquite Day Use Area. Follow along the historic Hickey irrigation ditch through a canopy of Ailanthus and Mesquite trees.
Quail Wash: A 0.25 mile trail, one way. Hikers, stairs, and bridges prevent equestrian use. Access from West Lagoon parking lot or the Mesquite Day Use Area. Plant diversity and flowing water in the wash make this trail popular.
Creosote: A 0.5 mile trail. Mult-use, shortcut.
Lagoon: A 0.25 mile loop. Hike, bike. Accessed from any of the lagoon parking lots, this trail allows you to take a stroll around the lagoon. We do request that horses not be taken around lagoon banks.
Verde River Greenway: A 1.5 mile loop. Multi-use. Access from the West Lagoon parking lot or the VRG interpretive building. The trail weaves through some of the best nesting habitat in the area, a bird watchers' paradise.
Riverfront: A 0.5 mile trail, one way. Multi-use. Trail is accessed from either the south end of the Dead Horse Ranch State Park Bridge or from Riverfront Park. The trail runs along the south side of the Verde River and is good for walking. |
| Picnicking: |
| Picnic tables are located throughout the park, in both the day use areas and campground ramadas as well as being placed individually in various locations around the lagoons. Unless reserved, picnic tables in the ramadas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Many ramadas also include ADA accessible picnic tables. |
| Boating: |
| Canoeing and kayaking is popular in the river and lagoons. Non-motorized watercraft (oar power only, no sails) are allowed in the lower lagoons. Boating is not permitted in the upper (West) lagoon. A launch ramp and dock are available at the East lagoon. Gas & electric motors must be removed before launching. Children 12 and under are required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times when boating. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Excellent fishing opportunities for the beginner and experienced alike. Arizona Game & Fish Department stocks the river and lagoons with Rainbow Trout throughout the winter months. The lagoons are stocked with Channel Catfish in the warmer season. Fly-fishing the river and lagoons is becoming increasingly popular. Fish species include Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Crappie, and Trout. Pictured: Danny Madison displays a unique albino catfish he caught in the lagoon at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers fourteen and older. Licensing information is available online at Arizona Game & Fish, or purchase a fishing license at a local dealer. |
| History of the Area: |
| Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located adjacent to and across the Verde River from the community of Cottonwood. It is centrally located near several major population centers such as Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Prescott. When using Dead Horse Ranch as a base, one has a variety of attractions to visit, including: Jerome State Historic Park, Fort Verde State Historic Park, Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park, Tuzigoot National Monument, Montezuma Castle and Well National Monuments, Oak Creek Canyon, Prescott National Forest, Coconino National Forest, and the popular towns of Sedona and Jerome.
Calvin ?Cap? Ireys purchased Dead Horse Ranch in 1950. ?Cap? told State Parks Director Dennis McCarthy that his children named the ranch. The first time the family looked at the property, they saw a dead horse lying in the field, and after looking at a number of properties ?Cap? asked them which one they liked the best. The answer was the one with the dead horse. After they acquired the property, they named it Dead Horse Ranch.
How Dead Horse Ranch Got Its Name
The story of the park's name begins with the Ireys family, who came to Arizona from Minnesota looking for a ranch to buy in the late 1940s. At one of the ranches they discovered a large dead horse lying by the road. After two days of viewing ranches, Dad Ireys asked the kids which ranch they liked the best. The kids said, ?the one with the dead horse, Dad!? The Ireys family chose the name Dead Horse Ranch and later, in 1973, when Arizona State Parks acquired the park, the Ireys made retaining the name a condition of sale. |
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| Area Accommodations |
|  | CANYON VILLA B&B INN - Sedona, AZ
An Award-Winning Inn located with Red-Rock views from 10 of the 11 guest rooms. Member of Select Registry. Recommended by AAA (4 Diamond), Frommers, Mobil, Zagat, and Conde-Nast Johansens.
Price Range: $199 - $324
Web Site: http://www.canyonvilla.com |
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| |  | Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast - Camp Verde, AZ
A luxury country B&B oasis near Sedona offering great hospitality & 1st class accommodations. Off the beaten path yet minutes away from AZ attractions. Perfect for weddings, retreats, romance & fun.
Price Range: $150 - $235
Web Site: http://LunaVistaBandB.com |
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| | | | B&Bs / Inns | | Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast - A boutique B&B offering Quality Service, Exceptional Value, and an Entertaining Atmosphere in a secluded equestrian setting minutes away from everything in the heart of Arizona's Sedona Verde Valley. | | Adobe Village Graham Inn - Luxury inn with pool, hot tub, Fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs and great views. Casitas each have a bath fireplace, two person whirlpool tub walk-in waterfall showers kitchenetts. | | LODGE at SEDONA - A Luxury B & B Inn - 'Romance and intrigue, comfort and luxury, beauty and character, escape and adventure - The Lodge at Sedona has it all.' AZ Daily News |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
| Dead Horse Ranch State Park - ... FAQs Northern Region Southern Region Western Region Dead Horse Ranch State Park Address 675 Dead Horse Ranch Road Cottonwood ... developed portion of Dead Horse Ranch State Park covers 423 acres ... | | Dead Horse Ranch State Park - Special Events - Dead Horse Ranch State Park - Special Events September 27 & 28 Verde River Days Environmental exhibits, hands-on-activities for all ages, and a lively slate of entertainment throughout the day ... | | Dead Horse Ranch State Park - The Riparian Habitat of Dead Horse Ranch State Park Visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Arizona or find them on the web at http://www.pr.state.az.us/parkhtml/deadhorse.html Return to Echo's ... | | azcentral.com travel | Dead Horse Ranch State Park - ... and saturates the brisk morning air, the lagoon in Dead Horse Ranch State Park, off U.S. 89A west of Cottonwood, stands as ... s Central Region Dead Horse Ranch State Park Verde River flows ... | | Mountain School Activities (web calendar hosted by localendar.com) - ... Grade 11 w e e k 12 13 Camping Trip to Dead Horse Ranch State Park 4th and 5th graders 5th & 6th grade Havasupai Falls Hiking ... Trip 14 Camping trip to Dead Horse Ranch State Park 4th and 5th ... | | Arizona Desert Places To Go - DesertUSA - Lots of links to Arizona's Desert National Parks, State Parks, Recreation & Wilderness Areas, Cities ... Park Cattail Cove State Park Dead Horse Ranch State Park Homolvi Ruins State Park Lost ... |
| Area Attractions: |
| Verde River Greenway:
The nearly 180-mile long Verde River is a significant resouce in Arizona. It is one of the desert's last free-flowing rivers sustaining a large regional wildlife population and a lush riparian community. In 1986, the state purchased the area that is now known as the Verde River Greenway between the Tuzigoot and Bridgeport bridges.
The Greenway encompasses nearly 480 acres and is six miles long. The 3,300 foot elevation means mild temperatures for hiking along the Verde, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, or just wading in the cool water. Life along the river changes with the season, giving visitors a glimpse of great blue heron, black hawks, coyotes, raccoons, mule deer, beavers, ducks, frogs, and toads. The Verde River and surrounding riparian corridor support nearly twenty threatened or endangered species including river otter, southwestern bald eagles, southwestern willow flycatchers, and lowland leopard frogs.
The most significant natural resource in the Greenway, besides the year-round flowing river, is the dense forest of riparian trees and shrubs along its riverbank. This Fremont Cottonwood/Gooding Willow Riparian Gallery Forest is one of five remaining stands in Arizona and one of 20 such stands in the world.
Other Area Scenic Attractions:
The Verde River Greenway Natural Area, Jerome State Historic Park, Fort Verde State Historic Park, Red Rock State Park (a nature center), Slide Rock State Park, Tuzigoot National Monument, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area, and Mingus Mountain in the Prescott National Forest. |
| Directions: |
| From I-17 take (exit 287) Hwy 260 to Cottonwood. Hwy. 260 intersects with 89A/Main Street. Turn left on Main Street and proceed to North 10th Street. Turn right (north) on North 10th Street. Continue on North 10th across the Verde River Bridge to the park entrance. |
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