Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Dead Horse Ranch State Park - Cottonwood, AZ

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Dead Horse Ranch State Park

GPS Coordinates: N 34° 45.233 W 112° 00.842

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The developed portion of Dead Horse Ranch State Park covers 423 acres at an elevation of 3,300 feet, and is located next to the community of Cottonwood in the scenic Verde Valley, and is alive with animal and human activity.

Perhaps best known as a "nest" for bird watching, the park is also favored for hiking, picnicking, camping, canoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and stream and pond fishing. Walking trails are established along the shady banks of the Verde River. Fishing opportunities in Dead Horse State Park include the Verde River and four-acre fishing lagoon, which is stocked periodically. The park has mild temperatures, and a full-facility campground. The park is also a good base for exploring other attractions in and around the Verde Valley.

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 1940's. 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.

Facilities: Picnic tables, restrooms with hot showers, picnic areas, and group sites are provided.

Best Time To Visit: This area is open to visitors year-round. Register to camp by 11 am and checkout time is 2 pm. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 8 am.

Fees: Daily entrance and camping fees apply. Fees are charged per vehicle. Please call the park for current fee information. For the Group Campground there is a non-refundable reservation fee. A minimum of 10 vehicles are required to qualify as a group for the campground. A minimum of five vehicles are required to qualify as a group for the day use areas.

Accessibility: Unknown

Rules: Pets must be kept on leash and not left unattended. Firewood gathering is prohibited. Vehicles must be parked on the paved surface within each designated site. Swimming and boating are prohibited in the west lagoon. Loaded firearms are prohibited in the park.

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.

Map: Click here for a map to Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Reservations: Reservations are required for overnight horse corral use. Reservations are taken no more than 12 months in advance.

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Dead Horse Ranch State Park