Dead Horse Ranch State Parkis also included in the Tuzigoot Important Bird Area (IBA). Since much of the river is located on private property, there are few opportunities to get out along the way. Q: Can I use my Golden Age Pass (National Parks) at this State Park? Take a look at the following information, and plan a trip to our beloved Dead Horse Ranch State Park! Riparian zones occur along the interface between land and a waterway. And Mingus Mountain is an excellent launch point forhang gliding enthusiasts! After two days of viewing ranches, Dad Ireys asked the kids which ranch they liked the best. Dont let the name fool you. At an elevation of 3,300 feet, the park enjoys mild temperatures, perfect for camping, mountain biking in the Coconino National Forest, hiking along the picturesque Verde River, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, or wading in the refreshingly cool water. All campsites may be used as non-electric sites simply by not plugging into power. It also offers trailhead access to the Dead Horse Trail System, located on adjacent Coconino National Forest land. Packages delivered to the park will be returned to sender. Trails leading from the River Day Use Area follow the river as well as lead into a lush cottonwood, willow gallery riparian area. Both locations contain bass, bluegills, channel catfish, and rainbow trout; however, the Arizona Game and Fish Department replenishes them with rainbow trout in the winter and channel catfish in the summer. Charles Eatherly made a presentation to the group and showed a graphic plan that illustrated how the property could be developed as a State Park. Keep your license on you at all times when fishing. Representatives of Arizonas diverse and varied wildlife species inhabit each and every park throughout the system! Their preferred diet consists primarily of insects, although they sometimes feed on other small amphibians. Gates close at dark. 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. From there, the Verde River Paddle Trail runs 31 miles to Beasley Flat. A pair of nesting bald eagles returns here each year and puts on a great show up in the cottonwood trees and as they swoop down to grab a fish meal out of a lagoon. Maximum group size for the entire day use area is 200+ people. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff, tells a 1,000 year-old story of ingenuity and survival in an unforgiving desert landscape. Otters mate in the spring and this is the best time to see these otherwise solitary animals interacting with other otters. This 18-acre parcel was acquired as a part of the Verde River Greenway in July 1986. Dead Horse Ranch has something for just about anyone. A hot shower is really nice after playing hard all day! Nearby, campers can venture off and visit Tuzigoot National Monument or spend some time gearing up or going out in the neighboring town of . Tuzigoot National Monument It is centrally located near several major population centers such as Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Prescott. Quail Loop:43 campsites, including one ADA accessible site. Take a look below and learn about the wildlife that you may encounter on your next trip to Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Q: What can you tell me about the old graveyard? Excellent fishing opportunities for the beginner and experienced alike. Sign up for our newsletter to receive all the latest news, travel tips and special offers. Quail Loop is the closest campground to the lagoons and river. Click to join Arizona's outdoor community on Facebook! With all there is to do in Dead Horse, you'll need a cozy place to rest. You can find additional Arizona Annual State Park Pass informataion and order online by visiting the. Mr. Harter reported that Judge Hancock had no formal resolution that indicated the purpose, rationale, and necessity for the 5th Street access. Dead Horse Ranch State Parkis located adjacent to and across the Verde River from the community of Cottonwood. Most campsites here are RV accessible with hookups. Their color profile and bushy tail give the appearance that they weigh more than their actual weight of 4 to 5 pounds. These are just a few attractions and destinations nearby: Dead Horse Ranch has five campground loops. Vocalizations include whistles and a shrill chattering type mating call. The Park is a party to a Cooperative Ditch Agreement with other property owners also holding water rights from the Hickey Ditch. Named for the dead horse lying in a field when the previous owners purchased it in 1950, Dead Horse Ranch State Park sits along the Verde River, a short drive from Old Town Cottonwood. From I-17 take (exit 287) Hwy 260 to Cottonwood. Nowhere else in Arizona will you experience the wide range of activities available in our area. At one of the ranches they discovered a large dead horse lying by the road. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located in a beautiful area in Cottonwood and has plenty to make this a favorite destination. Since most of the trails are shared use, you can also mountain bike on them or take a guided horseback ride. A: The trails accommodate a wide range of ability levels, including folks with mobility limitations as well as expert hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Campsite fees are based on two vehicles per site with no more than one of the vehicles being an RV/motorhome. The campground consists of four loops that each have varying numbers of spots available for you to stay. The Verde River is along the southern edge of the park and holds bass, bluegills and channel catfish year-round. No motorized boats permitted in the lagoons. Youll need a license to fish in the park. Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7.00 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. There are three lagoons within the park that offer great fishing and a place to watch the area aquatic wildlife and birds. The Sinagua were agriculturalists with trade connections that spanned hundreds of miles. The appropriation would be contingent on a matching grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Gates close at dark. The legislators were favorably impressed with the potential of the site. You may camp or park at Dead Horse Ranch to access theVerde River Greenway State Natural Area. They also dont have water or bathrooms. A: The parks official bird list includes 180 species, although the Northern Arizona Audubon Society reports as many as 240 species in the immediate area. These ground dwelling birds have made some amazing adaptations in order to survive the harsh desert habitats they typically call home. Many ramadas also include ADA accessible picnic tables. Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7.00 Cottonwood, AZ 86326, Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. They are tucked away from the other campgrounds, making them an ideal getaway for a weekend or for the week. Individual/bicycle: $3.00. There are more than100 large RV sites available. With the purchase of the property came approximately 78 acres of fields with water rights that were irrigated by the Hickey Ditch, a diversion from the Verde River. ), 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). Q: How did the park get its name? This causes less stress on the animals and keeps them around for the enjoyment of everyone. He contacted Duane Miller, another rancher in the area, who was at that time serving as Chairman of the Arizona State Parks Board. There is a $3.20 non-refundable reservation fee per reserved site. While the campgrounds are all just a few minutes from the lagoons and the Verde River, none of the campsites are on the water. WHen we stayed last spring, I think our AT & T hot spot worked fairly well, if I remember correctly. The water is stocked with Rainbow Trout throughout the winter, and Channel Catfish are stocked in the warmer months, so cast a line whenever youre here. On December 21, 1972, the Director reported to the Parks Board that the funding for the LWCF grant had been approved. Campsite Reservations at Dead Horse Ranch. Campsite reservations are available online or by calling our friendly folks at the Arizona State Parks Reservation Desk at 1-877-MY PARKS (697-2757). Park History Opened & Dedicated June 1, 1977 By Charles R. Eatherly Dead Horse Ranch Legislative tour in 1972 Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located adjacent to and across the Verde River from the community of Cottonwood. Dead Horse Ranch SP 18 th/25th 15 th/29 13 3rd/17 /24 7th/28th --- Oak Creek 4 th /18 th 1 st /15 --- --- 28 th 14 Verde River Greenway 18 th 8 th /22 nd 6 /20 3 rd /17 th 7 th /21 st 7 th /21 st Learn all about the Dead Horse Ranch fishing opportunities on the park fishing page, than plan a trip and hook some memories! Arizona in particular is home to several quail species, but the Gambels far and away is the most prevalent statewide, and the only specie found at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. While they come with a full-size bed, a bunk bed, table and chairs, dresser, and ceiling fan youll have to bring your own linens, including pillows and bedsheets. After two days of viewing ranches, Dad Ireys asked the kids which ranch they liked the best. There is an electrified ramada with barbecues and a fire pit in the area that can be shared by cabin guests. There is a stay limit of 14 nights in a 30-day period. P h e a s a n t R o a d Kingfisher Road R o a d r u n n e r R o a d Owl Road F l y c a t c h e r Fishing R o a d Heron Road Trash Trash ail ail ail ail ail ail Coconino Trail Tavasci Marsh Trail Mesa Interpretive Trail Self Pay Station ess Rest Rooms Showers Picnic Shelter Picnic Area Playground Ranger Station Dump Station Telephone First Aid In 2010, about 70 field trips were offered for the four-day event, many led by nationally recognized experts. 41,754 were here. Magnificent views of Sedona's famousRed Rock country, and the forests and canyons of Mingus Mountain await the hiker. They are also not permitted in any park buildings. Once very common and found throughout many of Arizonas waterways, the river otter was extirpated by early Arizona settlers for a variety of reasons. Dead Horse Ranch State Park 4.5 471 reviews #3 of 24 things to do in Cottonwood State Parks Open now 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About A scenic park that belies its ominous name and is best known for bird watching, camping, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding. Pictured: Danny Madison displays a unique albino catfish he caught in the lagoon at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located near Camp Verde, Cottonwood and Prescott Valley. You can, however, purchase anArizona State Parks Annual Pass. There were some humorous comments concerning going to their fellow legislators and asking them to appropriate money to buy a Dead Horse (Ranch). The developed portion of Dead Horse Ranch State Park covers 423 acres. Access to Tavasci Marsh from the park is closed due to a recent fire. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a state park of Arizona, United States, on the Verde River in an area known as the Verde River Greenway. The unusual hopping gait of an otter on land is fun to watch but as the otter enters the water, it becomes very clear that their sleek bodies were made for swimming! Hikers, bikers, and equestrian users all have the right to use these trails,although standard trail ettiquette should be followed during your trip. The park lies within the Tavasci Marsh Important Birding Area. Camper Mail Notice: Park cannot accept mail for campers, please use general delivery at the post office or make other arrangements. By 1971, Cap Ireys was ready to sell his ranch. Cap requested that Duane talk to the Parks Board to see if there was any interest on the part of the Board to acquire his property for a State Park. Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line in the three lagoons while kayakers paddle the Verde Valley River. Q: Where do the lagoons get their water? Every animal within the park system is wild and relies on their behavior and camouflage to stay alive. Seasonal hours may apply. Advance reservations are required. Keep an eye out for raptors, neotropical migrants, songbirds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Day use hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Arizona offers a non-commercial standard pass for weekday use at all parks, including weekends at most parks and the non-commercial premium pass which includes weekend and holiday access to the parks. Mammals common in the park include Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), Coyote (Canis latrans), Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus sp. The condemnation proceedings were held in Prescott with attorneys John Memmott and Paul Harter and Charles Eatherly, Chief of Planning, serving as the State Parks representatives. Horse corrals are available on a limited basis for overnight use with advance arrangements. Q: What is there to do at this park? The loop is adjacent to modern restroom facilities providing hot water and showers. Fees:Fees range from $3035 per night for sites with electricity, and $20 per night for sites without electricity. The park prohibits swimming and motorized boats in the lagoons. Hikers have their choice of nearly 20 trails within the park. We have Verizon with an internet hotspot. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. [3], The annual Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, the "Birdy Verde", with emphasis on birdwatching, is held each April. Los Alamos Day Use Area: Located under a cottonwood tree canopy between two fishing lagoons eight ramadas are available for reservation. Cottonwood, AZ 86326, Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. There are higher fees to reserve a site with electricity and there is an additional nightly fee for second vehicles. While in the park, coues whitetails can be experienced at any time during the day, although due to their crepuscular nature are more active during the couple hours around sunrise and sunset. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campgrounds- WiFi? Boats must be Coast Guard approved and personal floatation devices must be worn. Watch for wildlife like white-tailed deer, river otters, and water fowl on the trails and in the lagoons. Access to Tavasci Marsh from the park is closed due to a recent fire. The other was a much longer route through the Tuzigoot National Monument and Tavasci Marsh coming into the Park from the north. Pets must be kept on a leash and may not be left unattended. The Dead Horse lagoons hold the same fish species, andall three are stocked with rainbow trout during the winter. Most campsites are RV accessible with hookups, and many of the pull-through sites can accommodate trailers up to 65 feet long. Foxes have also been known to cache food for later use in times of aplenty. Electrical hookup: yes Sewer hookup: yes Wifi: yes Pet-friendly: yes The park has wonderful campgrounds with modern amenities, beautiful views, and connections to nature that will create long-lasting memories. Because of its central location, many visitors use Dead Horse Ranch as a base for exploring the area. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dead_Horse_Ranch_State_Park&oldid=1162392359, This page was last edited on 28 June 2023, at 20:59. Then the various required steps toward acquisition were initiated. Family-style shower facilities are only a short walk from all of the cabins. Take a look at the variety of facilities and activities available to park visitors below. Headquarters for the festival is at Dead Horse Ranch, but events are held throughout the Verde Valley.[4]. There is a $15.00 per night fee for second vehicles. At one of the ranches they discovered a large dead horse lying by the road. Sign up for our newsletter to have viewing tips, animal profiles, and wildlife themed events deliveredright to your inbox! Trail users, the Dead Horse Ranch Trails Coalition, Arizona State Parks Rangers & Volunteers, and the Forest Service have worked together to develop and manage this system for you enjoyment. While hiking through the park you may flush a covey (group) of quail and their explosive escape will certainly startle you at first, but the memory of their acrobatics as they dodge and turn through the desert vegetation will help complete a fond memory of the experience. Dead Horse Ranch is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area. The Board approved a motion to request Senator Boyd Tenney and Representatives Ray Everett and Gladys Gardner to introduce a bill to provide the authorization and appropriation needed to acquire Dead Horse Ranch as a State Park. A: The word riparian is derived from Latin ripa, meaning river bank. The Verde River is one of the best rivers for paddle sports, including kayaking, in the state. Park operational costs, including supplies and equipment to maintain the park. Seasonal hours may apply. Swimming, wading and stand-up paddle boards are prohibited in the lagoons. Alternatively, you may use, Dead Horse Ranch State Park Questions & Answers. Gates close at dark. It is centrally located near several major population centers such as Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Prescott. The young quail are able to take flight at a very young age to help avoid predators like foxes, coyotes, and snakes. Reservation fee includes electricity only where available and restrooms are within walking distance of all ramadas. The Commission reviewed and approved the funding request for Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF). This super strength really helps to overpower their reptilian prey that require less oxygen than mammals and birds do. Dead Horse Ranch State Park 4.5 471 reviews #3 of 24 things to do in Cottonwood State Parks Open now 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About A scenic park that belies its ominous name and is best known for bird watching, camping, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding. Packages delivered to the park will be returned to sender. Do all of this and more at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, located in the Coconino National Forest in Cottonwood. Dead Horse Ranchhas an equestrian concessionaire on the park who leads wrangler-guided trail rides. A launch ramp and dock are available at the East lagoon. Only a few miles from the park is the 21-mile Mingus Mountain Downhill, a popular shuttle run for mountain bikers. The river occasionally floods; camping on the river could be hazardous, and campsites would be expensive for the state to rebuild frequently. Camper Mail Notice: Park cannot accept mail for campers, please use general delivery at the post office or make other arrangements. The weekend had a few more people but no where near at capacity. Visit Verde River Greenway State Natural Area for ideal summer hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Links will open in a new window and leave the Arizona State Parks website. These dry cabins are however situated close to a clean restroom with showers. [2] Located at approximately 3,300 feet (1,000m) elevation, Dead Horse Ranch State Park covers 423 acres (1.71km2) of land with 10 miles (16km) of hiking trails, 150 campground sites and several picnic areas, along with 23 group camping sites. Unless reserved, picnic tables in the ramadas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. After the acquisition, members of his family and their friends were living in the guesthouse. A: The cemetery is not owned by the state or the park, but is privately owned by the Trustees of the San Luis Rey Cemetery. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is situated within a variety of bird and wildlife habitats which lends this area well to diverse wild inhabitants. Several of these are shorter than a mile, making them ideal for families with young children. Two distinct fishing options are available to park visitors, each of them offering a different experience for those of you that like to catch a few. At one of the ranches they discovered a large dead horse lying by the road. Entrance located at this park. Tour beautiful Cottonwood to take in the town's colorful past, abundant wildlife, and gorgeous scenery. A: Arizona has more species of snakes than any other state. Learn where to view Arizona's diverse wildlife species throughout your state park system on the Arizona Wildlife page. At the May 23, 1972, meeting, the Parks Board reviewed the final version of HB 2150 and expressed its pleasure about the authorization and appropriation for Dead Horse Ranch. It is centrally located near several major population centers such as Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Prescott. Looking for even more Arizonawildlifeinfo? In fact, because kingsnakes have a propensity for killing and eating rattlesnakes, it could be said that they keep the park safer for everyone to enjoyMore likely food items consumed by these constrictors include amphibians, birds, rodents, and other reptiles. Access to the Park was a major concern that had to be addressed. Several of these are shorter than a mile, making them ideal for families with young children. A: Water flows into the park from the Verde River via the Hickey Ditch, which boasts the oldest water rights in Northern Arizona.