Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Arizona

The name Dead Horse Ranch State Park is quite deceptive. Spread over 423 acres, the park is actually among the most green areas in the US state of Arizona, and is home to a plethora of plant and animal species. Visit the ranch for nature sighting and also for many adventure sports options.

Close to Cottonwood in Arizona and located in the Verde Valley you will come across the Dead Horse Ranch State Park. How do you reach the ranch? From Cottonwood go left on Main Street and proceed to North 10th Street, and then turn toward the North. Go on the North 10th and cross the Verde River Bridge and you will arrive at the park entrance.

Here at the Dead Horse Ranch State Park you will come across a unique ecosystem that is present in very few places elsewhere. Located beside the Verde River, the park is made up of Willow riparian gallery forest, and incidentally, there are just about 20 riparian zones elsewhere in the world. And this makes the ranch unique. Visit the park to catch a glimpse of the amphibians, mammals, fish, reptiles, resident songbirds and migrants. Life beside the Verde River keeps changing depending on the season, and based on this, the animal sightings will also change.

Dead Horse is also an adventurers delight. You can do some serious hiking or camping and also engage in fishing or canoeing in the river. There are 10 trails for hiking and 22 campgrounds within the park premises.

The Dead Horse Ranch State Park is open round the year and entry fee is $12 for a night if you do not need electricity and $19 with electricity.