Dead Horse Ranch State Park, State park in Cottonwood, Arizona, US
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a recreation area near Cottonwood that spans over 400 acres along the Verde River. It features fishing lagoons, campsites, trails for hiking and biking, and areas for paddling and water activities.
The Ireys family owned the land in the mid-1900s and named it after a dead horse they found on the property. Arizona converted it to a public park in the 1970s for public use and recreation.
The land draws people who come to watch and photograph more than a hundred different bird species throughout the seasons. This variety of wildlife along the river makes the place a gathering point for those interested in observing nature.
The park is easy to navigate with parking, restrooms, and water available at main areas; those staying overnight can find cabins and campsites near the river. Visitors should arrive early during warmer months and bring plenty of water, as the sun can be intense.
The Verde River corridor hosts rare animal species that are hard to find elsewhere in this region. The wooded stretch along the water creates a habitat that many visitors overlook while exploring the trails.
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