Dead Horse Ranch State Park, State park in Cottonwood, Arizona, US

Dead Horse Ranch State Park covers 423 acres along the Verde River in the Verde River Greenway at about 3,300 feet elevation. It has 10 miles of hiking trails, 150 campground sites, 23 group camping sites and several picnic areas, and its trailhead connects to the Dead Horse Trail System on adjacent Coconino National Forest land.

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 Ireys family named the ranch after a dead horse they found on the land before selling it to Arizona. The park also serves as trailhead access to the Dead Horse Trail System on adjacent Coconino National Forest land, so hikers can continue beyond the park boundary.