About

Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a 320-acre park located near the Verde River and Cottonwood, AZ. Dead Horse Ranch is in close proximity to many other attractions that the Verde Valley has to offer including: Jerome State Historic Park, Fort Verde State Historic Park, Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park, Tuzigoot National Monument, Montezuma Castle and Well National Monuments, Oak Creek Canyon, Prescott National Forest, Coconino National Forest, and the popular towns of Sedona and Jerome. Additionally, Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a part of the Tuzigoot Important Bird Area (IBA).

For more information, please visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park’s website here.

What You'll See

Dead Horse Ranch State Park contains two distinct ecosystems that allow for visitors to observe diverse wildlife and habitat. The high desert of the Verde Valley hosts a variety reptile, birds, and mammals that have adapted to an arid climate. Along the nearby Verde River, visitors can observe beavers, otters, and birds that rely on the water that is highly important to the arid climate nearby.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park serves as a site for the Arizona Birding Trail, a network of more than 300 birding and watchable wildlife sites across the state. For more information, visit their website here.

Getting There

Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located right outside of Cottonwood, AZ. From the intersection of Mingus Road and Main Street in Cottonwood, AZ, drive 0.6 miles north and take a right onto N 10th Street. Continue on N 10th Street for 1.5 miles until you reach the visitor center at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.

Helpful Tips

Amenities 

Parking. Public restrooms. Mountain biking. Hiking. Fishing. Camping.

entrance requirement

$7 per vehicle (1-4 adults). $3 per individual/bicycle. Additional fee for camping.

Contact 

Arizona State Parks, Dead Horse Ranch State Park

(928) 634-5283