Arizona boasts more historic sites than we could ever even attempt to count, and some of them are intertwined with nature in a truly beautiful way. Dead Horse Ranch State Park, nestled just outside of Old Town Cottonwood, is one such place. From the unique story behind its (admittedly macabre) name to the century-old jailhouse that sits near one of the trailheads, this underrated oasis is one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets. Just wait until you see all the outdoor activities you can enjoy!
We fully understand why you might not be eager to visit a place called “Dead Horse Ranch,” but this Arizona state park is bucket-list-worthy in more ways than one.
TripAdvisor/linda8201 Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Old Town Cottonwood, this underrated park is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
In order to fully appreciate the park, you have to understand how its name came about.
TripAdvisor/Tom B. It all started with the Ireys family, who traveled from Minnesota to Arizona in the 1940s in search of a ranch to buy. At one of the ranches they visited, a dead horse was discovered lying on the side of the road - and, as it turned out, that ranch was the family favorite. Both the kids and parents agreed on the name “Dead Horse Ranch,” and the rest was history. When the family sold the park to the State of Arizona in 1973, they did so under one condition: the name must not be changed. Their wish was granted, ensuring the somewhat morbid joke would live on forever.
Also known as the “Gateway to the Verde River,” the park is situated directly on a rocky floodplain.
TripAdvisor/Deanne A. The Old Town Jail Trail parallels the waterfront, taking hikers on an easy stroll beginning in the parking lot for the century-old jailhouse that’s become a Cottonwood landmark. From there, you’ll trek through a lush riparian forest all the way to the river’s edge before either heading further into the park or looping back towards Old Town Cottonwood.
There are countless other trails in the park to explore, ranging in length from just a quarter-mile to more than 20 miles.
TripAdvisor/Yessyhara Difficulty levels vary, ensuring all ages and skill levels can enjoy the beautiful surroundings. No two trails are exactly alike, so you can expect to see anything from sweeping views of Mingus Mountain and the Verde Valley to all sorts of native flora and fauna.
Anglers, rejoice! The park boasts three lagoons known for their impressive populations of largemouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, bluegill, green sunfish, and the occasional crappie.
TripAdvisor/Management No matter the season, your chances of getting a bite are always high. Even if you don’t like to fish, the accessible loop trails meandering around each lagoon make for incredibly peaceful adventures.
Many of the trails are shared-use, meaning pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders alike are welcome.
TripAdvisor/TMG80750 One- and two-hour guided trail rides are offered, providing remarkable vistas of the lagoons, the river, and the ranch.
With so much to see and do, it’s entirely possible you’ll need to extend your visit overnight.
TripAdvisor/AZDIVER1 You can either pitch a tent or pull up in your RV at over 100 sites, or rent one of eight single-room log cabins.
The cabins have an undeniable rustic charm about them, but still include all the modern amenities necessary to make you feel at home.
TripAdvisor/Rod R. Fully furnished, the cabins include a full-size bed and a twin bunk, a table and chairs, and a dresser. You’ll also enjoy electricity, A/C and heat, a barbecue grill, and a picnic table. The nightly rate is $60, plus a $10 reservation fee.
Visit the park’s website or Facebook page to learn more and/or make a campsite or cabin reservation.
TripAdvisor/linda8201
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Old Town Cottonwood, this underrated park is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
TripAdvisor/Tom B.
It all started with the Ireys family, who traveled from Minnesota to Arizona in the 1940s in search of a ranch to buy. At one of the ranches they visited, a dead horse was discovered lying on the side of the road - and, as it turned out, that ranch was the family favorite. Both the kids and parents agreed on the name “Dead Horse Ranch,” and the rest was history. When the family sold the park to the State of Arizona in 1973, they did so under one condition: the name must not be changed. Their wish was granted, ensuring the somewhat morbid joke would live on forever.
TripAdvisor/Deanne A.
The Old Town Jail Trail parallels the waterfront, taking hikers on an easy stroll beginning in the parking lot for the century-old jailhouse that’s become a Cottonwood landmark. From there, you’ll trek through a lush riparian forest all the way to the river’s edge before either heading further into the park or looping back towards Old Town Cottonwood.
TripAdvisor/Yessyhara
Difficulty levels vary, ensuring all ages and skill levels can enjoy the beautiful surroundings. No two trails are exactly alike, so you can expect to see anything from sweeping views of Mingus Mountain and the Verde Valley to all sorts of native flora and fauna.
TripAdvisor/Management
No matter the season, your chances of getting a bite are always high. Even if you don’t like to fish, the accessible loop trails meandering around each lagoon make for incredibly peaceful adventures.
TripAdvisor/TMG80750
One- and two-hour guided trail rides are offered, providing remarkable vistas of the lagoons, the river, and the ranch.
TripAdvisor/AZDIVER1
You can either pitch a tent or pull up in your RV at over 100 sites, or rent one of eight single-room log cabins.
TripAdvisor/Rod R.
Fully furnished, the cabins include a full-size bed and a twin bunk, a table and chairs, and a dresser. You’ll also enjoy electricity, A/C and heat, a barbecue grill, and a picnic table. The nightly rate is $60, plus a $10 reservation fee.
Have you ever been to Dead Horse Ranch State Park? If so, what’s your favorite thing to do there? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below, then check out our previous article to learn more about the charming town of Cottonwood.
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Address: Dead Horse Ranch State Park, 675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA
