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Dead Horse Ranch State Park
State Park Information

State Park Overview
Despite its distinctive name, Dead Horse Ranch is situated amidst an abundance of life along the Verde River. A six-mile reach of the river is known as the Verde River Greenway. Its unique ecosystem, the Cottonwood / Willow riparian gallery forest, is one of less than 20 such riparian zones in the world. Life along the river changes with the seasons, giving visitors a glimpse of the numerous species of raptors, neotropical migrants, resident songbirds, mammals, reptiles -mphibians and fish.

The developed portion of Dead Horse Ranch State Park covers 423 acres. The 3,300 foot elevation accounts for the mild temperatures that are ideal for camping, moutain biking in the Coconino National Forest, hiking along the Verde River, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, or just wading in the cool water.

Camping
GroupUse Facilities

Facilities A 22-site group campground is available by reservation. Most sites can accommodate 2 camping units. Two ramadas are available for group reservations in the River Day Use Area. Each ramada has a large family-size grill and picnic tables. One ramada and fire ring is available for reservation in the Mesquite Day Use Area. Individual grills and picnic tables are located throughout the area.

Amenities Modern restroom facilities with hot water showers, large ramada and group fire ring in the group campground, horse corrals, traiheads that connect to miles of developed trails. Multiple use trails provide access to the Verde River - four-acre fishing lagoon, stocked periodically and the Coconino National Forest are within close range.

Maximum Group Size Group campground44 units, River day use area200+ people, Mesquite day use area100+ people.

Picnic Areas Two

Reservation Policy and Fees For the Group Campground there is a $25 non-refundable reservation fee. Day use areas$10-$25 reservation fee. Reservations are taken no more than 12 months in advance. A minimum of 10 vehicles are required to qualify as a group for the campground. A minimum of five vehicles are required to qualify as a group for the day use areas.

Restrictions None

Hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact Name and Phone Number Ranger Station(928) 634-5283

Trails
The trails in this system are in Dead Horse Ranch State Park and in the Coconino Natinal Forest. Trail users, the Dead Horse Ranch Trails Coalition -rizona State Parks and the Forest Service have worked together to develop and manage this system for you enjoyment

Forest Loop A 0.5 mile loop. Multi-use. Starts and ends in the River Day Use Area. Circles around and through a diversely forested area and provides river access by way of short narrow side trails.

Lime Kiln A 2.1 mile trail, one way. Multi-use. This trail follows a portion of the historic Lime Kiln Wagon Road. Originally the Lime Kiln Trail, then a road, provided access to a Kiln that was constructed in the 1800s. This Kiln was used to burn limestone to create lime, which is an ingredient of the mortar needed to construct fireplaces and chimneys. Soon after the construction of the kiln, the road to the kiln was extended and used as a route between Sedona and Jerome. The remains of the kiln can still be seen beside the trail. The Lime Kiln Trail is also the southern leg of a multi-use trail loop that includes the Thumper Loop Trail* of 2.5 miles and the Raptor Hill portion of 2.5 miles. Average mountain-bike time is approximately 1 hour to complete the loop.

Mesa A 1.2 mile loop. Interpretive. Trail can be accessed from all areas of the park. It circles on top of the hill west of the North Campgrounds and provides overlooks of the valley.

Tavasci Marsh A 1.0 miles one way trail. Multi-use. Access from the West Lagoon parking lot or the Mesquite Day Use Area. Follow along the historic Hickey irrigation ditch through a canopy of Ailanthus and Mesquite trees.

Hicky Ditch A 0.5 mil trail, one way. Multi-use. Access from the West Lagoon parking lot or the Mesquite Day Use Area. Follow along the historic Hickey irrigation ditch through a canopy of Ailanthus and Mesquite trees.

Quail Wash A 0.25 mile trail, one way. Hikers, stairs and bridges prevent equestrian use. Access from West Lagoon parking lot or the Mesquite Day Use Area. Plant diversity and flowing water in the wash make this trail popular.

Creosote A 0.5 mile trail. Mult-use, shortcut.

Lagoon A 0.25 mile loop. Hike, bike. Accessed from any of the lagoon parking lots, this trail allows you to take a stroll around the lagoon. We do request that horses not be taken around lagoon banks.

Verde River Greenway A 1.5 mile loop. Multi-use. Access from the West Lagoon parking lot or the VRG interpretive building. The trail weaves through some of the best nesting habitat in the area - bird watchers paradise.

Riverfront A 0.5 mile trail, one way. Multi-use. Trail is accessed from either the south end of the Dead Horse Ranch State Park Bridge or from Riverfront Park. The trail runs along the south side of the Verde River and is good for walking.