Tucked away in a stunning landscape of canyons, towering red rock buttes, and striking formations along the Verde River in Cottonwood, Arizona, you’ll find the peaceful Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
At an elevation of 3,300 feet, the park offers mild temperatures making it the perfect spot for all kinds of outdoor fun. Whether you’re camping, mountain biking in the Coconino National Forest, hiking along the river, canoeing, fishing, or just relaxing with a picnic by the water, there’s something for everyone. Three lagoons within the park offer great fishing and a place to watch the area's aquatic wildlife and birds. The campsites are equipped with water and electricity hookups. There is a free dump station for campers in the park.
A special highlight is the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area, a beautiful six-mile stretch of the river, home to a rare Cottonwood and Willow riparian forest. This incredible ecosystem is one of fewer than 20 in the world! With each season, the area comes alive with a variety of wildlife. You’ll see everything from majestic raptors to colorful songbirds, along with mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
The area also has a rich history, long before settlers arrived, it was home to Native American tribes like the Sinagua, Yavapai, and Apache. In the late 1800s, Anglo settlers began farming the land and supporting the soldiers at Camp Verde and miners in nearby Jerome.
Things to Do:
- Biking & Hiking Trails
- There are several hiking trails in the park area. Refer to the link below for list of trails within the park system.
- Bikes can be used on park roads. However, according to the park officials, they are considered motorized vehicles, thus cannot be ridden on trails. Click the link below for additional information trails
- Birding
- For bird lovers, this is paradise! The park offers diverse habitats, including cottonwood-willow forests, grasslands, and lagoons, perfect for spotting a variety of birds.
- 4x4 Trails.
Nearby Attractions:
- The stunning red rocks of Sedona
- The fascinating ruins at Tuzigoot National Monument
- The ancient cliff dwellings of Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Sedona
Directions: Dead Horse Ranch State Park is approximately 360 miles from Palm Spring via Interstate 10 East. Google Map: Dead Horse Ranch State Park
The campsites are in the Quail Loop Campground. Individual sites will be assigned prior to the event. Each campsite has electricity and water. The dump station fees are included in your reservation. There will be 2 tents per site or 1 RV per site, unless otherwise noted. Pets must be leashed.
Cancellation/Refunds : Cancellation notice (for a refund, minus $10), must be received by April 30, 2025. You must notify the trip leader to cancel.
What to Bring: Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, potluck item, and the Ten Essentials. Per the schedule below, bring food to share on Wednesday (meet and greet appetizer) and Thursday (potluck dinner) nights. Every effort will be made to have hot coffee ready by 7:00 am. Bagels, muffins and fruits will be available in the morning for breakfast.
Weather: Dead Horse Ranch State Park May average is 85f hi, 50f lo. It is a dry month. Sunrise 5:30a, Sunset 7:15p. Moon will be waning, new moon is 12th.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact:
Tentative Schedule
Wednesday ~ May 7
- 2:00 pm or later ~ Arrival
- 6:00 pm ~ Meet and Greet ~ Site #33 & 34
- 7:30 pm ~ campfire
Thursday ~ May 8
- 7:00 am ~ Coffee, Muffins, Bagels and Fruits
- 8:30 am ~ Day’s Activities
- Jerome State Historic Park (10 miles)
- Local hiking
- 4x4 off-roading
- Biking
- On your own
- 6:00 pm ~ Potluck
- 7:30 pm ~ campfire
Friday ~ May 9
- 7:00 am ~ Coffee, Muffins, Bagels and Fruits
- 8:30 am ~ Day’s Activities
- Montezuma Castle National Monument (20 miles) Entrance Fee
- 4x4 off-roading
- Biking
- On your own
- Dining in Town (Optional) ~ Time and place TBD
- 7:30 pm ~ Campfire
Saturday ~ May 10
- 7:00 am ~ Coffee, Muffins, Bagels, and Fruits
- 8:30 am ~ Day’ Actives
- Sedona (20 miles)
- Tourist Activities in the town of Sedona ~ on your own
- Red Rock State Park ~
- The 5-mile trail network consists of interconnecting loops which lead you along the lush greenery of Oak Creek and the famed red rocks of Sedona. These Sedona hiking trails are family-oriented and clearly marked for your safety and pleasure.
- Biking not allowed in the Park
- 4x4 off-roading in the Sedona Area
- Local Hikes
- On your own
- Local Hikes
- Biking
- On your own
- 7:30 pm ~ Campfire
Sunday ~ May 11
- 7:00 am ~ Coffee, Muffins, Bagels, and Fruits
- 12:00 pm ~ Departure Time
