Arizona
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Dead Horse Ranch State Park
1) You’re Probably Wondering About the Name
In the 1940’s, the Ireys family came to Arizona from Minnesota to buy a ranch. They visited a few, and one of them had a dead horse lying near the road. When asked which ranch they liked best, the Ireys kids insisted on “the one with the dead horse.” When the land became a state park, the Ireys made sure that the name wouldn’t be changed.
2) Dead Horse Ranch State Park is Located in the Verde Valley
The developed part of the park encompasses 423Â beautiful acres.
3) The Average Elevation of the Park is 3,300 ft
Translation: It’s the perfect mild temperature to do about any fun outdoor activity you can think of.
4) And Speaking of Activities…
You’ve got a slew of options! There’s hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing or wading in the Verde river, camping, picnicking, and canoeing.
5) You Can Expect a Reasonably Good Catch
They stock catfish on National Fishing Day and Verde River Day each year. Between November and March, they also stock trout every other week.
6) But if Camping is More Your Speed…
Be sure to look into reserving one of 8 one-room log cabins. They’re separated from the rest of the campgrounds, so you’ll have the place all to yourself!
7) 6 Miles of the River is Part of Verde River
Here, they conserve everything it its natural state, so don’t expect to find facilities of any sort. Take this opportunity to get in touch with nature!
8) Verde River Greenway State Natural Has a Unique Ecosystem
It’s one among less than twenty zones of its kind in the whole world!
9) The State Park’s Environment is Ever-Changing
Because the river changes with the seasons, the surrounding life also changes. Keep a close eye on the cycles of the Cottonwood and Willow forests, and the different species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and fish… Anything that calls the river valley home!
10) Dead Horse Ranch Earned a Certificate of Excellence in 2014
This means that the travelers all had great things to say. We’re sure that you’ll enjoy your visit, too!
-
New Mexico5 days agoGrant County’s Inner Loop takes you past ancient caves and a real ghost town
-
Wisconsin7 days agoFrank Lloyd Wright’s last Prairie house sits quietly north of Racine, and you can tour it free
-
Washington4 days agoThis Puget Sound town hauled a church in by wagon, and it’s still standing today
-
Oregon5 days agoOregon’s forgotten commune left behind quilts, oxen, and a town frozen in time
-
Washington1 day agoSeattle’s minimum wage puts tipping expectations under new scrutiny
-
Texas4 days agoTexas GOP stunned as Democrat flips a 30-year Republican stronghold
-
California11 hours agoCalifornia accounts for most of $524 million in SNAP fast food restaurant spending
-
Colorado5 days agoColorado buried a secret army base at 9,200 feet, and you can still walk it
