Dead Horse Ranch State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dead Horse Ranch State Park |
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Dead Horse Ranch State Park
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 Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Location in Arizona
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| Location | Yavapai, Arizona, United States |
| Area | 423 acres (171 ha) |
| Elevation | 3,327 ft (1,014 m) |
| Established | 1972 |
| Governing body | Arizona State Parks |
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a fun place to visit in Arizona, United States. It's a state park located right by the Verde River, in a special area called the Verde River Greenway. The park is about 3,300 feet (1,006 meters) high.
This park covers about 423 acres (1.7 square kilometers) of land. It has 10 miles (16 kilometers) of trails for hiking. You can also find 150 places to camp and many picnic spots. There are even 23 special camping areas for groups. The park also connects to the Dead Horse Trail System. These trails are on land next to the park, which is part of the Coconino National Forest.
The park's name comes from the Ireys family. They owned the ranch originally. Later, they sold their land to the state of Arizona. This is how it became a state park in 1972.
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Fun Things to Do at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers many activities for visitors. It's a great spot to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors.
Hiking and Trails
The park has many trails for you to explore. You can walk or bike along the 10 miles of paths. These trails let you see different parts of the park. They also connect to more trails in the nearby Coconino National Forest.
Camping and Picnics
If you love camping, this park is perfect. There are 150 campsites available. You can set up your tent or park your RV. The park also has several picnic areas. These are great spots to have a meal with your family and friends. There are even special group camping sites if you are visiting with a larger group.
Verde River Activities
Since the park is next to the Verde River, you can enjoy river activities. The Verde River Greenway is a protected area. It helps keep the river and its plants safe. You might see different kinds of wildlife near the water.
Special Events at the Park
Dead Horse Ranch State Park hosts exciting events every year. These events help people learn about nature and have fun.
Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival
Every April, the park holds the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. It's also called "Birdy Verde." This festival is all about birdwatching and enjoying nature. In 2010, there were about 70 field trips offered. Many experts led these trips. The main festival area is at Dead Horse Ranch. However, events happen all over the Verde Valley.
Verde River Day
Another popular event is Verde River Day. This happens every September. It's a day to celebrate the Verde River. The event highlights the importance of protecting the river's riparian habitat. This habitat includes the plants and animals that live near the riverbanks.
