This year the we are joining Arizona State Parks and the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce in their celebration of Verde River Days at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood. Verde River Days promotes understanding and appreciation for the past, present and future importance of the Verde River’s natural and cultural resources. We have been represented by an educational display at Verde River Days since its inception.
Verde River Days is a family oriented, fun-packed day with educational displays, fishing derby, nature hikes, food booths, and live entertainment. Come and join us for the day. There are lots of fun things to do and it’s free! Max Castillo, Arizona State Parks, will speak to us at approximately 5 PM Saturday evening about the Verde River Greenway. On Sunday morning we have planned a field trip to Tavasci Marsh.
We would like to help out, so if you are willing to lead a hike or help out some other way please let me know. I definitely need to know if you will be camping with us or not so I may reserve a spot for you. The cost to camp at the park is $12/carload. We will provide a hamburger (veggie burger) dinner on Saturday evening with sodas; other beverages are on your own.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
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. Life along the river changes with the seasons, giving visitors a glimpse of the numerous species of raptors, neotropical migrants, resident songbirds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, 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, mountain biking in the Coconino National Forest, hiking along the Verde River, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, or just wading in the cool water.
Directions
From I‑17 take (exit 287) Hwy 260 to Cottonwood. Hwy. 260 intersects with 89A/Main Street. Turn left on Main Street and proceed to North 10th Street. Turn right (north) on North 10th Street. Continue on North 10th across the Verde River Bridge to the park entrance.