Dead Horse Ranch

Dead Horse Ranch SP https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Horse_Ranch_State_Park The story of the park's name begins with the Ireys family, who came to Arizona from Minnesota looking for a ranch to buy in the late 1940s. At one of the ranches they discovered a large dead horse lying by the road. After two days of viewing ranches, Dad Ireys asked the kids which ranch they liked the best. The kids said, “the one with the dead horse, dad!” The Ireys family chose the name Dead Horse Ranch and later, in 1973, when Arizona State Parks acquired the park, the Ireys made retaining the name a condition of sale.

Nearby Parks Hiking Trails Park Rules If you’re having a great time here, don’t forget to visit one of these two nearby state parks! Jerome State Historic Park (10 miles) This park reveals the story of the city of Jerome inside the historic Douglas Mansion. The museum features photographs, artifacts, and minerals in addition to a video presentation and a 3-D model of the town with its underground mines. (928) 634-5381 Fort Verde State Historic Park (19 miles) Experience living history and life through the eyes of a frontier soldier. The fort was a base for General Crook’s U.S. Army scouts and soldiers in the 1870s and 1880s. From 1865 – 1891, Camp Lincoln, Camp Verde, and Fort Verde were home to officers, doctors, families, enlisted men, and scouts. (928) 567-3275 Trails are located within the park and the adjacent Coconino National Forest. Canopy: A 0.25-mile ADA-accessible trail that loops under a Fremont cottonwood tree canopy. Bird watching and wildlife viewing abound. Creosote: 0.5-mile shortcut trail. Shared-use. Dead Horse Trail System: A non-motorized 20+ mile shared-use mix of double track and single track trails. Four trailheads throughout the park lead up to the high desert of Coconino National Forest. The Lime Kiln Trail leg follows a portion of the historic Lime Kiln Wagon Road from Cottonwood to Sedona. Hikers and equestrians are encouraged to travel counterclockwise on the basic loop — Lime Kiln, Thumper, and Raptor Trails. Mountain bikers usually find that starting at the Roadrunner trailhead and riding the loop clockwise is more fun. For most cyclists, the trail is rated intermediate to expert. Forest Loop: A 0.5-mile shared-use loop trail that circles around and through a diversely forested area with river access. Hickey Ditch: A 0.5-mile shared-use trail that follows along the Hickey irrigation ditch to the Verde River. Intersects with Quail Wash Trail. The trailhead is located at north end of the west lagoon parking lot. Mesa: A 1-mile loop that circles the top of the hill west of Red-Tail Hawk campground with scenic views. Quail Wash: A 0.25-mile trail that intersects with Hickey Ditch Trail. Hikers and bicycles only. Tavasci Marsh: 1-mile shared-use trail. General Rules • Do not litter! “Leave no trace” and pack out what you bring in, or use the trash receptacles provided in the park. • Drive your vehicle only on designated paved surfaces. Park only in designated parking areas. Do not park on the side of the road. • Stay on designated trails. Cutting trails degrades habitat and harms the landscape. • Do not use glass containers in the park. • All of our parks adhere to firearm and hunting regulations. Please familiarize yourself with this information. Fires • Keep fires in grills or designated state parks fire rings. Never leave fires unattended! • Do not gather firewood in the parks. Firewood is for sale in most park stores. • Fireworks are not permitted in state parks. • Be “fire smart” and check fire restrictions at azstateparks.com/fire-safety. Camping • Campsites are limited to up to six adults and up to 10 people total. Cabins are limited to six people total. • There are designated dump facilities at the park for your convenience. Boating • Review boating regulations before heading out on the water. • Only kayaks, canoes, and boats powered by oars are permitted on lagoons. • Paddleboarding is not permitted on lagoons. Pets • Keep your pets on a maximum six-foot leash at all times. Pets must be attended at all times. • Pick up after your pet. • For additional information related to pets, visit our website or ask park staff. Additional Rules • Do not hang hammocks from trees. • Contain all grey water. • Do not wash RVs or vehicles in the park. • Generators are NOT allowed. • Do not swim in the lagoons. The rules of this park are not limited to the rules listed above. Additional park rules may be found at azstateparks.com. DEAD HORSE RANCH Cabins The park has camping cabins available for reservation. Each cabin has a covered porch, a full-sized bed, two sets of bunk beds, a table with chairs, electricity, lights, heating and air conditioning, and a locking door. Campers must supply their own linens or sleeping bags. Restrooms and showers are within walking distance. Cabins sleep up to six people. Check-in time for cabins is 3 p.m. Checkout time is 10 a.m. Reserve a camping cabin and start your park adventure at azstateparks.com/cabins. Firearms Discharging firearms within the park is prohibited! This includes BB and pellet guns, bows, and slingshots. Established 1957 Dead Horse Ranch State Park 01/22 Dead Horse Ranch State Park has 423 acres, 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 of the Verde River. The ranch got its name when the Ireys family came to Arizona from Minnesota in the late 1940s looking to buy a ranch. At one property they discovered a d



Welcome to The Verde River Paddle Trail The Verde River Paddle Trail stretches 6.5 miles from the Tuzigoot Bridge to the Highway 89A Bridgeport Bridge. River access points are maintained by the Verde River Greenway-State Natural Area and Dead Horse Ranch State Park. This guide is intended to help inform canoers, kayakers and other river paddlers about what to expect along this portion of the 200 mile Verde River. The guide is composed of four map segments along with a descriptive narrative. The river maps are oriented downstream from a paddler’s point-of-view. A vicinity map shows how the segment maps provide coverage of each river reach. The Verde River is a dynamic natural resource. Water levels, channel obstructions and many other factors can change on a daily basis. River recreationists are advised to practice Safe Paddling. x x x x x x x x x x x Never paddle alone Inform friends and/or family of your paddling plans Check conditions before you go Dress appropriately for the expected weather Wear a life jacket Know your watercraft’s limitations Paddle within your skill level Avoid high, swift water Scout any hazard about which you have doubts. Respect private property along the river. Dispose of all trash properly For more information contact: Dead Horse Ranch State Park: Verde River Greenway: 928-634-5283 928-639-0312 The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to be a statement of conditions at any one time. Conditions can vary greatly in relation to temperature, weather, water level, and other factors. All persons intending to run this river are responsible for personally assessing these conditions, as well as their own ability to cope with them. You should be aware that all recreational use of this type involves a degree of risk, and persons engaging in this activity assume the risk associated therewith. The information in this guide is used entirely at the reader's discretion, and is made available on the expressed condition that no liability, expressed or implied, is accepted by Arizona State Parks or any of its associates, employees, branches or subsidiaries for the accuracy, content or use thereof. 336 0 340 0 32 8 0 Verde River Greenway Paddle Trail For more information contact: Verde River Greenway State Natural Area 928-639-0312 www.azstateparks.com Hi gh wa y 0 344 340 0 89 A Downstream 3440 3440 8 34 0 344 0 State Trust Land 344 40 34 0 3520 3400 e Av us ng Mi 33 2 0 Segment 4 344 0 St 3480 Co tto nw oo d iver 0 0 0 Verd eR 344 Private Land Please Respect Property Owners 6 35 6 35 35 6 St M ain Coconino National Forest y Highwa 0 Segment 3 89A 0 328 32 8 0 3480 33 6 0 0 0 2 35 3520 6 35 2 35 0 34 0 0 3400 3440 3440 0 35 2 0 0 36 0 Dead Horse Ranch State Park / Verde River Greenway State Natural Area 356 364 0 0 0 4 36 0 0 0 4 34 34 0 4 36 34 4 0 36 8 8 34 0 3360 Segment 2 4 34 3520 0 8 34 0 0 340 0 36 0 3400 2 33 0 3480 348 Tuzigoot National Monument 0 35 6 Rd 0 0.2 3640 0.4 3600 0.6 Roads 0 0 34 0 0 3400 37 2 3560 36 8 0 34 8 0.1 0 0 0 36 Trails Segment 1 36 0 36 4 0 360 0 3360 0 3560 36 0 0 36 4 0 0 0 t oo zig Tu 0 36 34 4 0 352 Tavasci Marsh 0 3560 340 0.8 4 36 0 Miles 1 This map is intended for reference use only. Accuracy of map information is not guaranteed. Arizona State Parks assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or inconsistencies in this map. 368 0 

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In 1984 the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act established the portion of the Verde River from Beasley Flat downstream to the confluence with Red Creek, as Arizona’s only Wild and Scenic River. While it may appear calm at many of the river access points, the large number of wrecked canoes that have been removed from the Verde River testify to the fact that it has its share of hazards. Please plan ahead, be prepared, and practice Leave No Trace ethics to leave the Verde just as you find it for those who come after. 1 Mile -0.3 Verde River Scenic Area. This is the beginning of the Verde River Scenic Area. The group size on this section of river is limited to 25 people. There are rapids ranging from Class I to Class IV. The ratings given in this guide are for low water (below 1,000 cfs). Mile 0.0 Beasley Flat River Access Point and Picnic Area. The facilities here include a concrete boat ramp, a parking lot, toilets, a changing room, and ramadas with picnic tables and barbecue grills. Mile 0.5 Camp (Capacity 25). This camp is on river left with a large gravel beach. Mile 0.7 Trail Access Point. The Cavates Trailhead is approximately ½ mile from the river on river left. This trailhead is accessible from Forest Road 9242. Mile 1.7 Off the Wall Rapid (Class II). In this rapid, the water goes over a rock bar and then pushes current into a rock wall on river right. The Scout for this rapid is from the right bank. Mile 1.9 Camp (Capacity 25). This sand and bedrock camp is on river left. Mile 2.3 Trail Access Point. The Falls Trailhead is 1/10 of a mile from the river on river left. This trailhead is accessible from FS road 9244. The Ladders Trail #16 is approximately 1¼ mile from the river on river right. This trail is accessible from Forest Road 9709. This area is in Eagle Habitat, so roads are closed from December 1 to June 30. Mile 2.3 No Stop Zone. This is the beginning of a No Stopping Zone for Eagle Habitat. This area, which ends at mile 4.3, is closed to stopping from December 1 to June 30. Mile 2.4 Pre-Falls Rapid (Class III). The river splits above this rapid and the right channel goes through trees to bypass it. The left channel pours over a three-foot ledge creating a sometimes-sticky hole. The Scout for this rapid is from the left bank, stopping well above the rapid. Mile 2.5 Verde Falls Rapid (Class IV). The water pours over an 8-foot ledge into a narrow bedrock channel where there is a large rock in the middle of the channel just below the pour over. The scout for this rapid is from the left bank, stopping well above Pre-Falls Rapid. 2 3 Mile 4.1 Rock Garden Rapid (Class II). This rapid is a ¼ mile long series of rocky drops. The rocks get larger and the drops a little steeper as you progress. The Scout for this rapid is from the left bank. Mile 4.3 End of No Stop Zone. This is the end of the No Stopping Zone for Eagle Habitat, which is closed from December 1 to June 30. Mile 4.5 Camp (Capacity 25). This camp on river left has a sandy landing. Mile 4.8 Palisades Rapid (Class III). This rapid has a long rocky entry at low water. The water eventually funnels to the right and pours over a rock bar before hitting the rock wall on the right. The scout for this rapid is from the right bank. Mile 4.9 Camp (Capacity 25). This camp has a large sand beach and is located just below Palisades Rapid on river left. Mile 6.5 Bull Run Rapid (Class III). The water in this rapid runs over a gravel bar towards a 2-foot ledge on the right side of the rapid. At high water the two large boulders below the rapid become holes on either side of the channel. The scout for this rapid is from the left bank. Mile 6.7 Camp (Capacity 6). This small camp on river right has a sand beach in a dry wash. There are cliff walls on both sides and a sycamore tree near the landing. Mile 7.1 Turkey Gobbler Rapid /Punk Rock (Class III). At the bottom of the rapid, there are two large rocks (the larger of which is punk rock). The water goes over and through these rocks, making a hole at higher water. The scout for this rapid is from the right bank. Mile 7.5 Trail Access Point. Towel Creek Trail (#67) is approximately seven miles from the river on river left. This trail is accessible from Forest Road 708. Mile 8.0 Camp (Capacity 15). This sand and gravel beach across from the Gap Creek Trail has a large sycamore tree in the center of it. Mile 8.1 River Access Point. On river right is the Gap Creek Trail. This is a short steep trail to a parking area approximately ¼ mile from the river. This trail and parking area can be accessed by Forest Road 574. 4 5 Mile 8.4 Bushman Rapid (Class III). In this rapid, the water flows down a rock bar and then turns right as it piles into a rock wall on river left. After the turn, there are ledges or holes on the left side of the channel. Some water also flows through trees to the right of the rapid. The scout for this rapid is from the left bank. Mile 8.5 Camp (Capaci

VerdeRi ver Paddl eTrai l Hi ghway 89A Bri dgetoBeasl ey Fl at CoverPhot oCour t esyofSusunMcCul l a Welcome to The Verde River Paddle Trail Highway 89A Bridge to Beasley Flat This paddle guide is the result of the vision and dedication of John Parsons. Many heartfelt thanks to John, his wife Susun, and his young boating partner Josh Wheeler for performing the entire field work for this guide. Special thanks to John for his decades of advocacy in support of a healthy Verde River. Photo courtesy of Gary Beverly This section of the Verde River Paddle Trail covers 31 river miles from the Highway 89A Bridgeport Bridge to Beasley Flat. The guide is composed of nine map segments, each with a corresponding descriptive narrative of GPS waypoints. A vicinity map shows how the segment maps provide coverage of each river reach, and a waypoint table provides GPS coordinates for the waypoints used in this guide. Note that much of this section of river is located on private property. Please respect the rights of these property owners during your paddle trip; it is an act of trespass to disembark and enter riverside properties. Plan your river trip accordingly and leave the river on public lands only. The Verde River is a dynamic natural resource. Water levels, channel obstructions and many other factors can change on a daily basis. River recreationists are advised to practice Safe Paddling. 1 Verde River Paddle Trail Highway 89A Bridge to Beasley Flat Safe Paddling • • • • • • • • • • Never paddle alone Inform friends and/or family of your paddling plans Check conditions before you go Dress appropriately for the expected weather Wear a life jacket Know your watercraft’s limitations Paddle within your skill level Avoid high, swift water Scout any hazard about which you have doubts. Dispose of all trash properly The following table contains information regarding contiguous Verde River paddle guides and RAPs contained in this paddle guide. Approximate time (hrs) River mile RAP Miles to next RAP Low Med 0.0 Sycamore (future) No Guide at this time 9.1 Tapco (future) See VR @ Clarkdale 11.9 Tuzigoot See paddle guide 18.4 Bridgeport 4.0 3.0 1.5 22.4 Skidmore 0.6 1.0 0.5 23 Black Canyon 1.0 1.0 0.5 24 Bignotti 8.0 4.0 2.5 32 Newton Lane 3.3 2.5 1.5 35.3 I-17 Bridge 2.0 1.5 1.0 37.3 Black Bridge 2.2 2.0 1.25 39.5 White Bridge 5.5 3.0 2.0 45 Clear Creek 4.3 3.0 2.0 49.3 Beasley Flat See boaters guide 100.8 Sheep Bridge Verde River flows can vary widely during any year or season. Low flows (<100 cfs) are typical, and boating is challenging if flows are <50 cfs. During the early summer months, the section between Clear Creek RAP and Beasley Flat may be the only boatable segment in this guide. Autumn through spring months provide the best boating flows. Floods can occur during spring snowmelt, after rain-on-snow events or following summer storms. Do not paddle during flood events. Check real-time flow at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis Look for the “Verde River near Clarkdale” (Station No. 09504000), and “Verde River near Camp Verde” (Station No. 09506000) 2 Verde River Paddle Trail Highway 89A Bridge to Beasley Flat Directions to RAPs Bridgeport - In Cottonwood on Hwy 89A, turn north on to River Ave. on west side of the bridge. Park on the road. Go under the gate on the right. Skidmore - At south end of Cottonwood on Hwy 260, turn east on to Prairie Lane and follow it about one mile, then turn right on East Mesa Drive. Turn right on South Arrow Drive and right again at Skidmore Drive, then left into the parking area. The river is about 150 yards down the trail. Prairie Lane - (hiking only) – Following directions to Skidmore, but turn right off Prairie Lane after 0.5 mile, then right again in 0.4 mile Black Canyon - Turn east off Highway 260 at 0.7 miles south of Prairie Lane. Follow road to parking area and restroom at end. Bignotti - From Highway 260 turn east on Thousand Trails Road (signed on highway). Make first left at 0.3 miles on Forest Service road. Follow it to signed area with parking, restroom and picnic tables. If this is your take out be sure to reconnoiter as current is swift here. Newton Lane - From Highway 260 turn east on road marked Newton Lane. Follow this road 0.1 miles and turn right at Newton Lane. Follow Newton Lane for 0.6 miles and turn left on an obscure primitive road on Forest Service land. This road is a few hundred feet beyond the intersection of Newton Lane and North Amorie Drive and opposite Newton Lane from a large irrigation pond. Follow this road, which parallels an irrigation ditch, for 0.3 miles to the Verde River. I –17 Bridge - This is not a formal RAP at the time of publication. In Camp Verde, turn east off Highway 260 on Finnie Flat Road. Follow it 1.4 miles and make the hairpin left at the Circle K on Montezuma Castle Highway. After travelling 1.8 miles, turn left on Apache Trail, just past Camp Verde High School. After 0.5 mile, turn left on Buffalo Trail. Follow Buffalo Trai

$3.95 > COMPLIMENTARY Parks 2022/2023 Museums Trails YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE PARKS Night Skies Regional Maps Camping anD More! arizona State ParkS & TRAILS OFFICIAL PARTNERS SO TASTY EVERYONE WILL WANT A BITE. ©2020 Preferred Brands International. All rights reserved. Tasty Bite® has all-natural and organic ready-to-eat meals that are perfect for the trail. Look for the yellow pouch in the international aisle. tastybite.com *Keep wildlife wild; Donʼt feed the animals WELCOME A rizona’s state parks hold endless opportunities for recreation, learning and serenity. From the pine-covered slopes and iconic saguaros to the great rooms of historic buildings, courthouses, forts and more, these special places showcase the Grand Canyon State’s captivating destinations. These parks contribute much more than natural beauty, fresh air and cultural wonder. Arizona State Parks and Trails support thousands of jobs, contribute millions of dollars to our economy, and draw in visitors from all over the world. Enjoy all the outdoor adventures, preservation of historic destinations, conservation of natural resources, and the economic support in rural communities the parks provide. Thank you for joining us in Arizona’s state parks! Douglas A. Ducey Governor of the State of Arizona W elcome to Arizona’s state parks, where memories are waiting to be made, whatever your taste for adventure may be! Whether you’re visiting from out of state or you appreciate Arizona right from your doorstep, there is something for everyone at our beautiful state parks. It’s our greatest pleasure to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources found here in the Grand Canyon State. With more than 65 years dedicated to this mission, Arizona State Parks and Trails ensures that the natural wonders and historic treasures remain for many generations to come. Discover something new and appreciate your favorite places all over again, here in Arizona’s state parks! Bob Broscheid Director, Arizona State Parks & Trails ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS 1 GEICO.COM/RV • 1-877-434-2678 • LOCAL OFFICE Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Customer satisfaction based on an independent study conducted by Alan Newman Research, 2020. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2022 GEICO 21_782312631 CONTENTS American Park Network® publishes Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder™, OhRanger.com, and Oh, Ranger!® guides —a collection of visitor guides for public lands all across America­— and operates Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi in parks and public lands. American Park Network is an official partner of the National Forest Foundation, National Parks Conservation Association, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Hiking Society and the Student Conservation Association. PRINCIPALS Mark J. Saferstein - Founder & Editor-in-Chief Joel S. Saferstein Alex Frenkel TECHNOLOGY Scott Falconer EDITORIAL / PRODUCTION Editors: Sophie Macomber, Rachael Mamane, Hira Piracha, Amanda Strube, Theo Rossi, Lori Lee, Erika Skogg Photo Editors: Wendy Willis Production Managers: Mario Arce, Walter Jeronimo Lead Designer: Dennisse Cruz Graphic Designers: Michael Cohen, , Alberto Garcia, Alejandro Jeorge, Tatiana Hurtado, Emerson Martinez ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING (212) 581-3380 adsales@americanparknetwork.com Business Development: Randy Burton, Ron Frederick, Pat Keane, Kristi Rummel American Park Network 41 East 11th Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10003 @OhRanger FOR MORE INFORMATION Distribution requests distribution@americanparknetwork.com Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi™ installation/sponsorship wifi@americanparknetwork.com ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS Welcome 1 Planyourvisit 4 important contacts 8 Preservation 10 history& culture 14 things to do 16 off-highwayvehicles 17 watchable wildlife 22 birdwatching 23 Camping 24 Centerfold Map water & heritage corridor 28 sedona/verde loop 36 CoPper corridor 44 cultural corridor 50 high countryloop 56 Just for kids 62 Gear upand Get ouT 63 roadtrip ideas 64 Sincere thanks to everyone at Arizona State Parks & Trails for their collaboration. Special appreciation to Game & Fish and the Arizona Office of Tourism. Cover: Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park All other photos are courtesy of Arizona State Parks & Trails unless otherwise indicated. ARIZONA STATE PARKS & TRAILS 3 PLAN YOUR VISIT T he beauty of Arizona is unparalleled in its diversity of landscapes. There’s so much to see and do in the state. Whether you have a day or several weeks, Arizona’s state parks