b'Greetings fromDEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK is located adjacent to and across the Verde River from the community of Cottonwood. With Dead Horse Ranch as a base, there are a variety of attractions to visit, including Jerome State Historic Park, Fort Verde State Historic Park, Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park, Tuzigoot National Monument, Montezuma Castle and Well National Monuments, Oak Creek Canyon, Prescott National Forest, Coconino National Forest, and Sedona and Jerome.Mare CzinarC alvin Cap Ireys purchased Dead HorseWith the purchase of the property cameThe Dead Horse Trail System is a non-motorized Ranch in 1950. Cap told State Parksapproximately 78 acres of fields with water rights20+ mile shared-use mix of double track and single Director Dennis McCarthy that his childrenthat were irrigated by the Hickey Ditch, a diversiontrack. Four trailheads throughout the park lead up named the ranch. The first time the family lookedfrom the Verde River. This property was the firstto the high desert of Coconino National Forest. The at the property, they saw a dead horse lying in theland State Parks acquired with associated waterLime Kiln Trail leg follows a portion of the historic field, and after looking at a number of propertiesrights. Dead Horse Ranch State Park celebrated itsLime Kiln Wagon Road. Hikers and equestrians Cap asked them which one they liked the best.official grand opening with a dedication ceremonyare encouraged to travel counter-clockwise on the The answer was the one with the dead horse. Afterheld on June 1, 1977.basic loopLime Kiln, Thumper, and Raptor they acquired the property, they named it DeadTrails. Mountain bikers usually find that starting Horse Ranch. By 1971, Cap Ireys was ready to sellCAMPING at the Roadrunner Trailhead and riding the loop his ranch.Camping Cabin Loop: 8 one-room logclockwise is more fun. For most cyclists, the trail is camping cabins are available at Dead Horse Ranchrated intermediate to expert. The Lime Kiln Trail On January 19, 1972, a group of legislators fromState Park. The cabin circle is tucked away fromfollows a portion of the historic Lime Kiln Wagon the Senate and House made a trip to Dead Horsethe other campgrounds for an ideal getaway. TheRoad from Cottonwood to Sedona. The Lime Ranch to see the site. The legislators were favorablycabins are furnished with a full-size bed, a bunkKiln Trail was completed in 2006, linking Dead impressed with the potential of the site. Therebed, table and chairs, dresser, a ceiling fan withHorse Ranch State Park (Cottonwood) with Red were some humorous comments concerningoverhead light, and electricity. Cabins now haveRock State Park (Sedona). The Lime Kiln Trail is going to their fellow legislators and asking them toheating and cooling. Campers must supply theira 15-mile shared-use, non-motorized and permit appropriate money to buy a Dead Horse (Ranch).own linens. Each cabin also has a barbecue andequestrian trail.picnic table outside, plus a fire ring. Family-style House Bill 2150 was introduced early in the 1972shower facilities are only a short walk. There isForest Loop: A 0.5-mile loop. Shared-use. legislative session. The Governor approved HBan electrified ramada with barbecues that can beCircles around and through a diversely forested 2150 on May 24, 1972. The appropriation forshared by cabin guests. RVs are not permitted inarea and provides river access by way of short Dead Horse Ranch was one of the first timescabin areas. narrow side trails. Starts and ends in the Riverthe legislature provided major funding for theDay Use Area.acquisition of land for State Parks. There are more than 100 large RV sites available. For after-hours arrivals, vacant sites may beCanopy: A 0.25 mile ADA accessible trail looping occupied on a night-by-night basis only. Most ofunder a Freemont Cottonwood tree canopy giving the pull-through sites can accommodate 40-footpark visitors with limited mobility an opportunity motor homes or truck and trailer rigs up to 65to get off the beaten path. Its excellent for bird feet and include potable water and 30/50-ampwatching and wildlife viewing. It starts and ends in service. Generators are prohibited. All campgroundthe River Day Use Area.loops include ADA-accessible restroom facilities providing hot water and showers and are freeMesa: A 1-mile interpretive loop trail. Circles to registered campers. There is a stay limit of 14the top of the hill west of the Red-Tail Hawk nights in a 30-day period. The park is often soldCampground and provides scenic views of Mingus out in the spring and fall. Mountain, the Verde Valley, and Dead Horse Ranch. The trailhead is located on the west side TRAILS of Roadrunner Road south of the Red-Tail Hawk The Dead Horse Ranch Trails Coalition, ArizonaCampground loop.State Parks rangers and volunteers, and the Forest Service work together to manage and maintainTavasci Marsh: A 1-mile trail. Shared-use. The the trails in the park to provide an excellenttrailhead is located at the end of Flycatcher Road.experience. Trailheads are located north of the lagoon area or at the end of Flycatcher Road.24 October 2022'