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DEAD HORSE
RANCH STATE PARK LAGOONS
Mingus Mountain reflects in a lagoon at DHRSP
Wildlife
watching in Dead Horse Ranch State Paris a hit-or-miss prospect. 
Great blue herons are easy to spot at DHRSP
It’s a definite
maybe for a river otter sighting, odds are good to spot a Great blue heron and
certainly a red-winged blackbird, and observant watchers might spy a fast-moving
California kingsnake. 
Limestone cliffs flank a lagoon at DHRSP
All bets are off
though, for catching a gray fox climbing a tree. 
Diverse habitats at DHRSP attract wildlife
Still, a walk through the park that melds a
semi-arid high desert climate with a humid riverside riparian habitat yields animal
encounters both common and rare.
Silverleaf nightshade bloom along the lagoon trails
Situated
on the north banks of a tree-lined bend of the Verde River, Dead Horse Ranch
State Park has more than 20 miles of hiking trails. 
Keep wildlife wild. Observe from a distance.
Vociferous red-winged blackbirds thrive among reeds
The park trail menu has options for hikers of
all ability levels including the ADA-accessible Canopy Trail, easy lagoon
loops, and access to more challenging Coconino National Forest routes like
15.8-mile Lime Kiln Trail and Raptor Hill.
With easy access from Old Town Cottonwood, shaded paths in the Verde
Valley park offer a quick escape from summer heat.
Under a
canopy of cottonwood, walnut, and willow trees, three level, multi-use,
accessible trails loop around the park’s lagoons that draw river water by way
of the historic Hickey irrigation ditch. 
Globemallow add spots of orange to the trails
Open to hikers, bikers and leashed
dogs, the wide, groomed tread of the loops is welcoming to strollers and other
mobility devises making them family-friendly choices for exploring the
water-centric site. 
River otters, waterfowl, deer and amphibians live in the park
A walk around the
reedy, birdy ponds that capture mirror images of distant Mingus Mountain and a
nearby wall of layer cake limestone reveals an oasis-like environment that
abuts both a shady river corridor and arid mesquite scrubland.
Benches and
picnic tables placed around the lagoons provide comfortable places for observing
wildlife in their natural environments. 
Lagoon trails are easy and accessible
AZ black walnut trees shade the lagoon trails
For
best results, consult the Arizona Game & Fish Department’s Wildlife Viewing
Tips. And remember to keep wildlife wild by not feeding or disrupting their habitats.
LENGTH: 1.9 miles total for lagoon loops
RATING: easy-accessible
ELEVATION: 3,300 feet
GETTING THERE:
675 Dead Horse Ranch Road, Cottonwood.
From Main Street in Cottonwood, go south on 10th Street and follow the signs to the park.
DAY USE HOURS: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
FACILITIES:
Visitor center, camping, cabin rentals, ramadas, fishing, restrooms, horseback rides
FEE: $7 daily fee per vehicle
INFO & MAPS:
https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse/
TIPS FOR OBSERVING WILDLIFE:
