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Notice: On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management will conduct a 1-day pile burn project at the park. Minimal smoke may be visible to park guests. The park will be open and operating as normal during this project. This is part of an ongoing, collaborative effort to reduce the threat of wildfires to parks and nearby communities.

About 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.

Explore Dead Horse Ranch

Camping Cabins

Enjoy the great outdoors from the comforts of the indoors in one of our eight river-adjacent log camping cabins. With all there is to do in Dead Horse, you'll need a cozy place to rest.

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Trails

Take a short hike around the park or challenge yourself on the trails leading out to Coconino National Forest, there's no shortage of picturesque hiking trails around the park.

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Programs & Events

VIEW ALL PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Park and Facility Hours

The park is open year-round.

Gates close at dark. Seasonal hours may apply.

Day Use

Fall Hours

7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily

Visitor Center/Park Store

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily

 

Holiday Hours

Thanksgiving: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Christmas: Closed

Park Entrance Fee

Per vehicle (1 person): $10.00
Per vehicle (2-4 people): $20.00
Individual/bicycle: $5.00