Photo by Ellen Biggs
Linda Harvey
At our June meeting we were treated to learning about three of our Arizona state parks: Rockin River Ranch, Fort Verde State Historic Park, and Dead House Ranch. These are all located around the Sedona/Camp Verde area in northern Arizona. The discussion was led by State Park Ranger Jennifer Steffin.
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park opened in 2024 and is a day-use park on 209 acres of land that was formerly owned by the Nature Conservancy. It is at the confluence of the Verde and West Clear Creek Rivers. The rivers make this a good area for wildlife and bird watching. There are 5 miles of hiking trails as well as multiple river access points. Monarch butterflies are known to pass through the park where tagging is done. Nature walks are held the first Sunday of each month May through September at 10 a.m. Other events include star parties, as well as Fiddle and Blue Grass events. Recently, Terraine Hoppers were added to the park to accommodate ADA visitors.
Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde is widely known for its “living” historians and reenactments on the third Saturday of the month. The park is the best-preserved example of an Indian Wars Period fort in Arizona. Several of the original buildings still stand. Today visitors can experience three historic house museums, all furnished in the 1880’s period that are listed on the National and State Registry of Historic Places. The establishment of the Fort Verde State Historic Park is the result of the dedication of Camp Verde residents who recognized the importance of preserving Arizona’s heritage.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located adjacent to and across the Verde River from the community of Cottonwood. The park hosts 127 camp sites which includes hookup at primitive sites along with some cabins. Because there are campsites, the park is open 24/7. There is a First Day Hike on Jan. 1 along with a weekly hike each Sunday on one of its 20+ miles of handicapped accessible trails. Other highlights include wildlife sightings, waterfalls, and a lagoon stocked with catfish. The park hosts a Bird and Nature Festival. Annually they partner with Tuzigoot National Historic Site for a December holiday parade.
Before visiting any of these parks, visit the website azstateparks.com for hours and activities. The Arizona State Parks have entry fees, which are daily or annual to suit your needs.
The club thanks Ranger Jennifer Steffin for sharing her time and knowledge about these parks.
Programs for the National Parks and Public Lands Club through end of 2026 are:
* Aug. 11: Mesa Verde NP talk with NPS Ranger Eric Sainio
* Sept. 8: Wrap up of club trip in March to Flagstaff parks
* Oct. 13: Grand Canyon speaker—Karen Doerzaph on her Guinness World Record Feat
* Nov. 10: Wrap up of September club trip to Acadia NP and other NE sites
For questions or more information on the club, send email to linda_harvey@hotmail.com.