Tag / Verde valley

by kritterspaw

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Dead Horse Ranch State Park is conveniently located outside of Cottonwood, AZ and offers the public an abundance of reasons to go. With 423 acres, the park hosts a number of scenic hiking & bicycling trails through willow and cottonwood forests, past 3 lagoons, and along the Verde river. The environment provides habitat for mammals (deer, javelina, rabbit, etc.), reptiles, amphibians, and over 200 species of birds. We even saw our first AZ river otter that had come in for some fishing.

The animals aren’t the only ones fishing. The park is popular among fisherman trying to snag a trout of their own.

It’s a great place to contemplate, watch the sunrise or set, enjoy the ducks bobbing for supper, or partake in one’s own picnic. Dead Horse has campsites for RV’s or tents, and cabins for rental. It’s close to the freeway (I-17 / SR-260), and a hidden oasis for wildlife watchers, and outdoorsman alike.

We learned a lot on our visit, and found all the people walking around the pathways to be friendly and kind. We’ll definitely be back for more.

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by kritterspaw

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

train engine_Ssi

We took the Verde Vally Train with some friends the other day.

It reminded me that it’s fun to do activities you have done before with someone who hasn’t.  It’s like Christmas, seeing it through a child’s new eyes… it brings joy seeing others expressions and delight in the new experience.

jk train_Ssi

We’ve done the Verde Valley train, and honestly for someone who lives in the outdoors and is constantly exploring, picnicking, and day camping throughout AZ, the train was less than spectacular.  But for our friends, who don’t have that same opportunity, it was a delight.

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We were thrilled they had a great time, and from their perspective got to see AZ from the inside out… through the mountains, hills and trees, as we whooshed through the outdoor wild of a gone by era.  We got to see the old train stop in Perkinsville; and heard stories of farmers delivering produce all the way to Jerome.  The train in it’s heyday moved tons of copper ore from the Jerome mines.

johnwiz_Ssi

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