Happy Halloween! 
While many are out seeking thrills and chills, I found myself earlier this month at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Arizona, where the only things haunting the landscape are the beautiful lagoons and a bit of misunderstood history.
Why the Name?
You might wonder why this park bears such a morbid name. Well, Calvin âCapâ Ireys bought the ranch in 1950, and when he brought his kids to see the property, they spotted a dead horse in the field. After checking out several locations, they unanimously picked the one with the âdeadâ horse, giving us the quirky name we have today. Who knew a dead horse could lead to such a lively spot?
Driving in: A âDead Endâ Misadventure
As I made my way to the park, I thought I was driving toward a dead endâquite literally. I ended up at the Blackhawk Loop Campground, which, despite its dry appearance, was not as dead as it seemed. The area offers access to bike trails and stunning mountain views. Turns out, I was âdead wrongâ about my navigation skills!
If youâre heading to the lagoons, just keep driving straight past the entrance. The road can be a bit tricky; it branches off right away, so be careful not to take a wrong turn. But hey, even if you do, there are âtreatsâ to discover along the way! For instance, while I initially thought I was off track, I stumbled upon the Copperâs Hawk Loop, which I helped add to Google Maps so other visitors can discover this campsite.!
The Lagoons: Where Life Thrives
The real highlight of the park is undoubtedly the lagoons located by the Verde Greenway Natural Area. Upon finally arriving, I was met with a refreshing sight. The water sparkled under the sun, reflecting the greenery and mountains in the distance. It was a stark contrast to the dry, rocky trails I had passed earlier.
Walking around the lagoons was a relaxing experience, taking about an hour to loop the two larger ones. Along the way, I even spotted a family of deerâproof that this place is anything but dead!
Playground Prowess and Trails of Adventure
After soaking in the lagoons, I checked out the playground nearby. Itâs a small setup but perfect for some fun. While the climbing structures might be a bit tricky for little ones to navigate, the highlight is definitely the zipline. Just be cautious; the equipment gets hot under the sun!
I also ventured onto the Lime Kiln Trail, which turned out to be a bit of a hunt. With vague signage and no clear parking, I felt like I was on a treasure questâbut the view from the top was a sweet reward.
The Verde River Greenway
As I wrapped up my adventure, I took a peek at the Verde River Greenway. Thereâs ample parking, and the trail leads you to a scenic view of the river. It felt like a mini jungle trek, a refreshing change from the surrounding desert landscape. Just remember, the vegetation can be overgrown, so keep an eye out for any unexpected âtricks!â
Final Thoughts: A Treat, Not a Trick!
So, is Dead Horse Ranch State Park scary? Not in the slightest! Itâs a delightful spot filled with beautiful scenery, fun activities, and rich history. Whether youâre there to explore the lagoons or to camp under the stars, this park proves that even a âdeadâ horse can lead to some fantastic adventures.
This Halloween weekend, if youâre looking for a place thatâs more treat than trick, consider a visit to Dead Horse Ranch. Itâs sure to be an experience thatâs anything but dead!
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