https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse/
I love the name of this 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.
Well spaced sites – heated comfort stations with free showers – 3 lagoons and the Verde river for strolling, picnics, and fishing – hiking trails – 5 minute drive from town.
A few days into our stay here, we woke to a blanket of snow – YAYwinter camping. An unusual, for this time of year, winter storm hit the entire region. Flagstaff, 40 minutes north and at 7000ft. got a record snowfall.
Nearby is the Tuzigoot (two- see- hoot) National Monument, an ancient Pueblo of the Sinagua culture. There were about 100 rooms at different levels on the hillside, built around A.D. 1000. The Sinagua were agriculturalists with trade connections that spanned hundreds of miles. There were no vertical doors in the pueblo – instead their inidividual homes had a gap in the ceiling and they used ladders to go in and out. These gaps provided ventilation from the firepits and protection from coyotes and reptiles that could not climb up and into the homes. The higher up the hill your home was indicated your importance in the village.
A small town called Jerome (population 450) sits high in the hills above us at 5000 feet. The road up to the town is a steep, winding road on the side of the mountain. It is an old copper mining town and a popular day trip judging by the cars parked at every available space. We continued up the road, just out of the main streets and found a large parking lot with a free shuttle (if needed). The town has a few museums and an eclectic mix of shops selling local goods. Tons of restaurants, inns, and an old restored hotel up above the town with incredible views. We heard the Haunted Hamburger is worth a visit located on the street above Main. Nearby is a state park with a mansion turned museum – that details the history of the town and mining in the area. The town has a good vibe and is well worth a visit.
A scenic drive along the 89A from Jerome to the Prescott Valley will provide a thrill for those who like winding mountainous roads with endless views.
