3 Amazing State Parks in Driving Distance of Cottonwood, AZ

Get in a Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Journey, or Jeep Wrangler and head down the road to explore the state parks around Cottonwood, AZ. Discover one of the world’s rarest cottonwood and willow riparian forest ecosystems, admire the iconic Arizona red rock formations, and learn more about the state’s copper mining history.

1. Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 675 Dead Horse Ranch Road in Cottonwood is a serene oasis spanning 423 acres along the Verde River. There are twenty miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, including four to the high desert of the adjacent Coconino National Forest. Saddle up and ride with a guide through the rare cottonwood and willow riparian forest ecosystem, one of less than 20 worldwide.

Wet your hook in the Verde River or one of the three lagoons, teeming with bass and bluegill and regularly stocked with rainbow trout in winter, and explore the park from above on a zipline tour. When you’re ready to relax and take it easy, make your way to the lovely picnic area, settle in beneath the cool ramadas, and enjoy a barbecue.

2. Jerome State Historic Park

Discover Arizona’s history at Jerome State Historic Park and the impressive Douglas Mansion at 100 Douglas Road in Jerome, just under nine miles from Cottonwood. The Douglas Mansion, on the side of the hill overlooking the Little Daisy Mine, was built in 1916 when Jerome was a booming mining town out of adobe bricks made on the site by mining mogul James “Rawhide Jimmy” Douglas.

Unfortunately, when the copper mine shut down in 1953, all the employees left, turning Jerome into a ghost town. Today the mansion is a museum filled with artifacts, photographs, and models of the town and mines, telling the stories of the people in the time of Jerome’s copper boom. Gaze out at the Jerome and the abandoned mining site below, and imagine life when the town was bustling with activity. 

3. Red Rock State Park

Explore nature and the iconic Arizona rock formations on foot or in the saddle down miles of interconnecting trails through the unique riparian habitat in Red Rock State Park at 4050 Red Rock Loop Road in Sedona, a short 16-mile drive away. Follow the Javelina Trail through the indigenous juniper woodlands up hills covered in manzanita and over rolling meadows, home to a variety of bird and animal life, including javelina, coyote, and roadrunners.

Stroll along Oak Creek, where native plants thrive, and catch glimpses of herons, beavers, and otters. To admire the spectacular view of the Arizona landscape, hike the Coyote Ridge Trail to Eagle’s Nest, the highest point in the park. 

Go on an adventure in nature and discover Arizona’s natural beauty and native animal life. While exploring the area, swing by Oxendale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today for quality new and pre-owned vehicles and expert maintenance and repair services.

Image via Pixabay

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