I’m speaking of the State Park….Dead Horse Ranch State Park located in Cottonwood, Arizona. Quite a name, isn’t it?
How the park got its name – The Ireys family came to Arizona from Minnesota looking to buy a ranch in the late 1940’s. 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”. The Ireys family chose the name Dead Horse Ranch and late, in 1973, when Arizona State Parks acquired the park, the Ireys made retaining the name a condition of sale.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park covers 423 acres and sits at an elevation of 3,300 feet. The park is located within the Coconino National Forest and provides ample trails for hiking or biking, as well as water for canoeing or fishing.
The spiritual town of Sedona is an easy 20 minute drive from Dead Horse Ranch State Park. LuAnn over at Paint Your Landscape graciously sent me information and recommendations on the area. Thank you, LuAnn.
Our first stop was Chapel of the Holy Cross. What a fascinating structure. The mere thought of constructing this unique building boggles my mind.
After a moment of reflection at the chapel, we stop at an architecturally pleasing shopping center called Tlaqquepaque….no, I don’t know how to pronounce it.
Followed by a great Mexican meal at Javelina Cantina. They serve some of the best salsa Al and I have ever eaten. With tummies full, we return to the RV at Dead Horse Ranch State Park with plans to return to Sedona in the morning for breakfast. I’m already looking forward to it 🙂
Live Laugh RV 
Hi Ingrid: Love reading your blog. In answer to your statement about Tlaquepaque it is pronounced: tuh-la-kuh-pah-kee or two-locka-pa-key and say if fast. lol. Hope you two and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
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Thank you for pronouncing that….still not sure if I’m saying it right. Thanks for the compliment and stopping by…..warm holiday wishes to you!
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Wow! I love your pictures. It looks nice and warm…and beautiful. I love the red rock formations (they’re my favorite).
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Definitely a beautiful place. It does get cold thus we continue toward Phoenix.
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Lucky you. Sedona is about the only spot in that SouthWest region on my wish list that I haven’t been to… yet. Mmmm…. great salsa, almost tempted to head down there now! 😉
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Great Salsa, great coffee, great scenery….what’s not to love! This whole area of Arizona (from Prescott to Sedona) is definitely worth a visit. I’ll save us a table at Javelina’s Cantina and we’ll invite LuAnn….lol
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Sure is tempting to jump in the car and head south as I look out at the dreary skies and rain at the moment.
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Thanks for the invite and I could drive there in about 6 hours. Ingrid, your photos are lovely. So glad that you two enjoyed Sedona. Dead Horse Ranch State Park does have an unusual name but is a great park. We may spend some time there in early February if the weather allows.
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Great photos Ingrid! Looks like you are enjoying the area! We have snow on the mountainside. Stay warm! Maureen
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Yes, we too see snow but much further in the distance. We loved the area and were very comfy at Dead Horse Ranch SP. You stay warm too!
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Unique doesn’t even begin to describe that chapel – very cool shot of a very peculiar building.
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Yes unique indeed. Quite a visionary to decide to build a structure on this site. Enjoy your holiday back east 🙂
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Love the pics. That chapel was really something. Did you turn red in Sedona?
We will do the Go John trail this morning.
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Red with envy….no wait, that’s green 😉 Loved the area and look forward to returning. Looking forward to hearing about the hike!
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