Notice: On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management will conduct a 1-day pile burn project at the park. Minimal smoke may be visible to park guests. The park will be open and operating as normal during this project. This is part of an ongoing, collaborative effort to reduce the threat of wildfires to parks and nearby communities.
About Dead Horse Ranch State 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.
Explore Dead Horse Ranch
Programs & Events
New programs and events are added to the park calendar each month. Check back right here for the latest news and for Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Park and Facility Hours
The park is open year-round.
Gates close at dark. Seasonal hours may apply.
Day Use
Spring Hours
6 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily
Summer Hours
6 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily
Fall/Winter Hours
7 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Visitor Center/Park Store
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily
Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Christmas: Closed
Park Entrance Fee
Per vehicle (1 person): $10.00
Per vehicle (2-4 people): $20.00
Individual/bicycle: $5.00
Visitor Resources
Administration
