Arizona’s newest state park is now open to the public after officially welcoming visitors on February 9, 2024. Located in Camp Verde, Rockin’ River Ranch State Park is Arizona’s first state park to open since 2016 and offers hiking, wildlife watching, picnicking and more.
Situated where the West Clear Creek and the Verde River meet, Rockin’ River Ranch State Park offers the perfect opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Verde Valley in Central Arizona. The park provides a host of recreational opportunities, including six scenic trails available for mountain biking, equestrian riding, hiking and wildlife and bird watching. Visitors can also enjoy fishing along the Verde River.
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park was acquired in 2008 as a former horse ranch and spans 209 acres across riparian and high-desert terrain The state park’s nearly four miles of multi-use trails allow visitors to access the previous pastures, a mesquite bosque and the riparian zone along the Verde River.
Mature cottonwood, sycamore and mesquite trees line the trails, providing an ideal habitat for local and migratory birds, while native animals like javelina, deer, beaver and otters also call the park home. Additionally, both protected and native species of fish can be found swimming in the river.
Trails include the Buckaroo Trail, a 0.4 mile-long walk that features an up-close look at the high-desert scrub country adjacent to the Verde River; the Miano Trail, which offers 0.3 miles of birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities; the Outlaw Trail, a 0.3-mile path connecting users with the White Cliffs and Pasture Trails; the Pasture Loop Trail, a 1.2 mile-long hike featuring mountain views and a variety of wildlife; the Shady Acres Trail, a scenic 0.2 mile-long walk beneath a canopy of cottonwood and sycamore trees; and the White Cliffs Trail, the park’s longest trail, which features 1.7 miles of high-desert and riparian zone access for birding, wildlife watching, fishing and more.
In addition to its hiking trails, the new park offers picnic areas, restroom facilities, parking and a visitor center/gift shop. Rockin’ River Ranch State Park is open for day use Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last entry at 4 p.m. Cost of entry is $7 per vehicle and $3 for bicycles and individuals.
Learn more at www.azstateparks.com.
