This plant walk will follow the Limekiln Trail via the Connector Trail from Middle Lagoon, and heading east out of the State Park boundary into the USFS designated Verde Valley Botanical Area. The Verde Valley Botanical Area was established to help protect the Arizona Cliffrose (Purshia subintegra), a federally listed endangered species endemic to central Arizona. The area is dominated by the Verde Formation, composed of limestone soils and cliffs along the east side of the Verde River. It is also home to a handful of other sensitive endemic plant species that have habitats restricted to the same geological substrate, such as Mearn’s Sage (Salvia dorrii subsp. mearnsii), Rusby’s Milkwort (Polygala rusbyi), and Frazier’s Well Buckwheat (Eriogonum ripleyi). The hiking is of moderate difficulty, and there is little shade except for that provided by scattered Arizona Juniper (Juniperus arizonica) and the dominant Crucifixion Thorn (Canotia holacantha).

Rating: 2

Transportation: Self-drive

Meal: None

Cost: $25

Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival

Join us 100 miles North of Phoenix in North Central Arizona’s Verde Valley for the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. Experience birding during the peak Spring migration season at Dead Horse Ranch State Park on the banks of the Verde River. Close proximity to the Verde, Oak Creek, Sycamore Creek, and other perennial waters offers a wide selection of guided tours, hikes, and workshops in one of Arizona’s richest birding habitats.

Our experienced guides have extensive knowledge of birds and the unique habitat that makes this region special. The festival, presented each April by Friends of the Verde River, is a purpose-driven community benefit organization and 501(c) 3 non-profit working to preserve one of the last perennial flowing rivers in the American Southwest.

Festival site is at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.