Rockin’ River Ranch State Park was recently dedicated in 2024 and lies within the Clear Creek Important Bird Area. The former ranch now provides bountiful habitat – mesquite bosque, grasslands, marsh and a lush riparian corridor with towering cottonwood and sycamore trees along the banks of the Verde River. Gentle trails with wide open spaces for birds of prey as well as trails along the river provide a bounty of species including summer migrants, residents and transients. Abundance and variety of species: hawks, falcons, chats, flycatchers, orioles, tanagers, warblers, sparrows, phoebes, herons, towhees and more. Field trip is followed by lunch at a local restaurant in Camp Verde.

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.