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Verde River Greenway State Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 68 Google reviews · Running trail in Cottonwood, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Verde River Greenway State Natural Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Verde River Greenway State Natural Area
“People were fishing, picnicking, or walking their dogs around the beautiful lakes.”
“Generally a quiet place to walk your dog, hike or run.”
This is an Oasis in the middle of a dirt dessert. People were fishing, picnicking, or walking their dogs around the beautiful lakes.
The lagoons are the best part of the Dead Horse Ranch State Park. There's 3 in total - with the smaller one across from the playground. The other two larger ones are located side by side- and you can't miss them.
This is a lovely park in Cottonwood that is divided by the Rio Verde river. It’s a little tricky to find the trail, but our dog had an absolute blast in the river as it’s very shallow and playable.
I went there to go fishing. The park has several beautiful green fishing areas along the Verde River. There's also some nice trails too. Entrance fee is required.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s a little tricky to find the trail, but our dog had an absolute blast in the river as it’s very shallow and playable.”
“People were fishing, picnicking, or walking their dogs around the beautiful lakes.”
“Generally a quiet place to walk your dog, hike or run.”
“You'll see a large concrete lot (also includes accessible parking spots) and there's a flat sandy path that loops across the lagoons.”
“You'll see a large concrete lot (also includes accessible parking spots) and there's a flat sandy path that loops across the lagoons.”
Plan your run at Verde River Greenway State Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteazstateparks.com
- Phone(928) 639-0312
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Cottonwood
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
