Our rental casitas will remain closed through the 2022/2023 season. We are currently assessing the future of the lodging operation. At this time there is no public access to the trailheads or headquarters facilities. We ask that you respect the privacy and safety of our staff who live on site. They are not available to help visitors. The backcountry (Jackson Cabin Road) remains open. You can access it from Muleshoe Road one-quarter mile beyond the headquarters area. If you have questions or concerns about the lodging operation, contact Bob Rogers, Arizona Stewardship Director for The Nature Conservancy, at brogers@tnc.org.
It's a peaceful and remote escape nestled far off the highway in southeastern Arizona's Galiuro Mountains. On 49,120 acres of rugged semi-desert grasslands, Muleshoe Ranch straddles the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Streams that begin high in the ponderosa pine forest cross the Muleshoe Ranch and carve canyons into saguaro-studded hillsides, providing habitat for native fishes and other streamside species. Elevation at the preserve headquarters is 4,560 feet.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
Ideal for those looking for a relaxing and scenic retreat, the five charming casitas are original and renovated historic buildings dating from the late 1800s. Four of these units border a garden courtyard, while the fifth stands alone near the start of the nature trail. Each unit has a private bathroom and kitchen and is fully furnished with linens and kitchenware.
Nearby, natural hot springs fill tubs for exclusive use by overnight guests. Also on the courtyard, the McMurray Commons features a multi-use room with breathtaking views and a deck perfect for bird watching and star gazing. Download a brochure for more information, including rates.
While headquarters offers the comforts of home and a soak in the hot springs, you will be surrounded by thousands of acres of scenic wild lands. At your doorstep the opportunities for exploration are endless, with more than 22 miles of hiking trails and loops, canyons teeming with wildlife (over 180 bird species have been recorded here!) and dark skies for star-gazing.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Muleshoe Ranch CMA is jointly owned and managed by the Conservancy, Coronado National Forest and Bureau of Land Management. In 1992 the Conservancy began an ecosystem restoration project in cooperation with the BLM. Conservancy scientists designed a program of grazing rest and prescribed burning with two goals in mind: Restore perennial grasses and reduce shrub cover, and protect the ranch's seven perennial streams that contain some of Arizona's best native fish and streamside habitats.
In only one year after a 4,000-acre treatment area burned, perennial grasses increased to 45 percent and shrub cover decreased to 9 percent. Successive photos of burn units reveal signs of grassland restoration - far fewer shrubs, increased native grasses including a flush of side oats gramma, one of the prized rangeland grasses that made southern Arizona such an attractive place to settlers 150 years ago.
The Muleshoe Ecosystem Project demonstrates how sound science and strong partnerships with public agencies can restore large landscapes for species such as pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, grassland birds, native fish and lowland leopard frog.
LODGING POLICIES & NOTICES
Lodging at the Muleshoe Ranch is available for members of The Nature Conservancy during select weekends from October through April, Thursday through Mondays. Casita rentals are not offered during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays. A three-night minimum stay is required. All rates listed are for double occupancy. For each additional guest there is a $50 charge per night. A 50 percent deposit is required on all reservations. Cash, checks and all major credit cards accepted. Please book well in advance as availability is limited.
Use of the hot springs is for registered guests only. Group rental is available for select mission-related organizations. For groups renting all casitas, the McMurray commons dining room and kitchen may be rented for an additional $125 nightly. (subject to availability) There is no camping allowed at headquarters or on the preserve.
Pets are not permitted at Muleshoe headquarters, in casitas, on preserve hiking trails or in the parking areas. Corrals are available for registered guests wanting to bring their own horse. $25.00 nightly fee required, subject to availability.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Casita Rental: Cancel more than 30 days prior to scheduled arrival date and deposit will be refunded less $50.00 administration fee. Cancel less than 30 days prior to scheduled arrival date and deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Guests are responsible for payment of all nights reserved, regardless of late arrival or early departure. Balance on account is due at check in. We accept credit cards, cash or checks.
Prices, occupancy limits and availability are subject to change without notice.
Testimonials
Here is what some of our guests had to say
- "Can't believe how peaceful it is out here! Has all the amenities of a home, privacy, shower."
- "Tasteful with lots of atmosphere."
- "The cabin is equipped with everything we need for a relaxing special occasion get away."
- "Lovingly furnished. Immaculate. Excellently equipped kitchen. Fluffy towels. Actually we liked everything."
- "After two days at the Stone Cabin we feel refreshed and ready to tackle that other world again. It's been fun to see our first coati in the wild, be "rattled" at by a resting diamondback (thanks for the warning!), and enjoy the solitude and beauty of this gentle place. Looking forward to a return visit!"
Call 520-212-4295 or email muleshoe@tnc.org for more information.