Very high on my list of places i can't wait to visit again...This 49,000 acre preserve, managed by the Nature Conservancy, offers overnight accommodations in a remote, peaceful setting. Be forewarned this is NOT a full service hotel and there is a very long list of rules/guidelines for staying here which are strictly enforced. Reservations are required WAY in advance if you hope to get a casita here, and the ranch is closed to visitors during the hot summer months due to rattlesnake activity. But (if you are still reading...) if you are pretty self sufficient, willing to pack in all of the food and drink for your stay (the nearest safeway will be an hour away down a dark, pothole filled dirt road) and in search of a rare respite completely immersed in the natural beauty of southern Arizona, then this place is well worth the journey.
Muleshoe Ranch is located at the southern end of a 50 mile riparian nature preserve, at the convergence of three rivers in the Galiuro mountains. You can climb mountains, explore the terrain, hike through shady riverbeds or do all of the above in a single day. Your self guided adventures can range from an easy nature trail to a half day loop (Beth Woodin Trail, which is spectacular) or a 4 wheel drive expedition into the backcountry. The landscape changes with the seasons and at night there's some of the best stargazing you'll find anywhere. Wildlife abounds, and includes many species of hummingbirds as well as elusive troops of ring tailed coatimundi. Wildflowers are abundant in the springtime and the streambeds teem with life.
The casitas (actually 4 casitas round a grassy courtyard) and a little stone house down the hill are available for overnight rental. Very comfortable accommodations with beds and fully equipped kitchens. Some of the casitas have a living/dining room area with futon sofas that convert into additional sleeping accommodations. There are plenty of little outdoor seating areas to rest and relax. There is an outdoor deck for stargazing and wildlife viewing, as well as a common room for socializing with other guests. Nearby there is a visitor center and a small gift shop which are open to day visitors during limited hours. The icing on the cake are the two outdoor natural spring fed hot (very hot!) tubs crafted from round galvanized cattle troughs, which are only available to overnight guests. Before or after a strenuous day of hiking they are heavenly!
Be sure to visit the Nature Conservancy/Muleshoe website and read through all of the details about a stay at Muleshoe to decide whether it's right for you. It is a very special place off of the beaten path of tourist travel. read more