The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Arizona Bureau of Land Management was established in Phoenix in 1954. The Arizona BLM manages over 12 million acres of land for public use today. The Bureau balances ranching, mining, energy production, and recreational activities throughout the state. Their management allows constructive use of the land while protecting the well-being of that land.
The Muleshoe Ranch is 55,000 acres on jointly managed wilderness in southeastern Arizona. The BLM, U.S. National Forestry Service, and The Nature Conservancy work in conjunction to conserve this unique ecosystem. Seven permanently flowing streams contribute to some of the Southwest's few remaining riparian and aquatic habitats. These water sources have also enabled ranching to thrive in the area for over 150 years. Located between the towns of Safford, Wilcox, and Tucson, camping and historically significant sites dot the area.
Wilderness hiking is welcome throughout the recreation area. There are no designated trails within the BLM section of the site. There are two maintained trails managed by The Nature Conservancy. No biking is available within Muleshoe. There are mountain biking trails in the surrounding Coconino National Forest.
From the parking area, the trail heads north past Nature Conservancy cabins to the Bass Canyon trail. After about a 1-mile desert trek, the trail drops into the Bass Canyon. A clear stream runs through the canyon. Desert vegetation contrasts with water-loving plants that thrive along the creek. The trail follows the stream back to the parking area.
Length: 4.3 miles
Intensity: Easy-Moderate
From the parking area, the trail heads south through high desert topography. The trail follows a ridge that climbs 400 feet over a mile to its summit. The summit provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. In the spring, wildflowers are in abundance. This is an out-and-back trail.
Length: 3.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Designed as a mountain bike trail, Grant Hill Trail can also be hiked. The path is a mix of old logging roads and new tracks to form a loop system. The trail passes through stands of aspen, spruce, and fir trees. Best traveled clockwise, the course provides views of Sulphur Springs Valley and Fort Grant. The trail is more difficult in the counterclockwise direction!
Length: 4.2 miles
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
The trail is an extension of the Grant Hill trail. This section crosses several seasonal drainages and Grant Creek, adding to the excitement. Some out-and-back side trails provide variety and added distance.
Length: 5.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate to Difficult
Redfield Canyon Wilderness abuts Muleshoe Ranch to the north. There are no designated hiking or climbing areas. Several red-walled caverns are suitable for hiking and climbing. Much of the western portion of the wilderness is on private land. Attain permission before crossing it.
The combination of desert and riparian environments creates a habitat for a spectacular variety of wildlife and vegetation. The area is home to Javelina, Coatimundi, mule deer, and coyote. A wide variety of neo-topical migratory birds pass through the region annually. An astounding number of native birds live in the canyons year-round. Over 100 species of birds, hummingbirds, and raptors have been recorded in the area. Streams in the area support five native species of fish.
Picnicking is welcome within BLM recreation areas. There are no designated picnicking areas within the Muleshoe Ranch. Be aware that the site has no facilities, water, or toilets. You can feel free to set up in a shady spot and enjoy a meal. Remember to take all of your trash out when you leave.
There are no RV Camping sites within the Muleshoe Ranch. There are several RV camping facilities in nearby Willcox.
Fort Willcox RV Park is a full-service park near Muleshoe Ranch. This remote park provides full hookups in a quiet, rural setting. Easy access to I-10 makes many regional points of interest and national parks a quick trip from the park.
Located in the Coronado National Forest 41 miles north of Willcox, the Stockton Pass Campground provides sites for towable units measuring up to 22 feet. The site has picnic tables, fire rings, bear-resistant trash containers, and vault toilets. There are several hiking trails near the campground. There are fees for camping at the site.
Indian Bread Rocks offers Bureau of Land Management free camping and is available within the Dos Cabezas Recreation Area. Located 32 miles east of Willox, the site has BLM RV camping sites for smaller motorized RVs and towable RVs. The road is often a little rough, so larger rigs may have trouble accessing the site. There are picnic tables, vault toilets, and trash facilities. No water is available.
Camping in Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is always an adventure. There are few facilities and extra comforts. The goal of such a trip is to experience nature. Tent camping in Muleshoe Ranch and the surrounding areas may be dry and dusty, but that is the natural desert. Spending time at these sites lets you experience the Sonoran Desert as it has existed for generations.
When planning a trip to this area, remember that water is essential. Temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit from May through September. Always have more water than you think you will need. It is better to have too much than not enough. Be sure to have appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunblock.
Before you head out for your Muleshoe Ranch trip, check our blog for hints and tips about BLM camping. Check the Muleshoe Ranch BLM website for current news and restrictions. To find other free campsites, do an internet search for "BLM camping near me".
All BLM wilderness areas are intended to remain as natural as possible. We must help preserve them as we use them. Experiencing the wilderness and wildlife in Muleshoe Ranch Recreation Area is a privilege. We all need to remember that it is fragile and needs our care. This means cleaning up after yourself and not disturbing the local flora and fauna as you camp.
To reach the trailhead from Wilcox, take Airport Road west for 15 miles to its junction with Muleshoe Road. Continue north on Muleshoe Road for 14 miles to the day-use parking area.
Safford BLM Field Office: 711 14th Avenue, Safford, AZ 85546
Ready to visit Muleshoe Ranch? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
