Photo: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM / CC0

Fishing 4,084 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

The Muleshoe Ranch Cooperative Management Area (CMA) is 55,000 acres of rugged beauty, lush riparian areas, and an array of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. This area is jointly owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy , the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. These three groups are working together to conserve and enhance the unique ecosystems found here and to protect endangered species, as well as the areas they depend upon. The mosaic of public and private land, which includes the BLM's Redfield Canyon Wilderness , the U.S. Forest Service's Galiuro Wilderness , and The Nature Conservancy's Muleshoe Preserve, offers a diversity of remote recreational opportunities. Within the Muleshoe is found most of the watershed area for seven permanently flowing streams, representing some of the best remaining aquatic habitat in Arizona. Some 80% of the region's wildlife species depend upon these streamside communities at some time in their lives. The importance of this area to early settlers is seen in the numerous ranches and homesteads that dotted the area in the last 150 years. They were also critically dependent upon the riparian communities for their survival in such a rigorous landscape. The Muleshoe provides everyone with the opportunity to learn more about southeastern Arizona's rich natural and cultural history. This area boasts rugged mountains, canyon streams, saguaro cactus, and mesquite bosques that are home to desert dwellers such as coatimundi, javelina, and a wide variety of neo-tropical migratory birds and native fish. Visitors to the area must sign in at the entrance kiosk at the start of Jackson Cabin Road. Group sizes must not exceed 15 people within the Redfield Canyon and Galiuro Wilderness areas. Motorized use is limited to existing routes and hunters must be aware of areas signed as open or closed to hunting on The Nature Conservancy's property. Use of the U.S. Forest Service-managed Jackson Cabin is first-come, first-served.

Near Willcox, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise

Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.

The conditions at Muleshoe Ranch call for specific gear — here's a tailored packing list.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

The Desert landscape around Muleshoe Ranch makes it well suited for backpacking, birdwatching, fishing.

The scenery here earns a 65/100 photography rating — Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

backpacking — Lightweight equipment and route awareness are key for safe travel.
birdwatching — Quiet observation often leads to rewarding encounters.
fishing — Check local regulations and seasons before heading out.
glamping — It's ideal for those seeking scenery without roughing it.
ice_fishing — Portable shelters help protect against cold winds.
ice_skating — Ensure ice thickness and safety before skating on natural surfaces.
picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
scuba_diving — Certification and proper equipment are required for safety.
snorkeling — Calm conditions and good visibility enhance the experience.
walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.

Wildlife Safety at Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise

Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.

Wildlife safety at Muleshoe Ranch comes down to awareness. The area's danger score of 30/10 reflects Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Remote (131mi from city).

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (131mi from city)

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (32N), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 65/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

0 venomous snake species are found in this area: .

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

Nature at Muleshoe Ranch includes 1 tree species, 0 wildflowers, and a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Trees (1)

Emory oak — Emory oak is an evergreen oak with thick elongated leaves.

Shrubs (4)

Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets.
evergreen sumac — An evergreen shrub with trifoliate glossy leaves and clusters of red berries.
soaptree yucca — Soaptree yucca forms a tall flowering stalk above a rosette of sword-like leaves.

Other Plants (5)

fishhook barrel cactus
ocotillo
Palmer's agave
Banana Yucca
Wheeler sotol

Mammals (2)

White-tailed Deer — Bucks grow antlers annually, shedding them each winter.
Rock Squirrel — Often stands upright on rocks to scan for predators.

Birds (30)

Brewer's Blackbird — Iridescent purple-green sheen
Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage
Sandhill Crane — Long legs and neck
Chipping Sparrow — Gray breast
Yellow-headed Blackbird — White wing patches

Reptiles (11)

Yarrow's Spiny Lizard — Typically 5–8 inches long.
Mojave Rattlesnake — Typically 3–4 feet long.
Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake — Usually 2.5–4 feet long.
Greater Earless Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including tail.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Adults commonly 3–5 feet long.

Amphibians (1)

Couch's Spadefoot

Insects (4)

Pipevine Swallowtail
Arizona Mantis
Vella fallax
White-lined Sphinx

Nature Bingo at Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Black-headed Grosbeak (bird)
White-tailed Deer (mammal)
Yarrow's Spiny Lizard (reptile)
Couch's Spadefoot (amphibian)
fishhook barrel cactus (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise Climate & Sun

Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.

Expect Semi-Arid weather at Muleshoe Ranch, with the most comfortable conditions from May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 63.3°F

Annual precipitation: 14.2 in

With an average annual temperature of 63.3°F and 14.2 inches of precipitation, Muleshoe Ranch has warm, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 80°F, while winter lows drop to 47°F.

Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Winter 47°

1.1"

Spring 60°

0.3"

Summer 80°

2.8"

Fall 65°

0.7"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	47°F	1.1 in
Feb	49°F	1.2 in
Mar	55°F	0.8 in
Apr	60°F	0.3 in
May	69°F	0.3 in
Jun	79°F	0.4 in
Jul	80°F	2.8 in
Aug	79°F	3.0 in
Sep	75°F	1.6 in
Oct	65°F	0.7 in
Nov	55°F	0.7 in
Dec	47°F	1.3 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 10 hours in winter to 14.3 hours in summer — a difference of 4.3 hours.

Summer: 5:13 AM – 7:28 PM

Winter: 7:14 AM – 5:17 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:14 AM, Sunset 5:17 PM Golden hour from 4:40 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:13 AM, Sunset 7:28 PM Golden hour from 6:52 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:32 AM, Sunset 6:28 PM Golden hour from 5:55 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:03 AM, Sunset 6:28 PM Golden hour from 5:56 PM

Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Muleshoe Ranch.

Plan for a drive from Phoenix to reach Muleshoe Ranch.

Nearest city: Phoenix (131 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $32.73 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 105.8 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Easy difficulty - perfect for beginners (+20), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (100/100)

Places Near Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Extend your visit with these nearby options — 14 destinations sit within range of Muleshoe Ranch.

Nearby Trails

Italian Spring Trail, Saguaro National Park 18.87 mi
North Slope Trail, Saguaro National Park 18.87 mi
Bonita Trail, Saguaro National Park 19.32 mi
Spud Rock Camp Trail, Saguaro National Park 19.53 mi
Deerhead Spring Trail, Saguaro National Park 19.53 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Spud Rock Campground, Saguaro National Park 19.46 mi
Spud Rock Spring Campground, Saguaro National Park 19.46 mi
Manning Camp, Saguaro National Park 20.51 mi
Happy Valley Saddle Campground, Saguaro National Park 20.74 mi
Saguaro National Park Wilderness Permits Campground, Pima 22.02 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise

The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.

Stargazing at Muleshoe Ranch benefits from Typical truly dark site darkness — Bortle class 2 on the light pollution scale.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.

Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.

Meteor Showers

The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise

Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.

Each season reveals a different side of Muleshoe Ranch, from wildflower blooms to fall foliage.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 25 – November 15

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise

The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.

The land around Muleshoe Ranch has been home to O’odham Jeweḍ, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache), Hohokam for thousands of years.

Territories

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include San Carlos, White Mountain.

Data from Native Land Digital

Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Muleshoe Ranch sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Pliocene to middle Miocene deposits
Lithology: Major:{conglomerate,sandstone}, Minor:{mudstone,siltstone,limestone,gypsum}
Age: Cenozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 43
Unique Species: 42
Oldest: 31.8 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 66
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Uranium, Copper, Geothermal, Fluorine-Fluorite, Silver, Gold, Gypsum-Anhydrite, Beryllium

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 116°F (1990-06-26)
Record Low: -11°F (2011-02-03)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 55
Largest Fire: RINCON (22,053.5 acres)
Most Recent: 2023
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Aguja Canyon-San Pedro River
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Muleshoe Ranch #2 (N, 0mi), Cochise Safety & Conditions

Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.

Conditions change quickly outdoors. These links provide current data for the area around Muleshoe Ranch.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: CASCABEL, AZ US (8.33 mi)