Trail Overview

This trail is a long day, but we thought it was well worth the trip. The scenery is nice, there is a natural bridge, and the cabin is interesting. You will pass through Muleshoe Ranch on your way to the cabin. 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 uponThis track has access from both Wilcox and Benson. Both are well-graded roads that can be driven at 40-45 mph. The Cascabel Road north of Benson is paved to the point where this track turns east. No matter which way you go you will have a chance of seeing antelope. You will also pass Red Horse Solar and Wind which can provide Tucson Electric Power with up to 71 megawatts of clean power.

Photos of Jackson Cabin

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Difficulty

Road is comprised of dirt and rock. Appears to be annually maintained. Expect variable conditions after rain.

Technical Rating

Lance

Dec 06, 2025

Open

This trail is most definitely not "Easy". The last six miles or so are 6/10. It can be very narrow, rutted, with loose rocks, off camber areas and steep drop offs. This trail will easily take you eight hours to do. Scenery is amazing and the cabin is cool.

Noah Schmidt

Oct 24, 2025

Open

It’s a pretty mellow dirt road for about 10 miles then you’ll get into the private land easements which have some thick brush and a much narrower road/trails that’ll take you thru some dry river beds. Once you pass the ranchers land it starts to get a lot more steep, narrow, rocky and even some ledges that could be intimidating for a close to stick ride height truck. Didn’t take the trail all the way thru in my leveled f150 but I probably could’ve made it with some patience. But it did get very tight the further down the trail you go.

Ciaran Cusick

Sep 20, 2025

Open

Recent rain hasn’t been kind to this trail. I made it to 1.7 miles from the cabin where there are a couple campsites. Trail up to that point was slow going in a stock truck. Spent the night there and hiked to the cabin in the AM. I would not do the last bit past those campgrounds without a modified rig (quite washed out down the trail). I was glad I had my rear locker. Two lane dirt road up to the wildlife sanctuary is full of washboards.

JASON REPKO

Nov 14, 2024

Open

Mellow but really beautiful. Saw several pronghorn (there are no antelopes in the United States, that's Africa), early in the morning in the southern portion.

Beth M

Aug 17, 2024

Open

Good trial. 14 miles from sign in log to Cabin. Crosses public and private property. No issues, with locals. Great Views. Cabin was empty. Well kept. No idea how to reserve. No real staging area. Closest is the Mailbox turn out 3-4 miles before the trail head.

Al s

May 07, 2024

Open

M Adams

Mar 16, 2024

Open

Once off the graded road at the sign in/out and info boards at Muleshoe Ranch area, plan about 5-6 hrs of trail time to the cabin and back. A couple spots have some erosion and the last section from the saddle down to the cabin has the most erosion. Great views, saw quite a bit of wildlife and flowers. Don't miss the natural bridge. Well worth it without being a boring drive.

BK Spitfire

Mar 29, 2023

Open