The Blue Wilderness
Read what Jan Stalcup of Benton, Kansas says . . .
Last spring, I decided to take a pack trip in New Mexico. I contacted U-Trail and booked a trip in May, into the Blue Primitive range, which borders New Mexico and Arizona. The trail to the base camp was beautiful, with huge juniper trees, pinion pines and awesome mountain views as we dropped down in the canyon. The camp was shaded with a nice creek running alongside. 
This area is pure wilderness. There's no motorized-vehicle access and we never saw any other trail riders. After setting up base camp, we rode out to several places. There's so much varied terrain and interesting rock formations — there's no way you can get tired of any one trail.
On the last day of riding, we rode a place Jim call the "Mystery Lake" — it was an amazing place. It was well-wooded, as we were over 9000'. The aspen trees where larger around than any I'd ever seen, and there was huge Douglas firs everywhere.
The day we packed out of the canyon and headed home, we spotted fresh bears sign not far from where we are camping. The night before, we'd heard turkeys gobbling late into the night, which we thought was unusual.
Jim's horses are good-mannered and in good shape. They're not your typical "dude ranch" horses. Jim will plan a trip to accommodate your riding experience and ability. If he sees you're an experienced rider, he'll take you on a challenging ride. If your inexperienced or would rather ride on gentle terrain, he'll make that possible.
In the 20 years U-Trail has been in business, no guest has sustained major injuries on a pack trip. My trip was a once-in-a-life-time, magical experience. I actually felt as though I left a part of my soul out there — which means I'll have to go back again and again to find it!
— Jan Stalcup - Benton KS
This area is pure wilderness. There's no motorized-vehicle access and we never saw any other trail riders. After setting up base camp, we rode out to several places. There's so much varied terrain and interesting rock formations — there's no way you can get tired of any one trail.
One ride took us for miles along a canyon, until we came out on a mountaintop. 
Another trail ran alongside some hoo-doos — tall rock spirals. We stopped often in the shade to rest the horses and I went looking for elk sheds and deer antlers.
Another trail ran alongside some hoo-doos — tall rock spirals. We stopped often in the shade to rest the horses and I went looking for elk sheds and deer antlers.
On the last day of riding, we rode a place Jim call the "Mystery Lake" — it was an amazing place. It was well-wooded, as we were over 9000'. The aspen trees where larger around than any I'd ever seen, and there was huge Douglas firs everywhere.
The day we packed out of the canyon and headed home, we spotted fresh bears sign not far from where we are camping. The night before, we'd heard turkeys gobbling late into the night, which we thought was unusual.
Jim's horses are good-mannered and in good shape. They're not your typical "dude ranch" horses. Jim will plan a trip to accommodate your riding experience and ability. If he sees you're an experienced rider, he'll take you on a challenging ride. If your inexperienced or would rather ride on gentle terrain, he'll make that possible.
In the 20 years U-Trail has been in business, no guest has sustained major injuries on a pack trip. My trip was a once-in-a-life-time, magical experience. I actually felt as though I left a part of my soul out there — which means I'll have to go back again and again to find it!
— Jan Stalcup - Benton KS
Contact Info
U-Trail is permitted and approved by the U.S. Forest Service to conduct wilderness activities within the Gila Wilderness and Blue Wilderness.
