The Wilderness Jacal sits on the site of an early 400-acre 1900s homestead - the furthest out and plainest of the three cabins, and one of three vacation rentals in the canyon alongside the Ranch Casita and the Anasazi. It's one large room: kitchen, dining area, and a queen bed. A large covered porch off the side holds two twin beds, a barbecue, and a table and chairs.
Getting there
Reaching the Jacal means crossing the Rio Gallina fourteen times, so we drive guests and provisions to the cabin, and bring you to your vehicle end of your stay.
What's included
- Fresh drinking water from the spring in 5-gallon containers, plus rain water in a 1,600-gallon cistern for washing
- A three-burner propane stove
- A medium refrigerator/freezer that makes ice
- Dish soap and paper towels
- A Melitta drip coffee maker with filters
- A kerosene lamp
- A 4-gallon solar shower bag
- An outhouse with toilet paper
- Eggs from our hens and produce from our garden, when available
- A genuinely technology-free vacation
Dogs are welcome at the Wilderness Jacal - just not on the beds, and please let us know ahead of time that you're bringing one.
Good to know
- The kitchen has salt, pepper, sugar, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tea, and various seasonings on hand — shop for everything else before you arrive, since the nearest store is 35 miles away.
- The floor is tiled, so you may want to bring slippers, and a headlamp if you'd like to read at night.
- The Jacal stays warm in winter and cool in summer on its own - in warm weather, open the windows and door at night and shut them again in the morning to trap the cool air in.
- Bring water shoes if you'd like: the Rio Gallina is spring-fed with plenty of spots for picnicking. The river is seasonal, with dry stretches and wet ones through the canyon, and can flash flood on occasion. If that happens, stay at the cabin and we'll come get you once it's safe to travel.
- A trail climbs 1,500 feet up to 8,000-foot Golondrina Mesa - historically the route used to move cattle to their summer range. It's an all-day hike recommended only for experienced hikers.
- You may see horses, chickens, wild turkeys, elk, and deer during your stay - they'll peacefully ignore you if you peacefully ignore them.
Before you arrive
- A signed waiver is required from every person in your party - please read it over before booking.
- Camp fires and smoking are prohibited in the canyon due to the extreme fire risk.
- No hunting.
- Please don't fry food on the inside stove - use the outside stove with the cast iron skillet provided.
- Check-in is 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Check-out is 11:00 AM.
- 4-night minimum stay. $125/night, double occupancy. Tax and cleaning fee included.
- Open June 1 – September 13.
More photos of the ranch are on the canyon photos page.