Viewing wild horses and burros in their natural state
Today,
wild horses and burros can be found primarily on government-designated
Herd Management Areas in Arizona,
California, Colorado,
Idaho, Montana,
Nevada, New
Mexico, Oregon, Utah
and Wyoming, but also in Maryland,
North Carolina, Hawaii,
and even in the Bahamas.
While Eastern states have embraced their wild herds as an economic resource, in the West, whose spirit its wild herds truly embody, the Bureau of Land Management has failed to acknowledge the wild horse as having any value on the range. So, when you opt to spend your summer vacation trekking to the western states to view wild horses in their natural habitat, you support the horses' value on public lands.
We have compiled a state-by-state list of resources for those interested in observing wild horses in their natural environment. With a bit of luck, you will be able to witness horses in their truly natural state, traveling in small bands made up of a stallion and his harem of mares, or in bachelor bands of young stallions. Please be respectful of the horses as you view them and always remember that these are wild animals. Stay on marked roadways, avoid water holes and leave all gates as you find them. Remember, it is illegal to chase, harass or harm wild horses or burros, or to let your dogs chase them. This is particularly important during foaling season. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars and a telephoto lens for your camera so you don't disturb the animals by getting too close.
Please keep in mind that most of these are remote, untouched areas. Prior to setting out on a wild horse viewing trip, make sure to contact the local BLM field office for current updates on herd movements, fire restrictions, road conditions, maps, and other pertinent information.
ARIZONA
Herd Management Areas by BLM field office – call each office for information on wild horse and burro viewing opportunities in the corresponding area (please note that these are mostly burro HMAs; horses are limited to Cerbat and Cibola):
- Lake
Havasu Field Office (Alamo and Havasu HMAs) – 888.213.2582
Located in lands adjoining Alamo Lake and portions of the Bill Williams, Santa Maria and Big Sandy rivers, the Alamo HMA can be reached by driving west from Wickenberg, Arizona, on US Highway 60 (about 50 miles toward Wenden, Arizona), and then north 30 miles on a paved county road toward Alamo Lake State Park.
The Havasu HMA lies along the Colorado and Bill Williams rivers.
- Kingman
Field Office (Big Sandy, Black Mountain, Cerbat HMAs) – 928.718.3700
The Big Sandy HMA is located in west central Arizona, 55 miles southeast of Kingman on either side of US Highway 93. The HMA includes the areas of the Big Sandy River Valley, south of Wikieup to Alamo Lake, Burro Creek to the confluence of Boulder Creek, and west through the southern foothills of the Hualapai Mountains.
The Black Mountain HMA is situated in extreme northwestern Arizona, 15 miles west of Kingman. It parallels the eastern shoreline of the Colorado River for 80 miles from Hoover Dam south to the Needles Bridge to California.
The Cerbat range is located in northwestern Arizona, five miles north of Kingman. East of US Highway 93 toward Las Vegas, Nevada, Cerbat runs west of Stockton Hill Road. It is home to horses of strong Spanish ancestry.
- Yuma
Field Office (Cibola-Trigo and Little Harqhahala HMAs) – 928.317.3200
Spreading across the border of Arizona and California, the Cibola-Trigo HMA extends from Imperial Dam, west of the Colorado River, to Walters Camp in California. Located primarily between US 95 and the Colorado River and Interstates 8 and 10, the HMA is about 20 miles north of Yuma, Arizona.
Little Harquahala is located southeast of Salome, between U.S. Highway 60 and Interstate 10. Take the Salome to Buckeye Road southeast toward Interstate 10.
- Phoenix
Field Office (Harquahala, Lake Pleasant, Painted Rock HMAs) –
623.580.5500
Harquahala lies six miles south of Aguila, on Eagle Eye Road, twenty-five miles west of Wickenburg, on US Highway 60.
The Lake Pleasant HMA lies northeast of Lake Pleasant, approximately 25 miles northwest of Phoenix, Arizona, in Maricopa County, west of Interstate Highway 17 and north of State Highway 74.
Painted Rock is located in southwestern Arizona around the Painted Rocks Reservoir. It is 11 miles west of Gila Bend on Interstate 8, and 15 miles north of Painted Rock Road.
- Arizona
Strip Field Office (Tassi-Gold Butte HMA) – 435-688-3200
The Tassi-Gold Butte HMA lies in southeast Nevada and northwest Arizona between the Overton Arm of Lake Mead and the west boundary of Grand Canyon National Park in Mohave County, Arizona and Clark County, Nevada. It sits 70 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and 50 miles south of Mesquite, Nevada.
Oatman
Town Burros
Just across the Colorado River and up the hill from Laughlin, Nevada on
Historic Route 66, is the lively gold mining town of Oatman. A dozen burros
can usually be found wandering the streets and have become a local tourist
attraction. The surrounding hills offer a good opportunity to view burros
in their natural environment. Oatman is part of the Black Mountain HMA.
CALIFORNIA
Northern California has a few somewhat dependable locations to see horses at different times of the year. During the winter and early spring, horses can often be seen directly from Hwy 395 at Ravendale. Several areas east of Ravendale are accessible during the summer: Painter Flat, Dodge Reservoir area, Nevada State Hwy 34 between Gerlach, NV and Cedarville, CA, and road 8A east from Cedarville. For more information, contact the Surprise BLM Field Office at 530.279.6101.
Burros can be found in Southern California’s Chemehuevi HMA, 10 miles southeast of Needles, along Highway 95. The 12-mile long Trampas Wash cuts through the mountains and provides the easiest hiking access. For more information, contact the Needles BLM Field Office at 760.326.7000.
COLORADO
Herd Management Areas by BLM field office – call each office for information on wild horse and burro viewing opportunities in the corresponding area:
- White
River Field Office (Piceance Basin - East Douglas Creek HMA) - 970.878.3800
The HMA lies west of Meeker. Travel 19 miles north on Highway 13 from Rifle. Turn west on Piceance Creek Road (CR-5) to Ryan Gulch Road (#24).
- Grand
Junction Field Office (Little Bookcliffs HMA) - 970.244.3000
The HMA lies northeast of Grand Junction, approximately 20 miles west of DeBeque. Access through DeBeque on Dry Fork Road or Winter Flats.
- Little
Snake Field Office (Sandwash Basin HMA) - 970.826.5000
The HMA lies in the northwestern part of the state. Travel 31 miles west of Craig to Maybell. Continue northwest from Maybell on Highway 318 for 17 miles to the southern entrance.
- San
Juan Field Office (Spring Creek HMA) - 970.247.4874
The HMA is southwest of Montrose. Travel 18 miles south on Highway 141 to Gypsum Gap, County Road 19Q. Turn South on CR-19Q for approximately 5.2 miles. Turn east on BLM Road 4010. Continue for about 3.5 miles to the HMA entrance.
IDAHO
For more information, contact the Boise BLM Field Office at 208.384.3300.
MARYLAND
Assateague
Island National Seashore
Assateague Island straddles the Maryland/Virginia state line. It is inhabited
by two herds of Chincoteague horses. The herd on the Maryland side, managed
by the National Park Service, is the only truly wild herd on the island.
The herd on the Virginia side is owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire
Company which conducts annual round-ups and auctions. Several wildlife
tours offer wild horse viewing opportunities on the island.
MONTANA
Pryor
Mountains Wild Horse Range
Established in 1968 after a two-year grassroots effort, the 31,000-acre
area was the first public range in the nation specifically set aside for
wild horses. Home to genetically unique horses close to the old Spanish
type, the range straddles the Montana-Wyoming border and extends into
the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Access to the range is from
Bridger, Mont., or Lovell, Wyo., which give ready passage to Burnt Timber
Ridge and Sykes Ridge roads. For more information, contact the Billings
BLM Field Office at 406.896.5013.
NEVADA
In Nevada, wild horses and burros can be found in about 100 BLM Herd Management Areas as well as the state-managed Virginia Range.
Herd Management Areas by Field Office – call each office for information on wild horse and burro viewing opportunities in the corresponding area:
- Battle Mountain - 775.635.4000
- Carson City –775.885.6000
- Elko –775.753.0200
- Ely – 775.289-1800
- Las Vegas – 702.51.5000
- Winnemucca – 775.623.1500
Marietta
Wild Burro Range
This 68,000-acre range, the nation's first formally recognized wild burro
range, is home to approximately 85 burros who roam freely near the ruins
of the historic Nevada mining town of Marietta and the seasonally changing
Teels Marsh. The range is located south east of Hawthorne, Nevada. It
will take just over one hour to drive the 55 miles from Hawthorne, Nevada
to the turn-off to Marietta. Travel south from Hawthorne on Interstate
Highway 95. Turn southwest onto State Route 360 towards Benton California.
Then turn west onto the maintained dirt county road to Marietta. You can
also reach the Marietta Wild Burro Range by traveling north on Highway
95 from Tonopah. Take Highway 6 west to the 360 turn-off. Continue north
to the Marietta turn-off. For more information, contact the Carson
City BLM Field Office at 775.885.6000.
Virginia
Range Horses
About 1,000 non-BLM wild horses, located primarily in the Virginia Range,
are administered by the Nevada Department of Agriculture. The Virginia
Range encompasses Storey County and parts of Washoe and Lyon Counties.
NEW
MEXICO
Click here for a testimonial on viewing wild horses in the Carson National Forest.
NORTH
CAROLINA
Wild Horses of the Outer Banks:
- Corolla
Island: The 1,800-acre Currituck National Wildlife Refuge,
located on the north end of Corolla Island, is home to Corolla's wild
horses. Genetic testing has shown that the horses are of clear Spanish
origin and, as a result of their isolation, have become a breed unto
themselves. You can enter the refuge on foot or by 4-wheel drive over
the north Beach Access Ramp.
- Shackleford Banks: Shackleford Island is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and is accessible by boat only. It is managed by the National Park Service.
OREGON
Herd
Management Areas
Horses with strong Spanish ancestry can be found in the Kiger and Riddle
Mountain HMAs. For more information, contact the Burns BLM Field
Office at 541.573.4456.
Follow these links for testimonials on viewing wild horses in the Alvord Desert and in the Steens Mountain Range.
UTAH
Herd Management Areas by BLM field office – call each office for information on wild horse viewing opportunity in the corresponding area:
- Salt
Lake Field Office (Cedar Mountains and Onaqui Mountains HMAs) –
801.977.4300
The Cedar Mountains HMA is located 50 miles west of Salt Lake City. Take I-80 west to the Dugway Road (exit 77). Travel south approximately 17 miles to the Skull Valley Ranch. At the south end of the ranch, turn west at the BLM sign marked "Rydalch Pass-Eight Mile Spring." Proceed west approximately one mile to another BLM sign marked "Rydalch" and turn left. Travel across Skull Valley 14 miles to the Cedar Mountains. Horses can be viewed along the east or west side of the Cedars south to the Dugway Proving Grounds fence, and north to Hastings Pass. Do not enter the military area.
The Onaqui Mountains HMA is located 40 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. From Salt Lake City take I-80 west approximately 20 miles to the Lake Point/Tooele exit. Travel south on State Highway 36 through Tooele and Stockton. Turn south on State Highway 199 through Rush Valley and Johnsons Pass to Terra. Turn south at the BLM sign marked "Onaqui Mountains." Horses may be viewed south along this road to Look Out Pass and the Pony Express Trail.
- Fillmore
Field Office (Confusion, Conger Mountains, King Top and Swasey HMAs)
– 435.743.3100
The Confusion HMA is located 90 miles northwest of Delta in the Confusion Mountains. Travel west from Delta on Highway 50 & 6 approximately 90 miles to the Utah/Nevada border. Turn north at the road sign to Gandy. Travel north approximately 12 miles to the intersection with old Highway 50 & 6 at Robinsons Ranch. Turn east at the sign (through the ranch) and travel approximately 6 miles to Knoll Springs. Horses can be viewed early or late in the day at the springs or in the foothills of the Conger Mountains to the southeast. Continue east up old Highway 50 & 6 approximately 5 more miles to the intersection of the Gandy/Foote's Ranch Road. Turning north towards the Gandy Salt Marsh complex. Horses are frequently seen along the benches and riparian areas between the road and the Confusion Mountains.
The Conger Mountains HMA is located 75 miles west of Delta. Travel west from Delta on U.S. Highway 50 & 6 approximately 75 miles to the Little Valley Road (mile post 16). Turn north on the Little Valley Road and travel approximately 8 miles to the Skunk Springs (Camp Canyon) Road. Horses can usually be found in the vicinity of Conger Springs, Camp Canyon, and Skunk Springs. Horses can also be viewed in the vicinity of Knoll Springs. To reach this area, turn north from U.S. 50 & 6 at the Eskdale turnoff near mile post 8. Travel approximately 15 miles to the intersection of Knoll Springs and old Highway 50 & 6. Horses can be viewed on the slopes east of Knoll Springs and on the benches south of Cowboy Pass.
The King Top Mountains HMA is located 70 miles west of Delta. Travel west from Delta on U.S. Highway 50 & 6 approximately 75 miles to mile post 16 at the Little Valley Road intersection. Turn south at the intersection and travel 6 miles to the intersection with the Ferguson Desert Road. Turn east on the Ferguson Desert Road and travel for 12 miles to the turnoff to Probst Pond (commonly known as the Snake Pass Road). Turn east on the Snake Pass Road. Horses may be encountered anywhere north or south of this road within the next 8 miles. Another good area to view King top horses, particularly in the summer, early or late in the day, is in the vicinity of Eck's Knoll Reservoir. This reservoir is reached by continuing south from the Probost Pond sign on the Ferguson Desert Road another 3 miles. At the fork in the road take the left-hand fork and travel 1 1/2 miles to Eck's Knoll.
The Swasey Mountains HMA is located in north-central Millard County, approximately 30 miles west of Delta. Travel west from Delta on U.S. Highway 50 & 6 approximately 30 miles to the signed turnoff to Antelope Spring and Long Ridge Reservoir. Turn north and travel approximately 13 miles to an intersection with a large fenced pond south of the road. Horses may be viewed watering at this pond early or late in the day during the summer. Turn east at intersection towards Swasey Spring. Travel east, then north approximately 13 miles to the signed turnoff to Swasey Spring. Horses may be seen in the foothills and canyons along the east side of the Swasey Mountains.
- Price
Field Office (Muddy Creek and Sinbad HMAs) - 435.636.3600
The Muddy Creek HMA is located 15 miles south of Emery. Take I-70, 43 miles west of Green River to the Moore Road exit 114. Travel south on the graveled road for 1 mile to Justensen Flat. Horses are common in this area. To make a loop back to I-70, continue on the main road to Copper Globe Mine, then go through Kimball Draw, and continue north to I-70.
The Sinbad HMA is located 30 miles west of Green River. Take I-70, 29 miles west of Green River to ranch exit 129. Travel south on the graveled road following BLM signs to the Reds Canyon/Mckay Flat junction. Turn south for 4 miles to Mckay Flat. Watch for horses along the way. For burro viewing, head northeast for approximately 4 miles on a graveled road from I-70 exit 129 to the BLM Sagebrush Flat sign. Continue east 1/2 mile to a narrow freeway underpass. Go through the underpass and continue east on any one of several dirt roads. Burros may be seen from any one of the roads in this area. Also, watch along I-70 from the rest stop (exit 141) 17 miles west of Green River to exit 129. Burros are commonly spotted from the freeway.
- Cedar
City Field Office (Sulphur HMA) – 435.586.2401
The Sulphur HMA lies about 45 miles west of Milford, along the Nevada State line. The best access to the road network within the herd area is Utah Highway 21. Approximately 45 miles west of Milford on LI-21 look for a BLM sign marked Pots Sum Pa. Turn south on this road to enter the northeastern portion of the HMA. You will find most of the horses in the mountainous portion of the range. An extensive dirt-road system provides access throughout the entire area for those properly equipped. Sulphur horses are of strong Spanish ancestry.
WYOMING
Herd Management Areas by BLM field office – call each office for information on wild horse viewing opportunities in the corresponding area:
- Cody
Field Office (McCullough Peaks HMA) - 307.578.5900
The McCullough Peaks HMA is located 12 to 27 miles east of Cody (70 miles east of Yellowstone Park).
- Lander
Field Office (Antelope Hills, Crooks Mountain, Muskrat Basin, Conant
Creek, Rock Creek, Dishpan Butte and Green Mountain HMAs) - 307.332.8400
The Antelope Hills HMA is located approximately 15 miles south/southeast of Atlantic, City.
The Crooks Mountain HMA is located directly southeast of Sweetwater Station.
Muskrat Basin, Conant Creek, Rock Creek and Dishpan Butte are adjoining HMAs located in southeast Fremont County.
- Rawlins
Field Office (Stewart Creek, Lost Creek and Adobe Town HMAs) –
307.328.4200
The Stewart Creek HMA is traversed by the Continental Divide (eastern boundary of the Great Divide Basin) in a north-south direction in its eastern portion along Lost Soldier and Bull Springs rims.
The Lost Creek HMA lies within the Great Divide Basin. Its horses show strong Spanish ancestry.
The Adobe Town HMA is located in southcentral Wyoming between Interstate 80 and the Colorado/Wyoming border.
- Rock
Springs Field Office (Great Divide, Little Colorado, Salt Wells and
White Mountain HMAs) – 307.352.0256
The Great Divide HMA is located north east of Rock Springs. The area can be accessed from Rock Springs by going approximately 35 miles east on I-80 and exiting on the Bitter Creek Interchange Exit # 142. After exiting I-80 take County Road #19 north and you will be in the HMA. Another option is to take the Bar-X Exit #152 off of I-80 and take County Road #21 north.
The Little Colorado HMA is located north east of Farson. The area can be accessed from Rock Springs by going approximately 45 miles north on US 191. The HMA lies on the west side of US 191 North for approximately 25-30 miles. The HMA can also be accessed by taking County Road # 49 to the west. County Road #49 is approximately 2-3 miles north of Farson on the west side of US 191 North. County Road #49 is a highly traveled road by the Oil & Gas Industry.
The Salt Wells HMA is located south east of Rock Springs. The area can be accessed from Rock Springs by going approximately 35 miles east on I-80 and exiting on the Bitter Creek Interchange Exit #142. After exiting I-80 take County Road #19 south and you will be in the Salt Wells HMA. Another option is to take US 191 south of rock Springs. Going south on US 191 there are gravel roads to the east and County Road #29 that goes to County Road #31 that intersects County Road #27. State Highway 430 can also be taken south of Rock Springs taking County Roads #26 or #24 to the east or County Roads #30 or #32 to the West.
The White Mountain HMA is located directly west and to the north of Rock Springs. The area can be accessed from Rock Springs by going north on US 191 North approximately 14 miles. Turn left onto County Road #14 and follow the Wild Horse Loop Tour signs. The Wild Horse Loop turns left (south) onto County Road #53 and ends up in Green River. Take County Road #14 to County Road #5 for a more extensive experience.
- Worland
Field Office (Fifteen Mile HMA) – 307.347.5100
The Fifteen Mile HMA is located in the upper Fifteenmile Creek watershed, approximately 30 miles northwest of Worland.
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