Finding Wild Horses in Utah
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Return to Finding Wild Horses & Burros here for tips on visiting the range and to find herds in other areas
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There are 17 wild horse & burro herds remaining in Utah; 16 managed by BLM and 1 managed by Forest Service:
• Bible Springs Complex 45 miles west of Cedar City and north of Beryl Junction • Bible Springs • Four Mile • Tilly Creek • Big Creek is 8 miles west of Grantsville • Canyonlands east of Hanksville • Cedar Mountain west of Salt Lake City • Chloride Canyon west of Cedar City • Choke Cherry west of Cedar City on the NV border • Confusion west/northwest of Delta • Conger west of Delta • Delta Wild Horse and Burro Corral in Delta • Frisco between Cedar City and Delta to the west • Kingtop (zeroed out - no wild horses remain) • Mount Elinor west of Cedar City on the NV border • Muddy Creek west of Green River, south of I-80 • North Hills west of Cedar City on the NV border • Onaqui sw of Salt Lake City near Dugway • Range Creek east of Price • Sinbad west of Green River, north & south of I-80 • Sulpher on the UT/NV border south of Baker City, NV • Swasey Mountains west of Delta |
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Bible Springs HMA
Size: 61,862 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 30-60
The BLM has turned the Bible Springs, Tilly Creek, and Four Miles HMAs into a Complex but have not yet noted the total number of acres or the number of wild horses they deem appropriate for the combined herd areas
Size: 61,862 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 30-60
The BLM has turned the Bible Springs, Tilly Creek, and Four Miles HMAs into a Complex but have not yet noted the total number of acres or the number of wild horses they deem appropriate for the combined herd areas
With their close proximity, it is easy to visit the Bible Springs, Four Mile, and Tilly Creek complex of herd areas on the same visit. Though I do recommend spending at least a full day in each area to give you better chances of seeing the horses. These areas are rugged with not many roads, and heavily wooded in some areas making it hard to find the horses at times. Watch for fresh manure piles and fresh hoofprints on the roads.
The Bible Springs HMA is west of Cedar City, UT near the Nevada border. To get there, take Hwy 56 west out of Cedar City a short distance, then turn north onto road N 3100 West which will turn into the N Lund Hwy. If I remember correctly, the road starts as pavement then turns into a well-graded wide gravel road.
Stay on this road for approx. 30.5 miles until you reach the junction at Lund (which consists of a few small buildings). Take a left, then an immediate right to go over the railroad tracks. Once over the railroad tracks, left to stay on Pine Valley Rd; if you go right you will be on Blue Mountain Rd which will take you through the Four Mile HMA. The road then turns into Blawn Wash Rd which will take you to the former Blawn Wash wild horse area (when I was there I saw many horses in Blawn Wash but BLM has since gone back out and removed them. However, it is easy for the Four Mile horses to migrate up to the Blawn Wash area, so you may see horses there).
Stay on Pine Valley Rd for approximately 12 miles, then start exploring off to the west on various roads to search for horses. If you can, find a high point and search the valleys below. This area is full of trees, so go slow and keep your eyes open. You can also explore Rustlers Draw and Jackson Wash roads. If you take Trail Draw, this will eventually lead you to the Tilly Creek HMA.
Bible Springs is a mountainous area. Some of the roads in this area are in fairly good shape but I recommend a truck not a car. Some of the smaller side roads are heavily rutted with large rocks and can get narrow with overhanging trees. I never found horses here but I did see plenty of fresh manure piles and hoofprints on the roads. However, when I went there were still snow drifts in some areas which didn't allow me to explore as much as I wanted. I also saw mountain lion tracks, so be aware of your surroundings!
The Bible Springs HMA is west of Cedar City, UT near the Nevada border. To get there, take Hwy 56 west out of Cedar City a short distance, then turn north onto road N 3100 West which will turn into the N Lund Hwy. If I remember correctly, the road starts as pavement then turns into a well-graded wide gravel road.
Stay on this road for approx. 30.5 miles until you reach the junction at Lund (which consists of a few small buildings). Take a left, then an immediate right to go over the railroad tracks. Once over the railroad tracks, left to stay on Pine Valley Rd; if you go right you will be on Blue Mountain Rd which will take you through the Four Mile HMA. The road then turns into Blawn Wash Rd which will take you to the former Blawn Wash wild horse area (when I was there I saw many horses in Blawn Wash but BLM has since gone back out and removed them. However, it is easy for the Four Mile horses to migrate up to the Blawn Wash area, so you may see horses there).
Stay on Pine Valley Rd for approximately 12 miles, then start exploring off to the west on various roads to search for horses. If you can, find a high point and search the valleys below. This area is full of trees, so go slow and keep your eyes open. You can also explore Rustlers Draw and Jackson Wash roads. If you take Trail Draw, this will eventually lead you to the Tilly Creek HMA.
Bible Springs is a mountainous area. Some of the roads in this area are in fairly good shape but I recommend a truck not a car. Some of the smaller side roads are heavily rutted with large rocks and can get narrow with overhanging trees. I never found horses here but I did see plenty of fresh manure piles and hoofprints on the roads. However, when I went there were still snow drifts in some areas which didn't allow me to explore as much as I wanted. I also saw mountain lion tracks, so be aware of your surroundings!
Big Creek Wild Horse Territory
Size: 10,000 acres of forest land
Number of wild horses the Forest Service deems appropriate for the herd area is 13-25
The Big Creek Wild Horse Territory is located 8 miles west of Grantsville in the foothills of the Stansbury Mountains, along the east side of Skull Valley. A high clearance, 4WD vehicle is required for this area. There are many sections of private land as well, so pay attention to any signage. Take I-80 west out of Salt Lake City and take exit 77; go left (south) and continue on Hwy 196. At about 9.5 miles you will see the sign for the Horseshoe Knolls ATV trails, turn left here. Keep to the right when the road forks 1.5 miles in, and again after .8 mile. Continue just over a mile to the T junction with Little Granite Rd. Turn right, then left at the fork. Continue south for .2 mile where the road will merge with Salt Mountain Rd. Go 2.5 miles through the foothills. The road will merge with Spring Pond for a bit, then take the left fork rather than staying on Spring Pond. Continue south for 3 miles when the road will turn sharply to the west, then you will reach Big Pole Canyon where you may have to cross some water in the road depending on the time of year. This should put you along a fence line for a bit as you descend towards Threesound Rd. Keep right, continue westbound, the road will then turn south. (I got these directions from www.wildhorsetourist.com/big-creek as I have not yet visited this area).
This would be a great area to visit, with the right vehicle, if you are on your way to the Onaqui and/or Cedar Mountain HMAs.
Size: 10,000 acres of forest land
Number of wild horses the Forest Service deems appropriate for the herd area is 13-25
The Big Creek Wild Horse Territory is located 8 miles west of Grantsville in the foothills of the Stansbury Mountains, along the east side of Skull Valley. A high clearance, 4WD vehicle is required for this area. There are many sections of private land as well, so pay attention to any signage. Take I-80 west out of Salt Lake City and take exit 77; go left (south) and continue on Hwy 196. At about 9.5 miles you will see the sign for the Horseshoe Knolls ATV trails, turn left here. Keep to the right when the road forks 1.5 miles in, and again after .8 mile. Continue just over a mile to the T junction with Little Granite Rd. Turn right, then left at the fork. Continue south for .2 mile where the road will merge with Salt Mountain Rd. Go 2.5 miles through the foothills. The road will merge with Spring Pond for a bit, then take the left fork rather than staying on Spring Pond. Continue south for 3 miles when the road will turn sharply to the west, then you will reach Big Pole Canyon where you may have to cross some water in the road depending on the time of year. This should put you along a fence line for a bit as you descend towards Threesound Rd. Keep right, continue westbound, the road will then turn south. (I got these directions from www.wildhorsetourist.com/big-creek as I have not yet visited this area).
This would be a great area to visit, with the right vehicle, if you are on your way to the Onaqui and/or Cedar Mountain HMAs.
Canyonlands HMA
Size: 89,392 acres
Number of wild burros the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 60-100
Size: 89,392 acres
Number of wild burros the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 60-100
The Canyonlands wild burro HMA is found in southeastern Utah near the small town of Hanksville. When visiting this HMA, you can combine a trip to Goblin Valley State Park (a very unique area) and the eastern side of Canyonlands National Park.
Approximately 19 miles north of Hanksville off Highway 24, just south of the entrance to Goblin Valley State Park, you will turn east onto BLM road 1010 / Hans Flat Road / W Lower San Rafael Rd. The wide well graveled road (see upper left photos above) will turn to the southeast. Watch for the butte in the upper left photo above and continue driving past it. At Jeffrey Wells, stay left to head east and follow signs to Canyonlands NP. You will pass The Flat Tops and a ranchers set up with corrals on your right. Keep heading east then south while staying on Hans Flat Rd. At the Horseshoe Canyon Junction, turn south. At one point you will drive over a cattle guard with fencing on either side. At the time I was there, the rancher had a hand painted sign up that said something to the effect of staying away from his cattle since they belong to him not you (see top right photo above). After that cattle guard you should be inside the HMA and you can start keeping your eyes open for burros. We did drive a a few miles in past the camping areas to reach the grassy plains before we saw burros.
This area is very remote; make sure you have a full tank of gas and extra water with you.
Approximately 19 miles north of Hanksville off Highway 24, just south of the entrance to Goblin Valley State Park, you will turn east onto BLM road 1010 / Hans Flat Road / W Lower San Rafael Rd. The wide well graveled road (see upper left photos above) will turn to the southeast. Watch for the butte in the upper left photo above and continue driving past it. At Jeffrey Wells, stay left to head east and follow signs to Canyonlands NP. You will pass The Flat Tops and a ranchers set up with corrals on your right. Keep heading east then south while staying on Hans Flat Rd. At the Horseshoe Canyon Junction, turn south. At one point you will drive over a cattle guard with fencing on either side. At the time I was there, the rancher had a hand painted sign up that said something to the effect of staying away from his cattle since they belong to him not you (see top right photo above). After that cattle guard you should be inside the HMA and you can start keeping your eyes open for burros. We did drive a a few miles in past the camping areas to reach the grassy plains before we saw burros.
This area is very remote; make sure you have a full tank of gas and extra water with you.
Cedar Mountain HMA
Size: 211,593 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 190-390
Size: 211,593 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 190-390
The Cedar Mountain HMA is west of Salt Lake City, south of Interstate 80, west of State Route 196, and on the way to the Onaqui HMA. From Salt Lake City via I-80, you can take exit 77 and turn south onto SR 196 / Skull Valley Rd. Go south approx. 16.9 miles to Eightmile Spring Rd and turn west (right). This road will split; stay right to stay on Eightmile Rd, go left to be on South Valley Rd. Both are gravel/dirt and will take you to Cedar Mountain Rd which, for the most part, does a loop around the entire Cedar Mountain area. I recommend staying to the right on Eightmile Rd. You can keep your eyes open for wild horses already. Once you reach Cedar Mountain Rd at the base of the foothills for the mountains, go right and explore and roads that go into the mountains. Most of the roads dead end so you will be going a short ways, then turning around back to Cedar Mountain Rd to keep exploring.
This area has few roads to explore on. The best way to find horses is by hiking, but only do this if you are familiar with the area or have gotten specific directions on where to go. I haven't hiked here yet so I can't give you directions for that. The area is filled with valleys and high spots, keep your eyes open! These horses are still very wild and will usually run when they see you.
In my experience, the west side of the mountains were much drier and I didn't see any horses or signs of horses over there. Concentrate on the east side and inner mountain roads, then head south and around to the west side to keep looking if you haven't found any yet. Some of the roads in this area are quite nice and I found Cedar Mountain Rd to be mostly good and flat and you could get around in a car however there were some washouts in the road when I was there - watch for those and take it slow so you don't get a flat tire.
Other roads, especially to the south end, are very dry and similar to driving in fine, dry sand. A truck and experience driving in sand or very powdery dirt would be recommended for those. Pay attention to the signs that show where the testing grounds are and take heed.
This area has few roads to explore on. The best way to find horses is by hiking, but only do this if you are familiar with the area or have gotten specific directions on where to go. I haven't hiked here yet so I can't give you directions for that. The area is filled with valleys and high spots, keep your eyes open! These horses are still very wild and will usually run when they see you.
In my experience, the west side of the mountains were much drier and I didn't see any horses or signs of horses over there. Concentrate on the east side and inner mountain roads, then head south and around to the west side to keep looking if you haven't found any yet. Some of the roads in this area are quite nice and I found Cedar Mountain Rd to be mostly good and flat and you could get around in a car however there were some washouts in the road when I was there - watch for those and take it slow so you don't get a flat tire.
Other roads, especially to the south end, are very dry and similar to driving in fine, dry sand. A truck and experience driving in sand or very powdery dirt would be recommended for those. Pay attention to the signs that show where the testing grounds are and take heed.
Chloride Canyon HMA
Size: 65,408 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 15-30; this herd may have been zeroed out in 2022. If you find wild horses here, please let me know.
Size: 65,408 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 15-30; this herd may have been zeroed out in 2022. If you find wild horses here, please let me know.
The Chloride Canyon HMA is just west of Cedar City, UT, north of Hwy 56. Take Hwy 56 west out of Cedar City and approx. 24 miles from Interstate 15, turn right (north) onto Desert Mound Rd. Approx 3.4 miles in, turn left and start exploring. There will be campgrounds in the area and a few roads that head into the mountain. Try taking those to see what you can find. It looks like Bullion Peak Rd travels across the mountain from east to west so you could try that.
Alternatively, you could stay on Hwy 56 a bit longer and turn right (north) onto 800E / N Sand Spring Rd / N Energy Corridor Rd and take any roads that head east into the mountain. We found lots of dead ends here as the roads were mostly put in for the electric towers. We also ran into a closed gate with a private property sign on it that the BLM Cedar City office admits the local rancher put there, though he's not really allowed to. It's a public road!
We never did find any horses here. From what I could determine, with the cross-fencing in place the horses had been confined to the NW corner of the herd area. Outside of that area I found no fresh manure piles or signs that horses had been present. The only possible way to see any remaining horses that I know of would be to go around to the north side of the mountain on West Antelope Springs Rd and look to the south/mountain. Legally you could certainly park and hike back in there.
The same rancher who was blocking the public road with his private property sign, was leaving a gate open so his cattle could go onto the HMA to graze. In turn, the wild horses were going through the gate to access water. So he complained to the Cedar City BLM office who said they would go out and remove the horses in 2021-2022. I don't know if this happened but the 2023 population estimate was still 33 wild horses.
Alternatively, you could stay on Hwy 56 a bit longer and turn right (north) onto 800E / N Sand Spring Rd / N Energy Corridor Rd and take any roads that head east into the mountain. We found lots of dead ends here as the roads were mostly put in for the electric towers. We also ran into a closed gate with a private property sign on it that the BLM Cedar City office admits the local rancher put there, though he's not really allowed to. It's a public road!
We never did find any horses here. From what I could determine, with the cross-fencing in place the horses had been confined to the NW corner of the herd area. Outside of that area I found no fresh manure piles or signs that horses had been present. The only possible way to see any remaining horses that I know of would be to go around to the north side of the mountain on West Antelope Springs Rd and look to the south/mountain. Legally you could certainly park and hike back in there.
The same rancher who was blocking the public road with his private property sign, was leaving a gate open so his cattle could go onto the HMA to graze. In turn, the wild horses were going through the gate to access water. So he complained to the Cedar City BLM office who said they would go out and remove the horses in 2021-2022. I don't know if this happened but the 2023 population estimate was still 33 wild horses.
Choke Cherry HMA
Size: 48,139 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 24-30
Size: 48,139 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 24-30
BLM gives no directions to the Choke Cherry HMA. It borders UT and NV north of Highway 56. At the town of Modena, turn right/north on Modena Canyon Rd. The road will T junction at Spanish Gorge Rd, turn west/left. Then turn right on Hamlin Valley Rd (you should have no choice here, the road pretty much does a sharp right turn). Start keeping your eyes open for wild horses, I spotted the band of three wild horses in the photo above right off Hamlin Valley Rd.
Hamlin Valley Rd continues north for quite a ways before it goes into Nevada. There are some roads that venture off to the left and right that you could explore. There are ranches along here so don't enter gates that say Private Property. There is a supposed Wild Horse Viewing area before O'Grain Ranch on the left/east side of Hamlin Valley Rd.
I recommend a 4wd high clearance vehicle for this HMA.
Hamlin Valley Rd continues north for quite a ways before it goes into Nevada. There are some roads that venture off to the left and right that you could explore. There are ranches along here so don't enter gates that say Private Property. There is a supposed Wild Horse Viewing area before O'Grain Ranch on the left/east side of Hamlin Valley Rd.
I recommend a 4wd high clearance vehicle for this HMA.
Confusion HMA
Size: 235,005 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 70-115
The Confusion HMA is 90 miles northwest of the town of Delta (where the wild horse holding facility is) and is kind of out in the middle of nowhere. Take Hwy 6/50 west out of Delta 72 miles towards Nevada. You will pass the entrance to the Swassey HMA (on Notch Peak Loop Scenic Backway) and take the entrance to the Conger HMA by turning north/left onto Road 6005 aka Sheepmans Rd, a gravel road. You will go through a fence line and over a cattle guard.
Stay to the right, then the left to stay north on Camp Canyon Rd. This will take you along the east side of Conger Mtn. The road will then T into Marjum Canyon Rd past Conger Mtn; turn west/left, then right/north on the next road. If you end up on the west side/left of Conger Mtn (it is the much drier side), that's okay. Just head north to Marjum Canyon Rd, take a right, go over Cowboy Pass and turn north/left onto the next main road.
While driving along Conger Mtn, keep your eyes peeled for Conger wild horses. I've seen a few bands along that road, though BLM did do a roundup in 2022 which resulted in many of those bands losing their freedom.
Once you have turned north/right you will soon be in the Confusion HMA. I haven't been to this HMA so all I can suggest is exploring. The road you are on will have several smaller two-tracks that head off to the west. It will, after a while, turn northeast then bump into Weiss Hwy (a gravel or dirt rd), stay to the left/north, then turn west on the next main road to stay in the HMA and keep exploring. The roads will eventually take you back south if you stay to the west/south/left. You don't want to keep heading north or it's a long drive in the wrong direction. Just remember that the highway out is to your south.
Side note: If at Weiss Hwy you take a right/east, then turn right/south just past Sand Pass, then go left at the T, you will be on the east side of Swasey Mountains and can look for wild horses in the Swasey HMA. Continuing south will take you back to Highway 6/50 eventually. Turning right on Notch Peak Scenic Backway will take you on a beautiful drive over the pass on a good road; I saw a few wild horses along there. At the top of the pass looking west, you will see just how vast the area is.
Size: 235,005 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 70-115
The Confusion HMA is 90 miles northwest of the town of Delta (where the wild horse holding facility is) and is kind of out in the middle of nowhere. Take Hwy 6/50 west out of Delta 72 miles towards Nevada. You will pass the entrance to the Swassey HMA (on Notch Peak Loop Scenic Backway) and take the entrance to the Conger HMA by turning north/left onto Road 6005 aka Sheepmans Rd, a gravel road. You will go through a fence line and over a cattle guard.
Stay to the right, then the left to stay north on Camp Canyon Rd. This will take you along the east side of Conger Mtn. The road will then T into Marjum Canyon Rd past Conger Mtn; turn west/left, then right/north on the next road. If you end up on the west side/left of Conger Mtn (it is the much drier side), that's okay. Just head north to Marjum Canyon Rd, take a right, go over Cowboy Pass and turn north/left onto the next main road.
While driving along Conger Mtn, keep your eyes peeled for Conger wild horses. I've seen a few bands along that road, though BLM did do a roundup in 2022 which resulted in many of those bands losing their freedom.
Once you have turned north/right you will soon be in the Confusion HMA. I haven't been to this HMA so all I can suggest is exploring. The road you are on will have several smaller two-tracks that head off to the west. It will, after a while, turn northeast then bump into Weiss Hwy (a gravel or dirt rd), stay to the left/north, then turn west on the next main road to stay in the HMA and keep exploring. The roads will eventually take you back south if you stay to the west/south/left. You don't want to keep heading north or it's a long drive in the wrong direction. Just remember that the highway out is to your south.
Side note: If at Weiss Hwy you take a right/east, then turn right/south just past Sand Pass, then go left at the T, you will be on the east side of Swasey Mountains and can look for wild horses in the Swasey HMA. Continuing south will take you back to Highway 6/50 eventually. Turning right on Notch Peak Scenic Backway will take you on a beautiful drive over the pass on a good road; I saw a few wild horses along there. At the top of the pass looking west, you will see just how vast the area is.
Conger HMA
Size: 170,993 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 40-80
Size: 170,993 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 40-80
The west side of the Conger HMA is one of my favorite areas on our public lands. Take Hwy 6/50 west out of Delta for 72 miles towards Nevada. You will pass the entrance to the Swassey HMA (on Notch Peak Loop Scenic Backway) and take the entrance to the Conger HMA by turning north/left onto Road 6005 aka Sheepmans Rd, a gravel road. You will go through a fence line and over a cattle guard.
The palomino, bay, and dark horse were in the fields before Conger Mountain. Stay to the right, then the left to stay north on Camp Canyon Rd. This will take you along the east side of Conger Mtn. There is a road that goes off to the right and between two hills then joined back up with Camp Canyon Rd. I suggest exploring both. Once you reach Marjum Canyon Rd (east/west road) you are nearly outside the Conger HMA. If you go left/west, you can explore more two-tracks that turn to the south. Most of these dead-ended and I had to turn around, but that was okay because I saw a few bands and bachelor stallions along the way.
The roads ultimately do a loop around the Conger HMA, so just remember that the highway is to the south. The main road was suitable for most vehicles, but if you plan to take side roads, then a high clearance vehicle with good tires is necessary.
The palomino, bay, and dark horse were in the fields before Conger Mountain. Stay to the right, then the left to stay north on Camp Canyon Rd. This will take you along the east side of Conger Mtn. There is a road that goes off to the right and between two hills then joined back up with Camp Canyon Rd. I suggest exploring both. Once you reach Marjum Canyon Rd (east/west road) you are nearly outside the Conger HMA. If you go left/west, you can explore more two-tracks that turn to the south. Most of these dead-ended and I had to turn around, but that was okay because I saw a few bands and bachelor stallions along the way.
The roads ultimately do a loop around the Conger HMA, so just remember that the highway is to the south. The main road was suitable for most vehicles, but if you plan to take side roads, then a high clearance vehicle with good tires is necessary.
Delta Wild Horse and Burro Corral
The Delta holding pens can be found in the town of Delta off N 350 W Rd. The facility is open to the public Monday - Thursday by appointment only. You can call 435-864-4068 to make your appointment, and they limit it to 2 per day. Once there you can park in front of the office and either let them know you are there or begin to walk to the corrals and an employee will come out to you. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like about the horses, burros, and the facility itself.
The wild horses and/or burros at the facility will have either been recently traumatized by a roundup or will have been there for a few months waiting to be adopted. They may be skittish or accept handfuls of hay from you. It is best to use a low, quiet voice and don't make sudden movements so as not to spook them. You are welcome to take photos and video while you are there.
The wild horses and/or burros at the facility will have either been recently traumatized by a roundup or will have been there for a few months waiting to be adopted. They may be skittish or accept handfuls of hay from you. It is best to use a low, quiet voice and don't make sudden movements so as not to spook them. You are welcome to take photos and video while you are there.
Four Mile HMA
Size: 61,273 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 30-60
*The BLM has turned the Bible Springs, Tilly Creek, and Four Miles HMAs into a Complex but have not yet noted the total number of acres or the number of wild horses they deem appropriate for the combined herd areas
Size: 61,273 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 30-60
*The BLM has turned the Bible Springs, Tilly Creek, and Four Miles HMAs into a Complex but have not yet noted the total number of acres or the number of wild horses they deem appropriate for the combined herd areas
Frisco HMA
Size: 60,367 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 30-60
Size: 60,367 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 30-60
The Frisco HMA is 15 miles northwest of Milford, UT, off Highway 21. Go approximately 12.7 miles and turn north/right onto the well graveled road just before the Frisco Summit where the highway does a bend to the left. Stay left at the Y and start exploring. The main road follows along the foothills and has some smaller roads and two tracks that head off to the left and right. Heading off the west/left will take you up into the forested area where it's harder to find horses because of the trees. Any roads you take off to the east/right will eventually take you out to Highway 257, turn south from there and you will get back to Hwy 21.
The HMA appears to also include the area west of the San Francisco Mountains, but I couldn't access any roads to get there as they were blocked off by the mine. My off-road map shows a 'wild horse viewing area' north of the Carbonate Mine, but I couldn't get to that either.
The HMA appears to also include the area west of the San Francisco Mountains, but I couldn't access any roads to get there as they were blocked off by the mine. My off-road map shows a 'wild horse viewing area' north of the Carbonate Mine, but I couldn't get to that either.
Mount Elinore HMA
Size: 42,640 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 15-25
The Mount Elinore HMA is north of the North Hills HMA and south of the Choke Cherry HMA. It borders UT and NV north of Highway 56. After the town of Modena as the highway turns to the southwest, take Gold Springs Rd by turning north. This road will straddle the Nevada/Utah border. Search any smaller available roads for signs of wild horses.
I have not been to this HMA so I have no further directions. Because the area includes Mt Elinore at 7,804' and the Paradise Mountains, I would suggest a high clearance/4wd vehicle.
Size: 42,640 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 15-25
The Mount Elinore HMA is north of the North Hills HMA and south of the Choke Cherry HMA. It borders UT and NV north of Highway 56. After the town of Modena as the highway turns to the southwest, take Gold Springs Rd by turning north. This road will straddle the Nevada/Utah border. Search any smaller available roads for signs of wild horses.
I have not been to this HMA so I have no further directions. Because the area includes Mt Elinore at 7,804' and the Paradise Mountains, I would suggest a high clearance/4wd vehicle.
Muddy Creek HMA
Size: 208,810 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 75-125
Size: 208,810 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 75-125
The Muddy Creek HMA is big with varied landscapes. We searched all areas and only found signs of wild horses in three specific areas. The HMA borders Interstate 70, just west of the San Rafael Swell and the Sinbad wild burro HMA. West of the San Rafael pass and lookouts and east of Hwy 10, there will be a few places to get off the interstate and head south.
Take exit 116 and turn south to Justensen Flats.
Take exit 116 and turn south to Justensen Flats.
North Hills HMA and the North Hills Wild Horse Territory
Size: 60,646 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 12-36
Size: 60,646 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 12-36
The North Hills HMA is easy to find and drive through. However, you are unlikely to see many horses. The lower part of the HMA by Highway 56 is grazed by cattle and livestock. As you make your way further south and into the forested area of the wild horse territory, you might have a better chance. I saw 5 wild horses on the flats and I saw many signs of wild horses up in the forested area in the form of manure piles and tracks/trails, but no horses. They would be harder to see because of the trees though.
Take Highway 56 west past Newcastle toward the Nevada border. The HMA is on the south side of the highway; you can drive through gates as long as you close them behind you. Take the dirt road that is 14.1 miles after Beryl Junction / N Beryl Hwy; watch for Gray Knoll to the south as a marker (a large dirt/rock mound). From there, explore the dirt two-tracks and roads. There is a main gravel road that goes east-west and you should see a windmill with a water trough as a marker to tell you that you are in the HMA. To reach the territory, continue to take roads that head south into the forested hills. I had to open and close a couple of gates, and that is fine as long there isn't a private property sign on them.
Take Highway 56 west past Newcastle toward the Nevada border. The HMA is on the south side of the highway; you can drive through gates as long as you close them behind you. Take the dirt road that is 14.1 miles after Beryl Junction / N Beryl Hwy; watch for Gray Knoll to the south as a marker (a large dirt/rock mound). From there, explore the dirt two-tracks and roads. There is a main gravel road that goes east-west and you should see a windmill with a water trough as a marker to tell you that you are in the HMA. To reach the territory, continue to take roads that head south into the forested hills. I had to open and close a couple of gates, and that is fine as long there isn't a private property sign on them.
Onaqui HMA
Size: 240,153 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 121-210
Size: 240,153 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 121-210
The Onaqui wild horses are one of the most popular herds to visit. When visiting, you can camp in the HMA at the campground or stay in Tooele; the drive from Salt Lake City can be quite long. The Onaqui herd is divided into the north herd and the south herd, both fairly easy to find. The north herd tends to stay north of Simpson Springs Rd and closer to S Government Creek Rd. The south herd tends to stay closer to Simpson Springs Rd, the camping area, and further south.
From Salt Lake City head west on I-80 to exit 77 and turn left/south. Travel south for 36 miles to Dugway, a military base. Just before the entry to Dugway, turn left/east onto S Government Creek Rd, a gravel rd. It's possible to start seeing horses right away, so keep your eyes open! S Government Creek Rd travels east/southeast through the HMA passing several dirt two-tracks that you could take to explore for horses. Eventually the road bumps into Simpson Springs Rd / East Pony Express Rd. You could turn left/east and explore East Pony Express Rd for a bit, but once you reach the Lookout Pass Pony Express Station site, I would turn around.
As Simpson Springs Rd heads west/southwest, keep your eyes open for horses. You will pass some concrete water troughs the horses sometimes use, and some two-tracks heading to waterholes. The south herd also spends quite a bit of time south of the Simpson Springs Campground.
The main gravel roads in the Onaqui HMA are okay for most vehicles, including cars. But the gravel road can be bumpy so try to take it slow to avoid a flat tire. I don't recommend taking the two-tracks unless you have a high clearance vehicle with really good tires and are comfortable driving on very soft dirt similar to driving on sand.
From Salt Lake City head west on I-80 to exit 77 and turn left/south. Travel south for 36 miles to Dugway, a military base. Just before the entry to Dugway, turn left/east onto S Government Creek Rd, a gravel rd. It's possible to start seeing horses right away, so keep your eyes open! S Government Creek Rd travels east/southeast through the HMA passing several dirt two-tracks that you could take to explore for horses. Eventually the road bumps into Simpson Springs Rd / East Pony Express Rd. You could turn left/east and explore East Pony Express Rd for a bit, but once you reach the Lookout Pass Pony Express Station site, I would turn around.
As Simpson Springs Rd heads west/southwest, keep your eyes open for horses. You will pass some concrete water troughs the horses sometimes use, and some two-tracks heading to waterholes. The south herd also spends quite a bit of time south of the Simpson Springs Campground.
The main gravel roads in the Onaqui HMA are okay for most vehicles, including cars. But the gravel road can be bumpy so try to take it slow to avoid a flat tire. I don't recommend taking the two-tracks unless you have a high clearance vehicle with really good tires and are comfortable driving on very soft dirt similar to driving on sand.
Range Creek HMA
Size: 55,023 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 75-125
The Range Creek HMA is 28 miles west of Price, Utah on the West Tavaputs Plateau. Access is through Nine Mile Canyon and Cottonwood Canyon. Take Highway 191/6 east of Price and through the town of Wellington. Turn left at the junction for Highway 123 which will take you through the tiny town of East Carbon-Sunnyside. The road will veer north then turn into a gravel road and start heading into the canyon and up a mountain. Stay right at Water Canyon to continue on Dry Canyon Rd. Once at the top of the mountain on the plateau and Flat Iron Mesa, begin to explore roads to the south or on the right.
If you bump into the junction for Nine Mile Canyon / Soldier Creek Rd, you have gone too far and have passed the HMA. Make sure you visit this HMA on a nice, dry day. I ventured out in late spring and ran into snow drifts on the way up the mountain and had to turn around. Because of that, I never saw horses but hope to return one day and explore. The area is remote with likely little to no cell service. Make sure you have supplies with you. A 4wd and high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Size: 55,023 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 75-125
The Range Creek HMA is 28 miles west of Price, Utah on the West Tavaputs Plateau. Access is through Nine Mile Canyon and Cottonwood Canyon. Take Highway 191/6 east of Price and through the town of Wellington. Turn left at the junction for Highway 123 which will take you through the tiny town of East Carbon-Sunnyside. The road will veer north then turn into a gravel road and start heading into the canyon and up a mountain. Stay right at Water Canyon to continue on Dry Canyon Rd. Once at the top of the mountain on the plateau and Flat Iron Mesa, begin to explore roads to the south or on the right.
If you bump into the junction for Nine Mile Canyon / Soldier Creek Rd, you have gone too far and have passed the HMA. Make sure you visit this HMA on a nice, dry day. I ventured out in late spring and ran into snow drifts on the way up the mountain and had to turn around. Because of that, I never saw horses but hope to return one day and explore. The area is remote with likely little to no cell service. Make sure you have supplies with you. A 4wd and high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Sinbad HMA
Size: 99,241 acres
Number of wild burros the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 50-70
Size: 99,241 acres
Number of wild burros the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 50-70
The Sinbad burro HMA is west of Green River directly off of Interstate 70. If heading west, you will drive through the beautiful San Rafael Swell and viewpoints, then start looking for turnoffs to the HMA. Travel approximately 28 miles to exit 131 and turn north/right. This will take you on Buckhorn Draw Rd / S Lawrence Rd / Rd 332, a gravel or dirt rd, and back east along the interstate. At one point the road splits; you can stay on the north side of the highway and look for burros or go right and take the road under the highway. I only found burros on the south side of the highway. Going under the interstate will put you on Road 3648 which does a loop turning into Road 3660 past Hyde Draw Reservoir and Road 3659. There are other roads to explore as well. I found the loop dirt road to be suitable for most vehicles, but I still don't recommend taking a car.
The Sinbad HMA is adjacent to the Muddy Creek wild horse HMA to the west.
The Sinbad HMA is adjacent to the Muddy Creek wild horse HMA to the west.
Sulpher HMA
Size: 265,711 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 165-250
Size: 265,711 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 165-250
Swasey Mountains HMA
Size: 123,113 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 60-100
Size: 123,113 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 60-100
Tilly Creek HMA
Size: 37,106 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 20-50
*The BLM has turned the Bible Springs, Tilly Creek, and Four Miles HMAs into a Complex but have not yet noted the total number of acres or the number of wild horses they deem appropriate for the combined herd areas
Size: 37,106 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 20-50
*The BLM has turned the Bible Springs, Tilly Creek, and Four Miles HMAs into a Complex but have not yet noted the total number of acres or the number of wild horses they deem appropriate for the combined herd areas