Finding Wild Horses in Wyoming
Return to Finding Wild Horses here for tips on visiting the range and to find herds in other states
There are 16 wild horse herds remaining in Wyoming:
• Adobe Town near the town of Baggs
• Antelope Hills near the town of Atlantic City
• Crooks Mountain near Sweetwater Station
• Divide Basin near Rock Springs
• Fifteenmile near the town Cody
• Green Mountain near Jeffrey City
• Little Colorado north of Rock Springs
• Lost Creek near the town of Rawlins
• McCullough Peaks near the town of Cody
• North Lander Complex:
• Conant Creek near the town of Riverton
• Dishpan Butte near Sweetwater Station
• Muskrat Basin near Jeffrey City
• Rock Creek Mountain near Jeffrey City
• Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility in Rock Springs
• Salt Wells Creek near Rock Springs
• Stewart Creek north of Rawlins
• White Mountain near Rock Springs
• Adobe Town near the town of Baggs
• Antelope Hills near the town of Atlantic City
• Crooks Mountain near Sweetwater Station
• Divide Basin near Rock Springs
• Fifteenmile near the town Cody
• Green Mountain near Jeffrey City
• Little Colorado north of Rock Springs
• Lost Creek near the town of Rawlins
• McCullough Peaks near the town of Cody
• North Lander Complex:
• Conant Creek near the town of Riverton
• Dishpan Butte near Sweetwater Station
• Muskrat Basin near Jeffrey City
• Rock Creek Mountain near Jeffrey City
• Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility in Rock Springs
• Salt Wells Creek near Rock Springs
• Stewart Creek north of Rawlins
• White Mountain near Rock Springs
Adobe Town HMA
Size: 478,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 610-800
Size: 478,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 610-800
The Adobe Town HMA is located on the Wyoming / Colorado border between Hwy 789 to the east and Hwy 430 to the west, mostly south of the checkerboard. The nearest town is Baggs. I have not yet visited this HMA so my directions are based on a recreational/off-road map. If I am able to visit the area in the future I will update this page.
The area is filled with oil wells so many of the main roads are suitable for most vehicles but if you take any of the smaller dirt or two-track roads then you will need a high clearance / 4WD. This area is very large and 2,000 wild horses were rounded up in early 2021 from both the Adobe Town and Salt Wells Creek HMA's so finding wild horses may be difficult.
On the west side from Hwy 430, you can turn east onto Bitter Creek Rd / Rd 19S and head east. This will take you through part of the eastern side of the Salt Wells Creek HMA on your way to the Adobe Town HMA. When the road forks, stay left to head towards Rd 4412. Turn right and explore roads until you reach the Colorado border. Or turn left and go up to Rd 4409 then turn right on Rd 4411; this will take you through a section of the checkerboard then back down into the HMA. Stay right at the bigger fork and this will eventually take you to Hwy 789. You can turn south on Hwy 789 then take other roads including Robbers Gulch Rd, Little Robbers Rd, and Sand Creek Rd to head west back into the HMA to explore.
The area is filled with oil wells so many of the main roads are suitable for most vehicles but if you take any of the smaller dirt or two-track roads then you will need a high clearance / 4WD. This area is very large and 2,000 wild horses were rounded up in early 2021 from both the Adobe Town and Salt Wells Creek HMA's so finding wild horses may be difficult.
On the west side from Hwy 430, you can turn east onto Bitter Creek Rd / Rd 19S and head east. This will take you through part of the eastern side of the Salt Wells Creek HMA on your way to the Adobe Town HMA. When the road forks, stay left to head towards Rd 4412. Turn right and explore roads until you reach the Colorado border. Or turn left and go up to Rd 4409 then turn right on Rd 4411; this will take you through a section of the checkerboard then back down into the HMA. Stay right at the bigger fork and this will eventually take you to Hwy 789. You can turn south on Hwy 789 then take other roads including Robbers Gulch Rd, Little Robbers Rd, and Sand Creek Rd to head west back into the HMA to explore.
Antelope Hills HMA
Size: 159,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 60-82
Size: 159,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 60-82
The Antelope Hills HMA is north of the Lost Creek HMA and east of the Divide Basin HMA. I have not yet visited this HMA though I plan to do so in 2023 and will update this section at that time.
At the junction for Hwy 287/789 and Hwy 135 is the Morman Handcart Visitors Center. Turn south onto Road 281 (a well graveled road) and turn right on Riverview Cutoff / Rd 2317. This will take you into the Antelope Hills and towards St. Mary's Peak.
Riverview Cutoff Rd will eventually turn into Three Forks-Atlantic City Rd and take you out to Hwy 28. There appear to be dirt roads turning north and south off of Riverview Cutoff Rd, you could take some of those to look for wild horses. Remember to watch for fresh manure piles to know if you are in the right area. While on Riverview Cutoff Rd, if you turn south onto Red Creek Rd it will take you down to the Lost Creek and/or Divide Basin HMAs.
At the junction for Hwy 287/789 and Hwy 135 is the Morman Handcart Visitors Center. Turn south onto Road 281 (a well graveled road) and turn right on Riverview Cutoff / Rd 2317. This will take you into the Antelope Hills and towards St. Mary's Peak.
Riverview Cutoff Rd will eventually turn into Three Forks-Atlantic City Rd and take you out to Hwy 28. There appear to be dirt roads turning north and south off of Riverview Cutoff Rd, you could take some of those to look for wild horses. Remember to watch for fresh manure piles to know if you are in the right area. While on Riverview Cutoff Rd, if you turn south onto Red Creek Rd it will take you down to the Lost Creek and/or Divide Basin HMAs.
Conant Creek HMA
Size: part of the North Lander Complex which totals 375,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the 4 herd areas part of the Complex is 320-536
Size: part of the North Lander Complex which totals 375,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the 4 herd areas part of the Complex is 320-536
There are two ways to access the Conant Creek HMA. From the town of Riverton head east on Hwy 136 and turn right on Road 319/Poston Ranch Rd. At the fork stay right to be on Road 317 (if you go left you will drive by the ranch houses, turn around). You may see horses as soon as you get there. This main gravel/dirt road is decent for most vehicles (see top left photo). At the next big fork you can stay right on 317 which takes you out to Hwy 135, or shortly after turning right you can turn right again on Oil Springs Rd. I saw a small group of bachelor stallions off Oil Springs Rd and it's a pretty drive. Oil Springs Rd takes you out to Hwy 135 where you can head down the road and visit the Dishpan Butte HMA. Alternatively, to get into the HMA you can take Hwy 135 south off of Hwy 136 and turn left onto Oil Springs Rd to enter the HMA from the south side.
Or, when entering from Hwy 136 and Road 319/Poston Ranch Rd, at the next big fork instead of turning right on 317, you can turn left on Coen Rd and head into the valleys. This road is not suitable for all vehicles and a high clearance 4WD is highly recommended. When I went there was a very deep rut in the middle of the road that I had straddle with the truck. This is where I saw most of the Conant Creek horses (see middle bottom photo, though they can be anywhere of course). I drove this road quite a ways and saw some beautiful valleys with wildflowers (see top right photo). If you go this way it is best to turn around at some point and head back to the bigger road to leave the HMA. You could keep going however and that should take you to the Rock Creek HMA. I can't vouch for that though since I did turn around and used Oil Springs Rd to leave the HMA.
Or, when entering from Hwy 136 and Road 319/Poston Ranch Rd, at the next big fork instead of turning right on 317, you can turn left on Coen Rd and head into the valleys. This road is not suitable for all vehicles and a high clearance 4WD is highly recommended. When I went there was a very deep rut in the middle of the road that I had straddle with the truck. This is where I saw most of the Conant Creek horses (see middle bottom photo, though they can be anywhere of course). I drove this road quite a ways and saw some beautiful valleys with wildflowers (see top right photo). If you go this way it is best to turn around at some point and head back to the bigger road to leave the HMA. You could keep going however and that should take you to the Rock Creek HMA. I can't vouch for that though since I did turn around and used Oil Springs Rd to leave the HMA.
Crooks Mountain HMA
Size: 58,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 65-85
Size: 58,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 65-85
The Crooks Mountain HMA is easily accessible from Hwy 287/789 near the Junction for Hwy 135. Just east of the junction is a welcome center building, here you can turn south on Road 281. This road is suitable for most vehicles but the farther you get into the valleys of the HMA you will definitely need a high clearance / 4WD vehicle. The HMA is between Road 281 and Road 395 (aka Lockhart Ranch Rd).
The HMA encompasses Crooks Mountain and the roads will lead you over hills and into a valley and back out again. From Rd 281 you can turn left and enter the HMA taking dirt roads up and over the hills and into the valleys. It's a beautiful area but I saw no wild horses or even current signs of wild horses (no fresh manure piles, only older dry ones). I covered the western side and middle of the HMA and one day hope to go back and cover the eastern side. I have since spoken to a photographer who has spent time in the area and between us, we agree the wild horses may have all been removed. If you go and find horses please let me know at heather@saveourwildhorses.net
The HMA encompasses Crooks Mountain and the roads will lead you over hills and into a valley and back out again. From Rd 281 you can turn left and enter the HMA taking dirt roads up and over the hills and into the valleys. It's a beautiful area but I saw no wild horses or even current signs of wild horses (no fresh manure piles, only older dry ones). I covered the western side and middle of the HMA and one day hope to go back and cover the eastern side. I have since spoken to a photographer who has spent time in the area and between us, we agree the wild horses may have all been removed. If you go and find horses please let me know at heather@saveourwildhorses.net
Dishpan Butte HMA
Size: part of the North Lander Complex which totals 375,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the 4 herd areas part of the Complex is 320-536
Size: part of the North Lander Complex which totals 375,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the 4 herd areas part of the Complex is 320-536
The Dishpan Butte HMA is easy to access from Hwy 135 and great to combine with a trip to see the Conant Creek or Muskrat Basin HMAs. It is a much smaller area with a decent gravel/dirt road going through that is suitable for most vehicles. You can use Hudson Atlantic City Rd that stretches between Hwy's 135 and 789, or take the dirt road off Hwy 135 one mile north of Sweetwater Station (the rest area at the corner of Hwy's 135 and 789) that has a sign pointing to Carmody Lake. The dirt road will take you past the 'lake' which was fenced off and filled with grazing cattle when I was there (see bottom middle photo).
I saw wild horses as soon as I turned onto the dirt road (see top right photo) and saw 3 more bands altogether all along the road. Being a much smaller HMA than most, this one is easier to navigate in and it's nearly impossible to get lost with a highway to the east and one to the south.
I saw wild horses as soon as I turned onto the dirt road (see top right photo) and saw 3 more bands altogether all along the road. Being a much smaller HMA than most, this one is easier to navigate in and it's nearly impossible to get lost with a highway to the east and one to the south.
Divide Basin HMA
Size: 779,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 415-600
Size: 779,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 415-600
The Divide Basin HMA is very large, bordered by the Lost Creek and Antelope Hills HMAs to the east and Interstate 80 to the south. I have not yet visited this HMA so the directions listed here are from a recreational/off-road map. If I visit this HMA in the future I will update this page.
The best ways to access the HMA is off of Interstate 80 heading east and taking Road 377 at the Point of Rocks (closest to Rock Springs), Road 19N aka Bitter Creek Rd, Road 21 aka Bar X Rd, or via Road 67 aka Tipton North Rd. Head north on any of those roads from the access roads off Interstate 80. There are a few connector roads heading east-west between the above mentioned roads. The HMA stretches north for many miles and when you are done you should head back south to the Interstate.
The best ways to access the HMA is off of Interstate 80 heading east and taking Road 377 at the Point of Rocks (closest to Rock Springs), Road 19N aka Bitter Creek Rd, Road 21 aka Bar X Rd, or via Road 67 aka Tipton North Rd. Head north on any of those roads from the access roads off Interstate 80. There are a few connector roads heading east-west between the above mentioned roads. The HMA stretches north for many miles and when you are done you should head back south to the Interstate.
Fifteenmile HMA
Size: 81,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 100-230
Size: 81,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 100-230
The Fifteenmile HMA is in a remote and rugged location. You should only go to this HMA in a high clearance / 4WD vehicle.
Take Hwy 120 south out of Cody, turn left on Lower Greybull Rd and right on 3NG Road. Stay left at the fork and this should put you on 15 Mile Rd (there may not be a sign). At one point you should cross a cattle guard and see the sign saying you have entered the HMA (see top left photo). The Fifteenmile wild horses are skittish and the ones we did see ran away at the sight of our truck from 1/2 mile away. I saw plenty of cattle and private property signs on the fences. The area is beautiful and unique but don't plan on getting too close to the horses.
Take Hwy 120 south out of Cody, turn left on Lower Greybull Rd and right on 3NG Road. Stay left at the fork and this should put you on 15 Mile Rd (there may not be a sign). At one point you should cross a cattle guard and see the sign saying you have entered the HMA (see top left photo). The Fifteenmile wild horses are skittish and the ones we did see ran away at the sight of our truck from 1/2 mile away. I saw plenty of cattle and private property signs on the fences. The area is beautiful and unique but don't plan on getting too close to the horses.
Green Mountain HMA
Size: 171,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 170-300
Size: 171,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 170-300
The Green Mountain HMA includes Green Mountain itself and is southeast of Jeffrey City. To access the Green Mountain HMA you can turn south off of Hwy 287 east of Jeffrey City onto Green Mountain Rd / Rd 2411. This main road is suitable for most vehicles as it leads up to Cottonwood campground on Green Mountain. The road heading all the way up the mountain is not open year round due to snow and wildlife protection. There is a split in the road as soon as you turn off the Hwy; you can take the fork to the right which puts you on Sheep Creek Rd. I did see a couple bachelor stallions in that area; I would suggest a high clearance / 4WD vehicle for that road as there were several areas where the road was full of rocks, it was gorgeous scenery but I saw no additional horses. Sheeps Creek Rd will eventually run into Crooks Gap Rd, you can turn south and head to Big Eagle Rd (see below) or turn north and go back up to Hwy 287. But make sure to also return to Green Mountain Rd so you can explore other areas.
When you go straight on Green Mountain Rd off Hwy 287, it does fork again - if you go right you will stay on Green Mountain Rd and if you go left you will be on Rd 2411. 2411 forks again and if you stay left you will be on Rd 2410. I did see a band of horses on Rd 2410 (see left photo above) as the road goes along the valley floor along the hills to the east.
If you stay straight on Rd 2411 you will go up past the campground and up to Round Park and Wild Horse Point. I got as far as just past the campground before the road closed when I was there.
There are additional roads that are on the backside of Green Mountain; one area I did see wild horses was by going south on Crooks Gap Rd off of Hwy 287 at Jeffrey City. Take a left on Big Eagle Rd: you will pass a fenced area with a creek running through it (and likely cattle around) and an active mine. I saw a few bands of wild horses around there. The road is about 1 mile long before you have to turn around. The remainder of the southern end of the Green Mountain HMA is full of sandy roads; I do not suggest you drive those unless you have experience driving on sand. There is also a lot of new fencing and cross fencing that causes some of the roads to dead end abruptly.
Green Mountain is adjacent to and just north of the Stewart Creek HMA, and nearby to the Lost Creek and Antelope Hills HMA's. If you have more than a day to spend in the area it would be easy to visit multiple HMA's within a short distance of each other.
When you go straight on Green Mountain Rd off Hwy 287, it does fork again - if you go right you will stay on Green Mountain Rd and if you go left you will be on Rd 2411. 2411 forks again and if you stay left you will be on Rd 2410. I did see a band of horses on Rd 2410 (see left photo above) as the road goes along the valley floor along the hills to the east.
If you stay straight on Rd 2411 you will go up past the campground and up to Round Park and Wild Horse Point. I got as far as just past the campground before the road closed when I was there.
There are additional roads that are on the backside of Green Mountain; one area I did see wild horses was by going south on Crooks Gap Rd off of Hwy 287 at Jeffrey City. Take a left on Big Eagle Rd: you will pass a fenced area with a creek running through it (and likely cattle around) and an active mine. I saw a few bands of wild horses around there. The road is about 1 mile long before you have to turn around. The remainder of the southern end of the Green Mountain HMA is full of sandy roads; I do not suggest you drive those unless you have experience driving on sand. There is also a lot of new fencing and cross fencing that causes some of the roads to dead end abruptly.
Green Mountain is adjacent to and just north of the Stewart Creek HMA, and nearby to the Lost Creek and Antelope Hills HMA's. If you have more than a day to spend in the area it would be easy to visit multiple HMA's within a short distance of each other.
Little Colorado HMA
Size: 632,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 69-100
Size: 632,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 69-100
The Little Colorado HMA is easy to find. Head north out of Rock Springs on Hwy 191 (along the way look for White Mountain HMA wild horses on the west side of the highway) and at the north end of the very small town of Farson turn west onto Eighteen Mile Rd. This road is wide and well graveled (see top left photo) and suitable for any vehicle. I was able to see several bands of horses along this road a few miles in. There are a few dirt and two-track roads that go north and south; if you take those you will need a high clearance vehicle.
If you stay on 18 Mile Rd you will eventually drive past countless oil wells and run into Hwy 372 which goes south down to Interstate 80 at the town of Green River. If you take dirt roads to the south of Eighteen Mile Rd you will eventually run into Lower Farsen Cutoff Rd; go east to get back to Farson or go west to get to Hwy 372.
You can also turn north onto Eighteen Mile Rd onto Rd 4204 and explore. Rd 4204 will fork onto 4207; you can turn right here or continue going straight to get onto Burma Rd. Turn right onto Burma Rd and left on 4207 and it will take you back to Hwy 191. Turn left on Burma Rd then left on 5404 and 5401 to keep exploring. Head north to reach Hwy 351 and turn east to return to Hwy 191 and south to return to Rock Springs.
This herd was also rounded up in early 2021 with the White Mountain herd and over 1,000 wild horses were removed. So you may not see wild horses as easily as I did but there are still some out there. The Little Colorado herd borders the White Mountain HMA on the south but it's easiest to return to Hwy 191 and access each HMA separately.
If you stay on 18 Mile Rd you will eventually drive past countless oil wells and run into Hwy 372 which goes south down to Interstate 80 at the town of Green River. If you take dirt roads to the south of Eighteen Mile Rd you will eventually run into Lower Farsen Cutoff Rd; go east to get back to Farson or go west to get to Hwy 372.
You can also turn north onto Eighteen Mile Rd onto Rd 4204 and explore. Rd 4204 will fork onto 4207; you can turn right here or continue going straight to get onto Burma Rd. Turn right onto Burma Rd and left on 4207 and it will take you back to Hwy 191. Turn left on Burma Rd then left on 5404 and 5401 to keep exploring. Head north to reach Hwy 351 and turn east to return to Hwy 191 and south to return to Rock Springs.
This herd was also rounded up in early 2021 with the White Mountain herd and over 1,000 wild horses were removed. So you may not see wild horses as easily as I did but there are still some out there. The Little Colorado herd borders the White Mountain HMA on the south but it's easiest to return to Hwy 191 and access each HMA separately.
Lost Creek HMA
Size: 251,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 60-82
Size: 251,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 60-82
I have not yet visited the Lost Creek HMA though I plan to do so in 2023. I did drive near it while making my way to the Green Mountain HMA so I am familiar with the area itself. Using the BLM map above and my off-road recreational map, it looks like the Lost Creek HMA is to the west of the Stewart Creek HMA and east of the Divide Basin HMA.
I would suggest taking Bairoil Rd (north of Rawlins) west off of Hwy 287/789 and after the road curves to the left (south), turn right onto Osborne Rd. It looks like the HMA lies south of Osborne Rd and north of the checkerboard area, so from Osborne Rd you could turn south on Hadsell Rd and explore Rds 3217 and 3210.
Bairoil Rd turns into Wamsutter-Crooks Gap Rd as it turns south so you could also stay on that for a bit then turn right onto the south end of Hadsell Rd or perhaps drive even farther south to Luman Rd / Rd 20 and take that up into the Lost Creek Basin on Rd 3208 to Caterpillar Butte, or continue on Luman Rd and turn right on Rd 3219/67. This road splits and does a loop around Hay Reservoir and Bush Lake. At the north end of the loop you could turn right onto Rd 3214 which would take you up to Osborne Rd or stay straight on 3219 / Red Creek Rd which will also take you up to Osborne Rd.
Because Lost Creek is adjacent to the Divide Basin HMA, the Stewart Creek HMA, and the Antelope Hills HMA, and is so close to the Green Mountain HMA, if you were in the area for a few days you could visit one or more during your trip.
I would suggest taking Bairoil Rd (north of Rawlins) west off of Hwy 287/789 and after the road curves to the left (south), turn right onto Osborne Rd. It looks like the HMA lies south of Osborne Rd and north of the checkerboard area, so from Osborne Rd you could turn south on Hadsell Rd and explore Rds 3217 and 3210.
Bairoil Rd turns into Wamsutter-Crooks Gap Rd as it turns south so you could also stay on that for a bit then turn right onto the south end of Hadsell Rd or perhaps drive even farther south to Luman Rd / Rd 20 and take that up into the Lost Creek Basin on Rd 3208 to Caterpillar Butte, or continue on Luman Rd and turn right on Rd 3219/67. This road splits and does a loop around Hay Reservoir and Bush Lake. At the north end of the loop you could turn right onto Rd 3214 which would take you up to Osborne Rd or stay straight on 3219 / Red Creek Rd which will also take you up to Osborne Rd.
Because Lost Creek is adjacent to the Divide Basin HMA, the Stewart Creek HMA, and the Antelope Hills HMA, and is so close to the Green Mountain HMA, if you were in the area for a few days you could visit one or more during your trip.
McCullough Peaks HMA
Size: 120,344 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 70-140
Size: 120,344 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 70-140
The McCullough Peaks herd is divided into two areas by choice of the horses themselves: the smaller herd of around 50 is on the west side of the HMA and the larger herd is on the east side. There are a few bachelors and 1-2 smaller bands spread around. To get to the west side of the HMA, take the Greybull Hwy 14/20/16 (Wild Horse Highway) east out of Cody 16.9 miles from Sage Creek Rd. Prior to that you will see a BLM sign that says McCullough Peaks, do NOT turn there. Keep going. As you turn off the highway onto the gravel road you will cross a cattle guard, there will be a two post covered display on the right and a sign welcoming you to the Wild Horse area about 100' down the road. (If you turn onto a gravel road from the Hwy and do not see the Wild Horse sign, then you are not on the right gravel road.) This road is wide and well graveled, suitable for most vehicles.
Continue on the graveled road looking for horses on both sides, in the valleys to the left and on the hillsides to the right. The road keeps going pretty straight; when you reach the badlands and the road noticeably dips down into the valley you can turn around and head back. There are several two-tracks going in both directions, you will need a high clearance vehicle to take these and if it has rained or the two-tracks are wet, do not drive on them. The mud is very slippery.
If you take two-tracks to the right (east) they will eventually take you over the larger herd area, you may need to turn right or left a few times, but keep heading east. To reach the larger herd from the highway, go another 5 miles or so past the main gravel road and you will see a fence gate on the left. You can open the gate to go thru, just make sure you close it securely. There are a couple of these fence gates, the one you want is within view of the FOAL Legacy display on the highway. If you reach the display you have gone too far.
Once you go thru the fence gate, the road drops down and goes thru a creek bed that may or may not have running water in it. You will absolutely need a high clearance 4WD vehicle to take this route. Dirt and two-track roads go north and the east; the herd could be anywhere around Bridger Butte or farther east through the fence line. Sometimes they are up on the ridge right along Greybull Hwy.
Another way to reach the larger herd is to stay on the Greybull Highway and turn left on Hwy 32, go 1.5 miles and turn left onto the dirt road by the gravel pit. You will see a sign welcoming you to the wild horse area about 1/4 mile in. This dirt road splits; if you go right you may see some horses around the waterholes, if you go left that dirt road stretches all along the HMA and eventually takes you to the earlier fence gate I noted above and over to the west side. The large herd sometimes hangs around this part of the HMA, sometimes they are around Bridger Butte. There are waterholes in the east part of the HMA, to the west and north of Bridger Butte. A grove of tall trees usually indicates a waterhole; there are a couple waterholes without trees in the eastern area.
Continue on the graveled road looking for horses on both sides, in the valleys to the left and on the hillsides to the right. The road keeps going pretty straight; when you reach the badlands and the road noticeably dips down into the valley you can turn around and head back. There are several two-tracks going in both directions, you will need a high clearance vehicle to take these and if it has rained or the two-tracks are wet, do not drive on them. The mud is very slippery.
If you take two-tracks to the right (east) they will eventually take you over the larger herd area, you may need to turn right or left a few times, but keep heading east. To reach the larger herd from the highway, go another 5 miles or so past the main gravel road and you will see a fence gate on the left. You can open the gate to go thru, just make sure you close it securely. There are a couple of these fence gates, the one you want is within view of the FOAL Legacy display on the highway. If you reach the display you have gone too far.
Once you go thru the fence gate, the road drops down and goes thru a creek bed that may or may not have running water in it. You will absolutely need a high clearance 4WD vehicle to take this route. Dirt and two-track roads go north and the east; the herd could be anywhere around Bridger Butte or farther east through the fence line. Sometimes they are up on the ridge right along Greybull Hwy.
Another way to reach the larger herd is to stay on the Greybull Highway and turn left on Hwy 32, go 1.5 miles and turn left onto the dirt road by the gravel pit. You will see a sign welcoming you to the wild horse area about 1/4 mile in. This dirt road splits; if you go right you may see some horses around the waterholes, if you go left that dirt road stretches all along the HMA and eventually takes you to the earlier fence gate I noted above and over to the west side. The large herd sometimes hangs around this part of the HMA, sometimes they are around Bridger Butte. There are waterholes in the east part of the HMA, to the west and north of Bridger Butte. A grove of tall trees usually indicates a waterhole; there are a couple waterholes without trees in the eastern area.
Muskrat Basin HMA
Size: part of the North Lander Complex which totals 375,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the 4 herd areas part of the Complex is 320-536
Size: part of the North Lander Complex which totals 375,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the 4 herd areas part of the Complex is 320-536
Muskrat Basin is a huge area south of the Conant Creek HMA and east of Hwy 135. I took Cedar Rim Rd in and after a short drive along the straight stretch immediately began to see oil wells dotting the landscape. My off-road map did not match up with the roads I was on and this is the only HMA I have ever gotten lost in. The main road was suitable for most vehicles but you otherwise definitely need a high clearance 4WD.
The horses I did find were skittish and kept running away or sometimes past me and then kept on going. I can't give you directions on where I saw them but it was way south of Cedar Rim Rd, near Elkhorn Springs, and west and south of the Granite Mountains (see middle bottom photo). There was fencing and cross-fencing everywhere, cattle grazing among the oil wells and in the valleys, several roads dead ended all over the place, and to my knowledge you can't access Hwy 789 to the south because the river is fenced off with private property signs. If I visit again I will update this with better directions, but if you plan to go and explore - be prepared.
The horses I did find were skittish and kept running away or sometimes past me and then kept on going. I can't give you directions on where I saw them but it was way south of Cedar Rim Rd, near Elkhorn Springs, and west and south of the Granite Mountains (see middle bottom photo). There was fencing and cross-fencing everywhere, cattle grazing among the oil wells and in the valleys, several roads dead ended all over the place, and to my knowledge you can't access Hwy 789 to the south because the river is fenced off with private property signs. If I visit again I will update this with better directions, but if you plan to go and explore - be prepared.
Rock Creek Mountain HMA
Size: part of the North Lander Complex which totals 375,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the 4 herd areas part of the Complex is 320-536
Size: part of the North Lander Complex which totals 375,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the 4 herd areas part of the Complex is 320-536
The Rock Creek Mountain HMA is tucked between the Conant Creek HMA and the Muskrat Basin HMA. It is a much smaller HMA than the those around it. I have not visited this HMA. Based on the other roads in the area I have been on, I would recommend a high clearance vehicle.
Take Hwy 136 east out of Riverton past Poston Ranch Rd (the turnoff to reach the Conant Creek HMA) and turn south onto Rd 2103 along the Signor Ridge and the Signor Draw. Continue south, perhaps taking smaller dirt and two-track roads to the west, and look for signs of wild horses. If you reach Beaver Rim Rd you have gone too far and are now entering the Muskrat Basin HMA.
Take Hwy 136 east out of Riverton past Poston Ranch Rd (the turnoff to reach the Conant Creek HMA) and turn south onto Rd 2103 along the Signor Ridge and the Signor Draw. Continue south, perhaps taking smaller dirt and two-track roads to the west, and look for signs of wild horses. If you reach Beaver Rim Rd you have gone too far and are now entering the Muskrat Basin HMA.
Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility
The Rock Springs holding pens can hold around 800 wild horses and/or burros. The facility is advertised by tourism signs around Rock Springs directing you on how to get there. You can view the wild horses in the pens from a lookout just before the facility next to the sign (see upper left photo). If you want to see the wild horses closer up you must make an appointment at 307-352-0292 and they are only open Thursday & Friday from 9am - 2pm.
The facility is located north of I-80 in Rock Springs: take the Elk Street exit #104 and go north one mile. Turn right (east) onto Lionkol Road and go approximately 1/2 mile, the overlook and facility will be on your left.
The facility is located north of I-80 in Rock Springs: take the Elk Street exit #104 and go north one mile. Turn right (east) onto Lionkol Road and go approximately 1/2 mile, the overlook and facility will be on your left.
Salt Wells Creek HMA
Size: 1,173,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 251-365
Size: 1,173,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 251-365
The Salt Wells Creek HMA is huge and vast with gorgeous scenery and lots of pronghorn. It is easy to access by taking Hwy 430 south out of Rock Springs. Go approx. 4.5 miles out of town and make a right onto Road 27 (you can't miss it, just watch for the huge Simplot Plant on the left and the active mine on the right). Road 27 is a wide paved road that leads to a neighborhood, then turns into gravel; it goes up a hill and onto a plateau and then you may start seeing wild horses.
The first fork you run into is for Road 31 which goes west and bumps into Road 29; go north and 29 takes you back into town. Go south and 29 will take you to Hwy 191, turn north to get back up to Interstate 80. These are good areas to look for horses and you can always turn around and go back to Road 27 and continue south.
There are also forks that go off to the left (east) of Road 27 and I have seen horses along those. But the easiest thing to do is to stay on Road 27 and continue heading south, I've seen horses all along that road. The road forks again at Road 32 and I've seen horses by going left there as well. If you stay on Road 32 it runs into Hwy 430 after about 15-20 minutes. You can take Hwy 430 back up to Rock Springs.
The Salt Wells Creek herd was subject to a massive roundup in early 2022 and hundreds of wild horses were removed. There should still be enough remaining to ensure spotting some when you go though there is talk about zeroing out the herd area in the future. This herd has unique curly horses and should be preserved. If you do visit, please send a letter to your legislators telling them this herd is unique, beautiful, and should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The first fork you run into is for Road 31 which goes west and bumps into Road 29; go north and 29 takes you back into town. Go south and 29 will take you to Hwy 191, turn north to get back up to Interstate 80. These are good areas to look for horses and you can always turn around and go back to Road 27 and continue south.
There are also forks that go off to the left (east) of Road 27 and I have seen horses along those. But the easiest thing to do is to stay on Road 27 and continue heading south, I've seen horses all along that road. The road forks again at Road 32 and I've seen horses by going left there as well. If you stay on Road 32 it runs into Hwy 430 after about 15-20 minutes. You can take Hwy 430 back up to Rock Springs.
The Salt Wells Creek herd was subject to a massive roundup in early 2022 and hundreds of wild horses were removed. There should still be enough remaining to ensure spotting some when you go though there is talk about zeroing out the herd area in the future. This herd has unique curly horses and should be preserved. If you do visit, please send a letter to your legislators telling them this herd is unique, beautiful, and should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Stewart Creek HMA
Size: 168,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 125-175
Size: 168,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 125-175
I have not yet visited the Stewart Creek HMA though I plan to do so in 2023. I did drive near it while making my way to the Green Mountain HMA so I am familiar with the area itself.
Using the BLM map above and my off-road recreational map, it looks like the Stewart Creek HMA is north of Rawlins and west of Highway 287/789, north of Mineral Exploration Rd and south of the Green Mountain area and HMA. I would suggest turning west onto Mineral Exploration (X) Rd / Rd 63 off of Hwy 287/789 and exploring north between there and Bairoil Rd. The main roads are gravel and suitable for most vehicles but I would suggest a high clearance vehicle for taking the smaller dirt and two-track roads in between.
The north end of the Stewart Creek HMA seems to border the south end of the Green Mountain HMA and I believe Bairoil Rd is the dividing line. The south end seems to border the checkerboard area on the recreational map. The west border appears to be the Wamsutter/Crooks Gap Rd / Rd 23 and the east border is Hwy 287/789.
Directly west of the Stewart Creek HMA is the Lost Creek HMA and directly north is the Green Mountain HMA. If you have a couple days to spend in the area you could easily explore all three herd areas. Remember to watch for fresh signs of horse manure and fresh tracks on the roads and crossing wild horse trails to determine if you are near any wild horses. Taking Wamsutter Crooks Gap Rd north past Bairoil Rd, I did see wild horses in the area, especially near the creek/springs area near the mine on both sides of the fencing. I don't know if the wild horses I saw were considered Green Mountain, Stewart Creek, or Lost Creek horses.
Using the BLM map above and my off-road recreational map, it looks like the Stewart Creek HMA is north of Rawlins and west of Highway 287/789, north of Mineral Exploration Rd and south of the Green Mountain area and HMA. I would suggest turning west onto Mineral Exploration (X) Rd / Rd 63 off of Hwy 287/789 and exploring north between there and Bairoil Rd. The main roads are gravel and suitable for most vehicles but I would suggest a high clearance vehicle for taking the smaller dirt and two-track roads in between.
The north end of the Stewart Creek HMA seems to border the south end of the Green Mountain HMA and I believe Bairoil Rd is the dividing line. The south end seems to border the checkerboard area on the recreational map. The west border appears to be the Wamsutter/Crooks Gap Rd / Rd 23 and the east border is Hwy 287/789.
Directly west of the Stewart Creek HMA is the Lost Creek HMA and directly north is the Green Mountain HMA. If you have a couple days to spend in the area you could easily explore all three herd areas. Remember to watch for fresh signs of horse manure and fresh tracks on the roads and crossing wild horse trails to determine if you are near any wild horses. Taking Wamsutter Crooks Gap Rd north past Bairoil Rd, I did see wild horses in the area, especially near the creek/springs area near the mine on both sides of the fencing. I don't know if the wild horses I saw were considered Green Mountain, Stewart Creek, or Lost Creek horses.
White Mountain HMA
Size: 393,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 205-300
Size: 393,000 acres
Number of wild horses the BLM deems appropriate for the herd area is 205-300
The White Mountain HMA is one of the easier ones to access and close enough to visit both Little Colorado and Salt Wells Creek as well if you are in the area for a few days. Take Hwy 191 north out of Rock Springs 11.5 miles from Interstate 80, and turn left onto Road 14, you will go over a cattle guard. This road is suitable for nearly all vehicles (see bottom left photo above) and is gravel/hard packed dirt. You may see horses right away. You can stay on Road 14 for quite a distance; at one point it dips down into a river bed area and back up again, then goes past some colorful badlands and eventually runs into Hwy 372 and the Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge. I found horses all along this road including down in the river bed area, but not after that.
The Pilot Butte Wild Horse Loop advertised by signs in Rock Springs is part of the White Mountain HMA. After you turn off Hwy 191 onto Road 14, maybe 1-2 miles in you can turn left onto Road 53 which goes south following the ridgeline on the east and valleys on the west. I did see a few horses here in the valleys; there are two track roads (see top right photo) that are in pretty good shape but you do need a high clearance vehicle. Eventually, Road 53 drops down and runs into Interstate 80.
There are also a few two-track roads that head north of Road 14 (see middle bottom photo); they are dusty and in some places the sage brush are tall and growing into the two-tracks. You need a high clearance vehicle that you don't mind scratching up to take those, you may or may not see horses over the hill and into the valleys spreading north.
In addition, if you stay on Highway 191 going north (toward the Little Colorado HMA) you may see wild horses to the west from the highway. The White Mountain HMA was subject to a huge roundup in early 2022 and several hundred horses were removed from the area. My hope is they left horses close to the 'Wild Horse Loop' for everyone to see.
The Pilot Butte Wild Horse Loop advertised by signs in Rock Springs is part of the White Mountain HMA. After you turn off Hwy 191 onto Road 14, maybe 1-2 miles in you can turn left onto Road 53 which goes south following the ridgeline on the east and valleys on the west. I did see a few horses here in the valleys; there are two track roads (see top right photo) that are in pretty good shape but you do need a high clearance vehicle. Eventually, Road 53 drops down and runs into Interstate 80.
There are also a few two-track roads that head north of Road 14 (see middle bottom photo); they are dusty and in some places the sage brush are tall and growing into the two-tracks. You need a high clearance vehicle that you don't mind scratching up to take those, you may or may not see horses over the hill and into the valleys spreading north.
In addition, if you stay on Highway 191 going north (toward the Little Colorado HMA) you may see wild horses to the west from the highway. The White Mountain HMA was subject to a huge roundup in early 2022 and several hundred horses were removed from the area. My hope is they left horses close to the 'Wild Horse Loop' for everyone to see.