The Best Wild Horse Watching Spots Across The West

Holy hoofbeats! Witnessing wild mustangs dash across open plains is pure magic that’ll make your heart gallop. The West hides treasure troves of horses, especially during spring and fall. Ready to play equine detective? Giddy up as we explore 15 spectacular spots in the U.S. where these majestic mane-masters live their untamed, fabulous lives.

Virginia Range, Nevada

Located between Reno and the Sierra Nevada, the Virginia Range is horse heaven. Hundreds of wild equines roam here, with Lockwood offering prime viewing spots. Sneak out at dawn to catch these beauties munching breakfast in open valleys. Don’t forget binoculars—some herds play hard to get in the distance.

Fishlake National Forest, Utah

Fishlake’s high-elevation meadows at 8,000-11,000 feet host hardy mustangs, descendants of the mining-era stock. They display remarkable adaptations to mountain living. Imagine extra-thick winter coats and specialized hooves built to cover rocky terrain. May through October offers ideal viewing as horses migrate between pine forests and aspen groves.

Red Desert, Wyoming

Wyoming’s vast Red Desert is where wild horses live their best dramatic lives. These tough-as-nails equines traverse shifting dunes and sagebrush plains like they own the place—because they do! Cruise Highway 191 or hang near Rock Springs to spot these magnificent daredevils thriving in Mother Nature’s harshest playground.

Onaqui Mountains, Utah

Celebrity horses alert! Just two hours from Salt Lake City, the Onaqui Mountains host 450+ famous horses who’ve starred in documentaries and captured hearts worldwide. In early summer, swing by Simpson Springs to witness adorable foals taking their first wobbly steps while mama horses keep watchful eyes nearby.

Little Book Cliffs, Colorado

Northeast of Grand Junction lies a wild horse playground extraordinaire. Over 120 mustangs romp across 36,113 acres of mesas and valleys in the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area. Start your quest at Coal Canyon Trailhead via I-70’s Cameo Exit and prepare for jaw-dropping encounters with these freedom-loving superstars.

South Steens, Oregon

At the South Steens Loop in southeastern Oregon, you’ll see gorgeous bay and pinto horses. Just hit the 52-mile gravel loop from Highway 205 to spot up to 304 mustangs living their best lives. With volcanic ridges and stunning meadows, it is a perfect backdrop for these beauties who share territory with pronghorn and golden eagles.

Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Catch the famous Salt River wild horses splashing between Blue Point and Pebble Beach during magical morning light. These celebrities sparked a massive public love fest that saved them from extinction. Creep along slowly, and you might just witness adorable foals playing water games with their moms beneath whispering cottonwoods.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

While bison and elk try to steal the spotlight in western North Dakota, 150+ feral horses are the real showstoppers. They descend from ranch horses released in the 1950s and now roam freely across both park units, sporting unique colors from buckskin to blue roan throughout 70,000 acres of stunning terrain.

Pryor Mountains, Montana

Fashionistas of the horse world strut their stuff just north of Lovell, Wyoming! The Pryor Mountains horses flaunt rare genetic swagger with dun-colored coats and zebra-striped legs. You can watch them posing against scenic ridges—your camera will practically squeal with delight at these genetically fabulous horses.

Virginia City, Nevada

Virginia City is a hub for wild horse enthusiasts, often hosting events, parades, and educational activities that celebrate the region’s iconic mustangs. These events are a great way to learn about wild horse conservation and immerse yourself in Nevada’s vibrant wild horse culture.

Eastern Sierra, California

Devil’s Garden and Twin Peaks Herd Management Areas in northeastern California deliver prime wild horse sightings across high desert plateaus. Stake out spots at dawn or dusk for maximum drama. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness stallions kicking up dust clouds during their testosterone-fueled showdowns. Yeehaw!

Sand Wash Basin, Colorado

Meet the Instagram influencers of horsekind in Colorado’s Sand Wash Basin. The celebrities here have actual names due to their fabulous, unmistakable markings. So, grab your 4×4 for spring adventures when waterholes become the hottest hangout spots. Watch stallions strut their stuff—it’s better than reality TV!

McCullough Peaks Herd, Wyoming

Near Cody, the McCullough Peaks horses rock the most fabulous coats, from golden palomino to smoky grulla. April through June brings adorable foal-palooza as rangers document new arrivals. You can also witness wobbly-legged babies learning to gallop while proud parents flaunt their genetics.

Palomino Buttes HMA, Oregon

History buffs, this one’s for you. Oregon’s Palomino Buttes near Burns showcases herds having a beautiful blend of many bloodlines. It makes every sighting a unique glimpse into America’s wild horse heritage. Drive along Highway 20 and County Road 127 to spot earth-toned horses roaming through sagebrush basins and juniper forests.

Elko County, Nevada

Adventure seekers only! Elko County’s Spruce-Pequop and Goshute Herd Management Areas require dirt road determination, and it’s worth it. Time it right to witness mare-and-foal duos and bachelor bands galloping across vast plains. This area’s hills host some of Nevada’s most photogenic wild horse families.