Wild horses in Colorado

Ever since the Spanish came to North America in the late 1400’s, there have been wild horses roaming the West.  As ranching grew, horses began to compete with cattle for grazing areas.  Eventually they were forced unto public lands, but they were still hunted down to control their populations in order to prevent starvation due to over-population.  In 1971 Congress passed the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act in order to protect and manage wild horses on public lands.  The Act proclaimed “...wild free-roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West; that they contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people...”.

Here in Colorado, there are four wild horse management areas.  They are:

    -Piceance Basin - East Douglas Creek, west of Meeker

    -Little Bookcliffs, northeast of Grand Junction

    -Sandwash Basin in the northwestern part of the state

    -Spring Creek, southwest of Montrose.

These areas are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in what they call “heard management areas”.   These areas present many opportunities for people to view wild horses in their natural habitat.  Most of the areas have soft clay roads that can become impassible in wet weather.  Always stay on the designated roads and leaves all gates as you find them (open or closed).  Wild horses are afraid of dogs so keep your pets under control and restrained if you decide to take them with you.

For current updates on herd movements, road conditions, fire restrictions and brochures, make sure that you contact the local BLM office.  They will also have topographical maps that you can purchase as well as information on camping in the area.  Hunting activities for big and small game occur every year in the management areas so check with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDW) or the BLM office for dates and season information. 

For more information about BLM wild horse and burro program visit their website:

http://www.co.blm.gov/wildhb/wildhb.htm