If the vast open spaces, ample rodeos, and heaps of cowboy history aren’t enough evidence that the spirit of the Old West is alive and well in Wyoming, then a visit to Sweet Water County should provide conclusive proof. There, living in one of the most breathtaking scenic areas of the Cowboy State is a herd of nearly 1,500 wild horses. If you’ve ever longed to watch horses roam free, this is the place.
The breathtaking area of White Mountain is where you’ll find the Wild Horses of Pilot Butte.
Exploring the Nature of Wyoming|UWyo Extension/YouTube
Watching them is like glimpsing a piece of living history, and something everyone should experience in their lifetime.
Carfull/TripAdvisor
The horses have found their haven in a particularly beautiful area. In fact, this scenic loop has been named for them.
Exploring the Nature of Wyoming|UWyo Extension/YouTube Traveling west from Rock Springs, take Exit 89 off of I-80 to reach Wild Horse Canyon Road.
Called the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, this stunning park and scenic 24-mile trail are picture-perfect Wyoming Wilderness.
Cheryl H/TripAdvisor As pioneers traveled west, Pilot Butte is the natural signpost they looked for to let them know they were getting close to Green River.
The horses roam free, so it’s likely you’ll start seeing them soon after you turn onto Wild Horse Canyon Road.
CLTLRT/TripAdvisor The Wild Horses of Pilot Butte are said to be descended from horses the cattle ranchers brought to Wyoming in the 1800s.
Keep your eyes open and your camera ready as you drive along the dirt road. The scenery alone is photo-worthy, but you never know when you’ll spot some horses.
JEF419/TripAdvisor
You might come across them in pairs…
CLTLRT/TripAdvisor
…or larger groups, and you’ll likely see plenty of both. However, horses aren’t the only wildlife you’re bound to see on this scenic trail.
Peter/Flickr
White Mountain and the Pilot Butte area is home to many other animals including coyotes…
Dan Dzurisin/Flickr
…sage grouse, eagles, hawks…
Tony Hisgett/Flickr
…and deer, elk, and antelope.
Jim Liestman/Flickr
You might even want to take a detour while you’re in the White Mountain area to see the petroglyphs.
Exploring the Nature of Wyoming|UWyo Extension/YouTube There are hundreds of figures etched into the sandstone cliffs nearby. Some of the carvings are estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
A visit to this stunning, historic part of Wyoming and spending time with these amazing horses is something you won’t soon forget.
Cheryl H/TripAdvisor
The Bureau of Land Management cares for 16 different wild horse herds in the Cowboy State, so Pilot Butte is just one place to see these amazing creatures. Where is your favorite spot in Wyoming for wild horse watching?
Exploring the Nature of Wyoming|UWyo Extension/YouTube
Carfull/TripAdvisor
Traveling west from Rock Springs, take Exit 89 off of I-80 to reach Wild Horse Canyon Road.
Cheryl H/TripAdvisor
As pioneers traveled west, Pilot Butte is the natural signpost they looked for to let them know they were getting close to Green River.
CLTLRT/TripAdvisor
The Wild Horses of Pilot Butte are said to be descended from horses the cattle ranchers brought to Wyoming in the 1800s.
JEF419/TripAdvisor
Peter/Flickr
Dan Dzurisin/Flickr
Tony Hisgett/Flickr
Jim Liestman/Flickr
There are hundreds of figures etched into the sandstone cliffs nearby. Some of the carvings are estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
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