Wild Horses of Pilot Butte
Run Wild and Let Your Mane Fly
Be a witness to the untamed West with a visit to Pilot Butte, where a herd of wild horses can be viewed and photographed. As you hear the thunderous sound of pounding hooves in the wide-open landscape, you’ll realize that the spirit of freedom is still alive and well.
With a population of 1,100 to 1,600, the chances are strong that you’ll be able to admire these magnificent creatures during your visit. As descendants of the horses who were reintroduced to the area in the 1800s by cattle ranchers, you are witnessing the living story of the West.
Where to See Wild Horses
The Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop offers the best opportunity to see the wild horses. This 24-mile, self-guided tour takes about 90 minutes, traveling between Rock Springs and Fourteen-Mile Hill, and all the way across the top of White Mountain. Stay on the lookout for other critters like pronghorn, desert elk, deer, rabbits, coyotes, hawks, eagles and sage grouse.
This brochure and map has more information on the wild horses of Sweetwater County.
Be Prepared
Disclaimer: This is a true off-grid experience, and cell service will be limited. You’ll want to pack plenty of food and extra water, and travel in a fueled-up, high-clearance vehicle with 4-wheel drive and thick tires (plus a spare). If needed, you can always rent a vehicle from Rockin Rollin Rentals & Sales. When traversing off the grid, always let someone know where you will be going and when you plan to be back.
For prime wildlife viewing, be sure to bring your camera and binoculars.
Directions
To see the wild horses of Pilot Butte, take exit 104 off I-80 in Rock Springs. Go 14 miles north on Highway 191 and then left onto CR 4-14 (Fourteen-Mile Road) for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto CR 4-53 and follow for 21.5 miles to Green River. From Green River, exit I-80 to Flaming Gorge Way, and turn onto Wild Horse Canyon Road.
Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility
If you’re short on time, visit the Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility, where wild horses are sheltered short term before adoption. At your own pace, you can view these magnificent animals year-round from a viewing kiosk that overlooks the facility. In the spring, you can see the adorable foals at play.
Looking to adopt a horse from the Rock Springs herd? Learn more about the Bureau of Land Management’s wild horse adoption process.
Directions
To visit the Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility, take I-80 from Rock Springs to the Elk Street exit (104) and go north 1 mile. Turn right onto Lionkol Road and go about a half mile to the facility.
For more information, call 307-352-0292.
Run With the Wild Horses
For those looking for a unique way to see the wild horses, register for the Run with the Horses Marathon. This race happens on the third Saturday in August each year and is truly one of a kind. Run alongside the wild horses and other wildlife that call this area home.