If you’re drawn to the romantic allure of the American West, the wild horses near Yellowstone National Park offer an unforgettable experience. These majestic animals roam free in various regions, each location providing a unique glimpse into their storied history and natural beauty. Here’s a guide to the best spots for witnessing these symbols of the Old West.
Wyoming’s Wild Horse Heritage
Wyoming boasts the second-largest wild horse population in the U.S., with around 6,000 horses roaming its vast landscapes. The Pryor Mountain herd, straddling Wyoming and Montana, is the most famous, known for its resilience and historical ties to Spanish ancestry. Don Glenn of the Wyoming Bureau of Land Management (BLM) highlights that these horses embody the mystique of the Old West. However, the population must be managed to maintain a balance, with annual roundups reducing the herd to the appropriate level of 3,100.
Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range
Located about 60 miles south of Billings, Montana, the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range is home to approximately 160 free-roaming mustangs. Established in 1968, this 38,000-acre range was the first federal wild horse reserve. Visitors can explore this area via Highway 37, offering excellent viewing opportunities. The range is also home to diverse wildlife, including deer and bighorn sheep. Guided tours by Pryor Wild provide an in-depth experience, while the nearby Mustang Center offers insights and updates on the herd’s movements.
McCullough Peaks Mustangs
East of Yellowstone near Cody, Wyoming, the McCullough Peaks herd is believed to descend from horses used in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Daily guided tours during the summer offer a chance to see these mustangs in their natural habitat. Accessible from Cody via U.S. Highway 14/16/20, the route provides a scenic drive leading to well-marked viewing areas. These resilient horses are known for their striking markings and the dramatic landscape they inhabit.
Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary
Located in Lander, Wyoming, the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary is unique for being on a Native American reservation. Established in 2016, it houses around 130 mustangs. Visitors can take guided tours on large ATVs to observe the horses up close. The sanctuary also features a visitor center where guests can learn about the history of wild horses in North America. Open seasonally, it offers an educational and immersive experience for all ages.
Pilot Butte Viewing
Near Rock Springs in Sweetwater County, the Red Desert region is a prime spot for wild horse viewing. Pilot Butte and the surrounding areas offer expansive landscapes where herds roam freely. According to Glenn, travelers should stay vigilant, as these horses often appear along roadsides, offering a spontaneous glimpse into the wild beauty of Wyoming’s untamed lands.
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