SWASEY MOUNTAINS HERD MANAGEMENT AREA

(Information and graphics courtesy of BLM, Salt Lake District Office)

The Swasey Herd Management Area (HMA) is located on the Swasey Mountains in north central Millard County, approximately 30 miles west of Delta.

The Swasey HMA contains 120,113 acres. This acreage includes federal, state, and privately owned lands.

The vegetation on the upper elevation of the Swasey Mountains is comprised of mountain brush and aspen groves. The foothill region is predominantly vegetated with shadscale and ricegrass.

The original source of this herd is unknown. However many of the horses in the Swasey Herd are descendants of horses that were turned loose or escaped from local ranches.

The Swasey herd is dominated by gray and light colored horses. Other colors include black, brown and bays.

The average size of herd adults is 14 to 14 1/2 hands (56 - 58 inches).

The BIM management goal for this herd is to maintain a herd size between 60 and 100 head.

BEST OPPORTUNITY FOR VIEWING

Travel west from Delta on US Highways 50 & 6 approximately 30 miles to the signed turnoff to Antelope Springs and Long Ridge Reservior. Turn north and travel approximately 13 miles to an intersection with a large fenced pond south of the road. Horses may be viewed watering at this pond early or late in the day during the summer. Turn east at this intersection towards Swasey Springs. Travel east, then north approximately 13 miles to the signed turnoff to Swasey Springs. Horses may be seen in the foothills and canyons along the east side of the Swasey Mountains.

The roads to Swasey Springs are maintained and traversable by passenger cars during dry weather. All other viewing areas in this HMA require high clearance vehicles. Much of the area is within the Swasey Mountain Wilderness Study Area. Vehicle travel within the wilderness study area is restricted to existing roads. (Contact the House Range Resource Area office at (801) 743-6811, for vehicle access information and road conditions for the unimproved roads.)

Wild horses are naturally wary. They are best viewed with binoculars at a distance. When approached, they will normally spook and run for cover.