Wild Horses in Colorado KBR Wild Horse and Burro Information Sheet
Colorado Wild Horses


(Information and graphics courtesy of BLM, Colorado District Office)

In 1971 Congress passed the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act to protect, manage and control wild horses and burros on public lands. This legislation declares that "...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..."

You can find colorful hands of wild horses scattered throughout Colorado's four uniquely beautiful wild horse herd management areas. Piceance (Pe-an(t)s) Basin - East Douglas Creek, west of Meeker; Little Bookcliffs, northeast of Grand Junction; Sandwash Basin in the northwestern part of the state; and Spring Creek, southwest of Montrose.

The Bureau of Land Management maintains and manages wild horses and burros, in "herd management areas." These areas present unique opportunities for people to view wild horse herds and their habitat.

For a safe and enjoyable journey into any of these wild horse herd management areas, contact the local Bureau of Land Management Resource Area Office. You will get current updates on herd movements, fire restrictions, road conditions and brochures. Land status maps (1:100,000 scale) are available for purchase.

The opportunity for isolated camping is available. Please practice "low impact camping." Do not camp within 100 feet of a water source. All areas are undeveloped. Drinking water, waste, or disposal facilities are not available.

Remember, "Pack It In, Pack it Out" is the standard rule to follow. You are the owner and caretaker of these public lands, as is everyone. Enjoy your visit.

  IMPORTANT!

Most herd management areas have soft clay roads that become slippery and impassible in wet weather. Stay on designated roads at all times and leave all gates as you find them. Please respect all public and private lands.

Campfires can be built on public lands in accordance with local fire regulations. Propane stoves help minimize fire hazards and preserve the beauty of our forests and rangelands. Take food, plenty of drinking water (two gallons per person per day), warm clothes, and a hat. Check your vehicle's spare tire and fuel gauge before venturing off major roads.

Big and small game hunting activities occur each year in all herd management areas. Contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife or the Bureau of Land Management Resource Area Office for dates of all hunting seasons. Safety measures should be taken when entering herd management areas at these times.

Wild horses are afraid of dogs, so keep your pets under restraint at all times.

The wild horses are protected! Chasing or capturing them is against the law. Such activities should be reported.

  COLORADO WILD HORSE LINKS

Colorado Wild Horse History

Colorado's Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program

Wild Horse Social Behavior

Colorado Wild Horse - Inmate Program

Colorado Resource Area Offices

Volunteering

  HERD MANAGEMENT AREAS /
VIEWING WILD HORSES

Herd Management Areas

(Correlate the HMA with the numbers shown on the map)
PICEANCE BASIN - 1
(White River Resource Area)

LITTLE BOOKCLIFFS - 2
(Grand Junction Resource Area)

SANDWASH BASIN - 3
(Little Snake Resource Area)

SPRING CREEK - 4
(San Juan Resource Area)

  HMA / VIEWING LINKS

Vewing and Camping in Herd Management Areas

Little Bookcliffs Herd Management Area

Piceance Basin Herd Management Area

Sandwash Basin Herd Management Area

Spring Creek Herd Management Area


BLM Colorado
BLM's Colorado Wild Horse and Burro Page

This is not a BLM operated or BLM sponsored site. It is run by private wild horse and burro enthusiasts. We are thankful to the BLM for providing the information which is presented here.

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