In the late 1800s the first horses brought to Disappointment Valley belonged to a Montana rancher. The United States Calvary used this original ranch stock for their mounts. In 1940 local residents removed most of the herd, leaving behind a few horses which formed the present day herd.

Use a "good neighbor policy" when traveling through this herd management area. Leave gates as you find them. Please do not trespass on private or state school lands. Access is available by permission only. These areas are marked on the land status map available for purchase at the Durango BLM office.

Following several years of severe drought, soil surfaces are fragile. The off-road vehicle restriction is enforced. The Resource Management Plan limits travel to designated roads only. Driving is also restricted through the McKenna Peak Wilderness Study Area which covers 3,000 acres within the Spring Creek Herd Management Area.

Recreational activities for you to enjoy include driving and exploring along the Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway, camping, and fishing at Miramonte and Ground Hog Reservoirs.

Go 18 miles south on Highway 141 to Gypsum Gap, County Road 19Q. Turn South on CR-19Q for approximately 5.2 miles. Turn east on BLM Road 4010. Herd area entrance is about 3.5 miles. For additional maps or further information about this area, contact the San Juan Resource Area Office.

ABOUT THE HERD

Bands of Color

The herd runs about 50 head, primarily bays, sorrels, grays and paints.

The horses are typically 14 hands high; weight 700 to 800 pounds

This HMA provides primarily salt desert valley vegetation consisting of green rabbit bush, shadscale, black sage, Galleta grass, Indian ricegrass, winterfat, and needle-and-thread.

The Spring Creek Herd Management area covers 16,417. Terrain varies from open rolling hills to rugged mountainous country to the north, south and east boundaries. Elevations vary from 6,500 to 7,100 feet.

The HMA provides range for mule deer (winter), elk, coyote, golden eagles, wintering bald eagles, peregrine falcons and prairie dogs. Occasionally bear and mountain lions are sighted. Rattlesnakes are common in the basin area.

For information on seasonal movements and migration patterns, please contact the BLM Durango office for recent updates.

Horses gather near surface springs and creeks within the basin. Water tanks have been constructed to provide additional water sources for wildlife.

Four-wheel drive is recommended. Most roads are primitive and will become slippery if wet. Stay on designated roads o avoid getting lost or crossing private land. Several dead-end roads exist in the area.

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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