Wyoming is home to impressive wildlife, that's for sure! We're used to seeing pronghorn, mule deer, and elk pretty much everywhere, but the rarer wildlife is always a treat to see. Moose can be found if you know where to look, and the same goes for wild horses! Head towards Rock Springs to find a large wild horse herd that's a delight to observe.
The Pilot Butte Wild Horse Loop is a scenic drive outside of Rock Springs that should be on everyone's adventure list. More than 1,500 horses call this canyon their home.
You'll need to bring a high-clearance vehicle, and you'll want to plan your trip in advance. Since there's no cell service and it's a remote trek, let someone know when you are going.
The wild horses along Pilot Butte are descendants of Spanish horses brought to America in the 1500s. Over hundreds of years, they have become nearly as wild as the Moose and Elk we are accustomed to seeing.
Drive slowly, as this is the horses home first. They're known to wander towards the road. It's amazing how trusting these horses are, but keep your distance. As kind-eyed as they may be, they are still wild!
Late spring is like best time to drive the loop, because you might catch a glimpse of newborn foals. Unlike most critters, horses are able to get up and run away from predators within just a few hours of birth.
Horses are curious creatures by nature, and you'll be forever amused by their antics as they play with each other and investigate their visitors.
Be sure not to disturb them, and you'll be treated to an amazing and breathtaking sight.
Along the Pilot Butte loop, you'll find plenty of places to get out of the car to take in the scenery and stretch your legs.
Towards the top of the highlands, you can look across Sweetwater County, and even down into Rock Springs! The views along the Pilot Butte loop are unforgettable.
The Pilot Butte Scenic Horse Loop is accessible from April through October, and both spring and fall are ideals times to visit. In the heat of the summer, the horses tend to stay down in the cooler canyons, and may be harder to spot. The drive is just 24 miles, but you'll want to plan at least two hours here. Find out more details on the exact route from the Explore Wyoming website, here.
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