Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility
The wild horse population in Wyoming is located mainly in the southwest portion of the state. Since wild horses have no natural predators besides the occasional mountain lion their population increases 20% (up to 40% some years) per year. To help prevent over population and endangering the horse population due to dehydration, starvation, disease, etc., the BLM gathers horses several times a year and offers them for adoption. The horses can be viewed at a BLM holding facility in Rock Springs sometimes referred to as the “Wild Horse Corrals”. They have a nice viewing area set up so you can go check them out.
Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop
The scenic loop is a 24 mile gravel road on BLM land that runs between Green River and Rock Springs to the north up on White Mountain. The loop can be driven clockwise or counterclockwise so we decided to drive counterclockwise and started in Rock Springs and ended in Green River. The road leads up high onto a plateau with outstanding vistas of the surrounding area. Wild horses, pronghorn, and a variety of other wildlife roam the area and can be viewed along the way. As usual, the best time to view wildlife is early in the morning or later in the day.
Pilot Butte is the highest point on White Mountain at 7,932 feet. It is a famous landmark which can be seen for about 30 miles in all directions.The Masonic Lodge of Green River has held meetings on top of the butte over the years with the help of a ladder to assist those on the climb.
Like many parts of this area there are pronghorns everywhere.
And, of course, the wild horses are running around in many different areas of the drive and are willing to pose for you as long as you don’t get very close! Don’t let them see you of off they will go.
There are many stops along the way with vistas of the surrounding areas including Rock Springs and the area between Rock Springs and Green River.
Upon entering Green River we decided to drive around the town some and we even stopped at the Visitors Center.
And, as usual, we never like to do things the easy way such as get on I-80 to return to Rock Springs from Green River. We decided to see if we could drive the Frontage Rd all the way back. Well, well, well….we drove a rough dirt road for 30-45 minutes and wound up at a locked gate. That was something our GPS did not tell us! We were about 2 or 3 miles from the RV park and could not get there. We had to turn around and find another way. We did! BUT it was fabulous scenery and a fun drive.
We made it back safe and sound after a long, long day! A beautiful drive and highly recommended.
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