There is more to western Colorado than hikes, bikes, and wines - we have horses.

When you think of Colorado wildlife, you might think of things like bears, elk, rainbow trout, and bald eagles, but in western Colorado we have to throw wild horses into the mix.

If you are fortunate enough to see wild horses roaming the Colorado plains,  you should count yourself among the fortunate. It's not just every day a wild horse sighting can be had.

The Little Bookcliffs Wild Horse Range is one of only three wild horse sanctuaries in the U.S. More than 100 horses roam on some 36,000 acres of land near Grand Junction.

First of all, you have to know where the horses are so for starters, here's how to find the horses.

From Grand Junction, take I-70 to DeBeque and take the DeBeque exit. You will then travel north, just over three miles, until you come to Dry Fork Road. Turn left and go 20 miles until you come to a cattle guard and the road forks. Take the fork of your choosing and start watching for the animals.

It's probably a good idea to make note of the fact that the roads are intended for four-wheel drive vehicles, and should conditions be wet they may be impassable. Taking the family sedan might not be the wisest choice.

There are four easy guidelines for safe and successful wild horse viewing.

  • The optimal time to see horses is in the early morning and late evening hours
  • You should always watch the horses from a distance they would think is safe
  • You should never chase the horses. That would be a bad idea.
  • Another bad idea would be any attempt to touch the animals in any way

Bring a camera with your best lens and with any luck you will get some great shots of some majestic animals running free and wild.

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