Wild horses roamed free for hundreds of years, but they’re an unfortunately rare sighting today — unless you’re visiting Millard County. Our rugged, untamed western desert is one of the best places to see wild horses in the U.S., home to numerous gorgeous herds embodying the spirit of the American West. If you know where to look, there are plenty of opportunities to spot them, and it’s a sight that never gets old. To enrich your experience further, stop and see Robbers Roost located in the area nearby.
Millard County offers a sprawling canvas for your discovery, and we’re here to help you confidently explore. Use this page to find out where to spot wild horses and what to know beforehand as you set out to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural setting! Millard County has two primary herd management areas (HMAs), and many adventurers drive in a loop through both to increase the chance of a herd sighting. The long drive offers incredible scenery and wild horse viewing opportunities, so consider this scenic route if you’re looking for an exciting day trip in Millard County.
The Sprawling Swasey Herd Management Area
The Swasey HMA offers endless opportunities for horse viewing, spanning over 120,000 acres of public and state lands and hosting up to 100 wild horses. While the historical origin of the horses at Swasey HMA is unknown, they’re thought to be potential descendants of horses that escaped from local ranches, which gives their presence an air of mystique as they roam the rugged terrain. As you explore the rolling Swasey HMA, you’ll be greeted by an array of horse colors, primarily white and gray. You’re most likely to spot them around the Middle Pond, fed via a pipeline from Swasey Spring, as it’s the primary water source for horses on the mountain’s east side.
How to Get There
GPS COORDINATES:
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39.4320° N, 113.1867° W(Swasey Spring Viewing Area) |
The Swasey HMA is located roughly 50 miles west of Delta at the base of Swasey Mountain. Traveling west from Delta on Highway 50 & 6:
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Continue for 30 miles until you reach the turnoff to Long Ridge Reservoir, Death Canyon, and Marjum Pass. |
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Turn north and continue for 15 miles until you come to an intersection. To the west, there will be a fenced pond. Antelope Springs is just west of the pond, which is where the water flows from. There’s usually a large group of wild horses near the spring in the morning and evenings and in the canyons to the west. |
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Turn east toward Swasey Spring and head north for 13 miles until you reach the signed turnoff to the spring. You can look for horses here, but the Middle Pond is the central watering hole, offering better chances of a herd sighting. |
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Turn left and keep driving for 2.5 miles. |
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Turn left toward Middle Pond. You can typically see horses around this area throughout the day, as well as in the foothills on the east side of the mountain range. |
What to Expect & How to Prepare
Make sure you check the weather forecast for the day before heading out. Heavy rains can make certain roads impassable leading up to the area.
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What to bring: Depending on where you originate, it may be quite a drive, so remember to bring water and snacks for the road and top off your gas tank before you leave. Bring a pair of field glasses, binoculars, and a camera as well! You’re sure to get some incredible shots around here. |
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Where to look: It’s normal not to see horses right away. Scan the flats from the north to south of the middle pond. Be patient, and pay special attention to valleys and watering holes. |
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How to behave: Wild horses are not domesticated and should not be fed or touched, no matter how friendly they seem. They’re wary of humans, and when spooked, they can be dangerous — so keep a respectful distance and avoid loud noises or sudden movements. You can honor these beautiful animals by remembering you’re a guest in their home. If you encounter watering holes as you explore the area, try to remain quiet and ensure the horses feel comfortable approaching the water source. |
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
Wild horses are the most active during the spring and summer. The best times for viewing are the early morning or late afternoon, as the horses travel to and from the pond for a drink.
The Captivating Conger Herd Management Area
The Conger HMA is another isolated desert gem tucked away in the heart of Millard County, home to many wild horses and foals, according to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). While it may be a lesser-known secret, its accessibility and breathtaking scenery make it a must-visit destination for any wild horse enthusiast. The area spans 147,000 acres of federal and state lands. It boasts a diverse range of vegetation, from mountain brush and juniper communities on the upper slopes of the Conger Mountains to shadscale/ricegrass and low sagebrush types on the lower slopes.Â
The Conger HMA is also known for maintaining striking and diverse herd colors, ranging from black and roan to palomino and dun. With its impressive vistas and panoramic views, the landscape offers memorable opportunities for watching wild horses in their natural habitat.
How to Get There
GPS COORDINATES:
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39.1663° N, 113.5760° W(Conger West)39.3406° N, 113.6280° W(Conger North) |
The Conger HMA is slightly farther west than the Swasey HMA — approximately 75 miles west of Delta. Conger Spring is one of the primary viewing areas suggested by the BLM and is said to be easy to find and navigate. Traveling west from Delta on Highway 50 & 6:
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Drive for 75 miles until you reach milepost 16, named Little Valley Road. |
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Turn north on this road and travel for 8 miles. |
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When you reach Skunk Springs Road, you’ll be near Skunk Springs, Conger Springs, and Camp Canyon — all places where horses are often spotted. The trail will take you through a long, lush canyon with groves of trees, and it promises a picturesque experience whether or not you spot a herd. |
The HMA is accessible by well-defined dirt roads originating from the highway. Check the day’s weather forecast ahead of time to determine road conditions.
What to Expect & How to Prepare
The BLM permits dispersed camping around Delta, so if you want to enjoy an extended horse-watching trip to increase your chances of a sighting, plan ahead and find out where you can spend the night.
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What to bring: The drive to Conger is farther than the drive to Swasey, so don’t forget to make a pit stop on the way if you need gas, snacks, water, or anything else. The area is remote, so ensure you have everything you need for the afternoon. Don’t forget your camera, binoculars, and field glasses so you get the best possible view of any herd you spot! |
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Where to look: It may be a while before seeing any horses. You may have better luck if you check the bottoms of the valleys and the lower benches in the winter and the elevated areas in the summer. There are also four major springs, including Skunk, Conger, Knoll, and Willow Springs, spread across the area where horses are likely to be seen. |
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How to behave: Remember that these horses are wild animals, and certain types may kick, bite, or even carry rabies. Try to keep at least 50 feet between yourself and the horses at all times and respect their space as well as their land. |
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
You’re most likely to catch a glimpse of a wild herd in the warm weather months when they’re most active. They tend to travel around early in the morning and in the late afternoon when they visit their watering holes.
Make a Stop at Robbers Roost
If you love the adventurous history of the Wild West, Robbers Roost is a must-visit site along your horse-viewing expedition. According to the Utah Territorial Statehouse, the hideout was once a refuge for outlaws who used this particular site to evade the law after robbing the store at Deep Creek, stealing horses, raiding a Central Pacific Railroad train, and instigating a shootout in the canyon where the hideout is located. They eventually fled into a cave at the Roost and built a rock fort.Â
Today, visitors can explore the remnants and feel a tangible connection to the romanticized wild American West. Utah’s desert is one of the few places where untamed beauty still coexists with the mystique of its storied past. This unique combination of history and natural beauty makes it a compelling place to immerse yourself in these narratives that shaped the region.
How to Get There
GPS COORDINATES:
The Roost is located near the Juab-Millard County line at the head of Robbers Roost Canyon near Robbers Roost Spring, four miles north of Swasey Peak. The area is accessible on foot or on horseback.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Summers are often too warm for most visitors. Any other times of year are comfortable, including winter, as canyons don’t hold much snow and can be pleasant even in the middle of the coldest months.Â
