sand wash basin

The sand wash basin mustang herd lives free on 160000 acres of BLM land 20 minutes north of Maybell Colorado. The herd is about 400 strong. There are several roads crossing the area that you can drive looking for the horses. The best way is to find the many waterholes and wait for them to come to you. There always seems to be locals there who know all their names and which band it is. There are babies, all colors to suit any photo need. Lots of action as they interact to win a mare, protect their herd and to maintain dominance. They are generally fairly tame and will tolerate getting pretty close. I,ve had one baby come up and let me touch it. Fights are common so pretty violent again great action photo material. The scenery is super and so are the horses. This is a must see herd as a horse lover and photographer.

The Sand Wash Basin HMA has approximately 500 wild mustangs that live on the horse management area. It is incredible to watch these horses living free and observing their interactions with each other. What I don't like is that the BLM is planning on removing a large number of these horses next May - depriving them of their freedom (and in some instances, their very lives).

I love to photograph wildlife, especially horses. Having researched this herd of Mustangs, I couldn't wait to go. Our first day was literally a wash out due to rain, we couldn't get through the main entrance, but after looking at the map, we found another gate and it provided us with a less muddy drive..Our first day we saw several horses from a distance. We went back again the next day, and spent 7 hours, there. I could not believe all the horses we saw, well over 100 within easy sight, and more in the distance. Having photographed mustangs in the Pryor Mtns, Nevada and McCollough Peaks, I was amazed with the entire experience. Every color, new little foals, stallions, family groups, bands of young bachelors. Running, feeding, at the water holes, grazing, resting, you saw it all. Of course there's no guarantee everyone will have the same experience, but if you get a top map, a good 4 wheel drive, and venture off on some of the side roads, you could have an experience of a lifetime. We can't wait to go back next fall.Study the Sand Wash Basin Community groups on Facebook and get to know the horses, the area, you can find pictures and faces of all the horses on their site.The area itself, is beautiful, filled with vast views of a vanishing land. We even saw the biggest jackrabbits, one was larger than our little dog.

A visit to Sand Wash Basin can be a life changing experience. There are close to 480 wild mustangs living in this Herd Management Area (HMA). The Sand Wash Advocate Team works in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management to document and support this herd. This is a magical place where history is abundant and wildlife and scenery is gorgeous. However, the wild mustangs make it very special. Each mustang has a name and they live in family bands with a band stallion and lead mare. For more information about the Sand Wash Basin and the mustangs that live there, please visit www.sandwashadvocate.org or https://www.facebook.com/sandwashadvocate?ref=hl

one of our national jewels, this public space offers outstanding vistas, viewing of wildlife, and a great way to get away from the crowds at some of the more popular national lands

The opportunity to see the Vermillion Bluffs combined with the possibility of seeing wild horses makes this loop well worth the time to do. If you stay on the main roads of the loop, any car can do it.

One of the most beautiful wild horse ranges in our country with spectacular landscape inhabited by horses whose coats range from grey to roan, palomino, black, bay, dun, white, pinto, and sorrel--descendants of the Spanish conquistadors' mounts. This is also one of the most easily accessed wild horse ranges and it's all on public land. Just don't go if the road is wet or there is a chance of rain. To get there travel west of Maybell, CO on Colo. Highway 318 (toward Vernal, UT) 14 miles. After you cross the Little Snake River, you can take 2 roads into the wild horse range, both on the right (north of highway). The first one is just past the river, County Road 75. It winds along the river and then climbs the hills. Keep an eye out for darker spots, unusual colors besides the sagebrush.The 2nd road is County Road 87 and also climbs up into the hills. If you see horses, park your car and be quiet and don't get too close. 50' is plenty close. If you are still, their curiosity often gets the best of them and they will come closer. Just remember, that this is wild land and be cautious of snakes. Early morning and late evening is the best viewing time, especially at water holes. Don't miss this opportunity to see the last of our nation's wild horses.