The 12 Best Places To See Wild Horses In The United States

We’re Kentuckians and therefore biased in favor of all things horses. Still, we’re gonna make a strong statement: Seeing wild horses may be one of the most magnificently calming experiences in the world. The photo above was taken on our trip through Arizona, and for the few moments before the mare and her foal ran away – we were totally entranced. (Only to be topped by swimming with blue whales? We plan on doing this soon, so we’ll report back!) With that in mind, here are the top 12 places to see wild horses around the US!

The Experience

We want to start by stating that wild horses in the USA are not only endangered but dangerous. It would be best if you never tried to approach them – let alone poach them for domestic use. As guests on tour in Navajo Nation, we happened to see them, and they were stunning- but they also live in other regions around the US. No matter where you live in the US – there are wild horses within a day’s drive from you!!

No matter where you go – your experience will be nothing short of magical. There’s just nothing like seeing these quietly noble animals in the wild. Most of them came over with the Spanish conquistadors, but they feel at home here in the US? It reminded us of old Westerns, pilgrims needing horses to help move them across the country, and the rolling green hills of home all at once.

**If you haven’t driven through Kentucky’s countryside on your way to a bourbon tour… it’s an absolute must. There aren’t any wild horses, but there are quite a few incredible barns and horse-filled pastures that make for an epic road trip.

Mustangs vs. Ponies vs. Horses

A quick lesson on the difference! Mustangs are the wild horses of the Southwest. They’re descendants of the Spanish horses brought over during the 1400s, and once left behind, spread across the Midwest plains. Ponies typically refer to the beach-dwelling beauties that live on the East Coast!! ‘Horses’ is the generic term for all of the above.

Fun Fact: The horses brought over in the 1400s were not the first horses in the Americas. The Native Americans had a long-standing relationship with wild horses that goes back thousands of years!

Mustangs of Southwest, USA

There are so many things to love about the Southwest United States. We’re just recently figuring out how incredibly Utah is.. and we can’t believe we never knew!! The wild horse in the United States of this region stretch from Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. You can find them on Native American preserves and throughout national forests!

Reno, Nevada

Nevada’s wild horse population has jumped to record highs. There are over 43,000 horses in their herds, accounting for more than 60% of all wild horses in the US. The Virginia Range is considered one of the best places for catching a glimpse of the herds! Home to palominos and bronze coated mustangs alike – this would be the easiest way to see wild horses in the Southwest.

If you’re looking for someone to take you on a tour – click here! Sonny Boys Tours has been taking people on tour to see these wild horses for a few decades and their commitment to teaching people about mustang conservation is amazing!! This is one of the best places to see wild horses in the USA because tours are readily available!

Salt River, Arizona

In such a vibrant and bustling state where epic views of the Grand Canyon abound – it’s easy to miss smaller gems like getting to see these beauties!

Salt River of Tonto National Forest: Nestled deep within the Tonto National Forest – there are wild horses that make their home in the Lower Salt River. To see them in their natural habitat- take the Lower Salt River Trail and continue to Phon D point. The horses usually come out at sunset!

(The wild horses of this herd usually range throughout the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Reservation, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, and into Tonto National Forest. If you don’t see them at Phon D point immediately – just be patient!)

Donate to Salt River Wild Horse Conservation Here

Toole County, Utah

The photo above is of wild mustangs in a pen in Monument Valley, Utah. Located on Navajo lands – their people have a way of caring for the herds that live in the region. When we were driving through Monument Valley a few years back – we actually saw them corralling the mustangs!!

Besides finding horses in roundups – you can also see them in wild settings around Toole County. The Onaqui Mountains in northern Utah {southwest of Salt Lake City} are home to a large herd that’s roamed this area since the 1800s.

According to the Toole County Visitors Center, ‘Horses may be viewed south along this road to Lookout Pass, the Pony Express Trail, and around Davis Mountain.’

The Hawaii’an Island Wild Horses

Hawaii has a special place in our hearts because Shelbs was born here!! So where do the wild horses of Hawaii roam? Waipio Valley.

Waipio Valley was once home to King Kamehameha I. It now hosts Hawaii’s wild equine beauties along with Hawaii’s tallest waterfall, and a stunning black sand beach.

There are multiple ways into this valley with horseback being the easiest by far. The road down into the valley is an 800 ft. defending 0.6-mile road. The best way to navigate the valley is by hiring a local guide to make sure you catch a glimpse of the wild horses and don’t trespass on any private property. A few great resources for tours would be Three Ring Ranch (the only licensed exotic animal sanctuary in Hawaii) and Na’alapa Stables.

Wild Mustangs in Northern, USA

The feral mustangs roaming the plains of Northern USA are what I always imagine when I think of the amber waves of grain. Mustangs shaped the history of settlers’ ventures west and are an integral part of every Western movie!

Wyoming

There are 4 different herds throughout Wyoming so the National Park Service made a map! The two biggest herds are near Yellowstone and the Pryor Mountains.

The Pryor Mountains – With a herd of 6000 living in the Pryor Mountains of both Wyoming and Montana, this is the second largest herd in the US. There are over 38,000 acres dedicated to Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range! Wyoming is known for wildlife viewing so be on the lookout when you’re in the area! The Pryor Mountains are also home to deer, black bears, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.

Yellowstone, Wyoming – If you’re on a road trip through the midwest, chances are you’ll be stopping in Wyoming to visit Yellowstone National Park. The geysers bring in millions of visitors from around the world but few know that there are wild horses nearby.

Oregon, Steens Mountain Wilderness

Oregon is most known for the jagged peaks that dot its Pacific shores, incredibly hiking, and Portland’s food scene. Nestled deep within Oregon’s southeast corner is the Steens Mountain Wilderness public park where descendants of Spanish mustangs roam in the Oregon deserts.

The best way to see Oregon’s Wild horses is by staying overnight at the South Steen Campground. For more information on where best to see the Kiger Herd – see here.

North Dakota

Nestled deep in the Teddy Roosevelt National Park, you’ll find all manner of wildlife watching. From bison to antelope, and longhorn cattle, the herd of wild horses in North Dakota can likely be found along the Little Missouri River!

To visit either of the two main areas of the park – visit The National Park Service for more information.

Southeast, USA beach Wild Ponies

All of the wild horses in the South East, United States are beach/island dwellers. Usually, on protected lands, these ponies roam the beaches of Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.

Cumberland Island, Georgia

One of the coolest places to see wild horses on this list is Cumberland Island, Georgia. With 17 miles of undisturbed beaches that allow loggerhead turtles and wild horses to roam!! Back in the 1880s, the Carnegie family bought this island and built a sprawling mansion. The remains of that mansion can be seen today as wild horses graze nearby. (A shot of the horses at sunset by the mansion would be stunning! Adding it to our bucket list for next year!!)

Before planning your trip, keep in mind that the island can only be reached by boat. No cars are allowed on the island. For more information on how to get to Cumberland Island, click here.

Maryland & Virginia’s Wild Horses

Growing up, my family and I { Shelbs} lived in Virginia on the coast for a few years. Growing up playing in the sand and getting to experience the beauty and power of the ocean is something I’ll never forget- and most notably – the migration of the wild horses to Chincoteague Island every year. Chincoteague Island of the Assateague Islands gave me so much appreciation for wild horses because the herds are protected and revered all at the same time.

There are actually two separate herds in this region but on the same island and separated by the fence to keep them protected – the Maryland Herd and the Virginia Herd. More than 300 wild horses roam here with mysterious origins. The legends we were taught as kids say there was a 17th-century shipwreck and the horses swam ashore here. There may be more ‘accurate’ theories but we think we’ll just stick with the theory that involved pirates, shipwrecks, and other daydream-inducing thoughts.

The Maryland Herd is managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can access this side of Assateague Island by the North End of the Island near Ocean City. Donate to help support conservation efforts here.

The Virginia Herd is, believe it or not, managed by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. They’re responsible for the maintenance and care of the herd as well as the overpopulation round up! {Healthy herd management means not allowing horses to starve from overpopulation, disease, etc.} Donate to help support this volunteer fire department’s efforts here.

Outerbanks, North Carolina

Just south of the Virginia border, wild horses can be seen frolicking on the beaches of Corolla. The 400-year-old heard descend from a shipwreck carrying Spanish mustangs roam freely here and in the forests. The best way to see the horses is to head to the four-wheel-drive areas of the beach where the cars aren’t allowed. More specifically the beaches of the Outerbanks and Crystal coast.

Shackleford Banks – This would be our ideal pick for a photography tour of the wild horses in North Carolina. This area is mostly a marsh-like island on the far outskirts of the Outerbanks and only accessible by ferry – so you’re adventure to the marsh is fully immersive!

For more information on tours and donations – please see here.

How Can You support Wild Horses of the USA’s Conservation?

In order to preserve these magnificent creatures and their homes – they need awareness. Awareness of their beauty.. but more importantly – rights to grazing land. As of 2016, there were more than 70,000 wild horses living in the Western United States. That may sound like a large, healthy population – but the herds used to be in the hundreds of thousands.

The best way you can help is to donate, be responsible on social media, and volunteer where you can!

What happened to Wild Horse Herds

Due to the expanse of commercial farming and industrial agriculture, grazing lands for many of the native animals of the US have disappeared. With an ever-increasing human population – the need for meat is increasing as well. When it comes to the wild horses across the US- they’re affected just as much as any other wildlife. Transitioning to plant-based diets and decreasing our fast food consumption could significantly improve conservation efforts!

Our Favorite Movies + Books About Wild Horses

Make sure you’re educating your kids on wild horses in the United States and their history! One of the best ways to teach is by showing that you care – so watch movies, take them to see the wild horses. My mom was always an earthy person – and by taking us as kids to see the wild horses – we developed a deep love for them. Seeing them and knowing they’re there makes me feel at home. Much more motivated to take care of something that feels like home than something that feels foreign!

Misty of Chincoteague: Required reading as a kid in Virginia! We all loved this book and it’s really what made the wild horses of the Assateague Islands famous. Wild horses of North Carolina and Virginia are slowly dwindling, and they need all the help they can get!

Black Beauty: Available on Disney+ now and awesome for watching with kiddos!

Best Places To Donate For Wild Mustang Conservation

After doing quite a bit of research, we’ve realized that there are herd management groups for almost every distinct herd across the US. The best places to donate will be the individual organizations mentioned above and overarching organizations like the American Wild Horse Campaign. They disseminate funds across the country to care for many different herds.

Another organization we support is Return To Freedom. They work incredibly hard to manage healthy herds with vaccines and provide sanctuary for injured or abused wild horses. They also provide education and advocacy resources for anyone interested!!

Get The Most Out Of Your Experience

To get the most out of your experience viewing wild horses in the United States- we highly recommend taking along your favorite wildlife viewing gear and cameras. Since wild horses are easily spooked, you don’t want to get too close! We suggest, binoculars, a camera, and your favorite telephoto lens!! (A GoPro can also do a surprisingly great job capturing videos of wild horses!!)

**Note that horses, in general, are spooked easily and in the wild more so. Using flash may disturb the animals in their natural habitats and ruin the experience for you!

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