The spirit of the Old West is still running free if you know where to look.
The image of wild horses thundering across an open landscape is a powerful symbol of freedom and the untamed American spirit. While the frontier has long since closed, scattered herds of these magnificent animals continue to roam public lands, protected as living links to our history. Finding them requires some effort, but the reward is an unforgettable wildlife experience.
These are not creatures in a zoo or a preserve; they are wild animals shaping and being shaped by the rugged landscapes they call home. Witnessing them in their natural habitat offers a profound connection to a wilder version of America.
1. North Carolina’s Outer Banks are home to beach-dwelling horses.
For centuries, hardy herds of wild horses have roamed the barrier islands of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The most famous of these are the Corolla wild horses, descendants of Spanish mustangs who survived shipwrecks in the 16th century. These horses have adapted remarkably to their coastal environment, living among the sand dunes, grazing on sea oats, and digging for fresh water.
You can often spot them wandering along the beach or taking shelter in the maritime forests. The best way to see them is by taking a guided 4×4 tour through the undeveloped areas north of Corolla, where the paved roads end, as mentioned in Explore. It’s a magical sight to see these historic animals with the Atlantic Ocean as their backdrop.
2. Maryland and Virginia share the famed horses of Assateague Island.
Made famous by the classic children’s book Misty of Chincoteague, the wild horses of Assateague Island are a beloved national treasure. This 37-mile-long barrier island, split between Maryland and Virginia, is home to two herds of these sturdy, salt-stunted horses, which are managed by the National Park Service, according to Smithsonian Magazine. They are often seen grazing peacefully in the marshes, walking along the roadsides, or even relaxing on the beach.
The Maryland herd roams freely through the Assateague Island National Seashore, while the Virginia herd is managed by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. The Virginia herd is famous for its annual pony swim, where the foals are rounded up to be auctioned off to control the population. This event draws thousands of spectators every July.
3. Nevada has the largest population of wild horses in the country.
When you think of wild mustangs, you should be thinking of Nevada. The state is home to more than half of the entire nation’s free-roaming horse population, with dozens of designated Herd Management Areas (HMAs) scattered across its vast public lands. The sheer number and variety of herds make Nevada the ultimate destination for wild horse enthusiasts.
One of the most accessible areas to see them is in the Virginia Range near Reno, where the horses are often visible from the roadside. For a more remote experience, you can explore the high desert terrain of the Red Rock HMA or the Calico Mountains Complex, as shared in Fodors Travel Guide. The stark, beautiful landscape is the perfect setting to see these resilient animals.
4. Wyoming’s wide-open spaces are perfect for mustang herds.
Wyoming embodies the spirit of the American West, and its wild horse herds are a vital part of that identity. One of the most renowned herds can be found in the McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Management Area, located just east of Cody. This area is home to a stunningly beautiful herd known for its diverse colors, including pintos, roans, and sorrels.
Another significant population roams the vast Red Desert Complex in the southern part of the state. Exploring these areas, you can witness the complex social dynamics of the horse bands against a dramatic backdrop of badlands and open plains. It’s a truly wild and humbling experience for any visitor.
5. Arizona’s Salt River is a stunning and accessible viewing spot.
Just a short drive from the Phoenix metropolitan area, the Tonto National Forest is home to the famous Salt River wild horses. This herd has become a beloved local icon, often seen foraging along the banks or even wading into the cool river to escape the desert heat. Their accessibility makes them one of the most frequently photographed wild horse herds in the country.
You can often spot them while kayaking, paddleboarding, or tubing down the Salt River, which provides a unique and refreshing vantage point. The sight of these beautiful animals grazing against the backdrop of the towering Red Mountain is an unforgettable image of life persisting in the harsh Sonoran Desert.
6. Utah is where you can find the photogenic Onaqui Mountain herd.
West of Salt Lake City, the Onaqui Mountain Herd Management Area is a bucket-list destination for wildlife photographers. The Onaqui horses are particularly accustomed to human presence, which allows for incredible viewing and photography opportunities from a respectful distance. The herd is one of the most well-documented in the country, with many of the individual horses known by name to followers.
The horses roam a vast area of sagebrush flats and rolling hills in Utah’s West Desert. Seeing the large bands interact, with stallions protecting their mares and foals playing together, offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate social structure of these animals. It is a rewarding experience for those willing to make the drive.
7. Colorado offers a protected range for its wild horses.
Colorado is home to several wild horse herds, but one of the most special viewing areas is the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range near Grand Junction. This was one of the first ranges in the country to be specifically designated for the protection and management of wild horses. The rugged canyon landscape provides a stunning environment for the resident herd.
Another popular and remote location is the Sand Wash Basin in the northwest corner of the state, known for its large and genetically diverse herd. Visiting these areas allows you to see horses thriving in a truly wild and protected environment, a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving these living symbols of the West.
8. California has a remote and rugged herd in its northeast corner.
While famous for its beaches and cities, Northern California is also home to a significant population of wild horses. The Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory, located in the Modoc National Forest, is the state’s largest and most well-known. These horses are descendants of cavalry mounts and local ranch horses, adapted to a rugged, high-plateau environment.
This is not an easy-to-reach herd. Viewing them requires traversing a network of remote forest service roads, but the effort is rewarded with the sight of these hardy animals in a vast, forested landscape. It’s a different kind of California experience, one that feels much closer to the state’s untamed past.
9. Oregon is known for its beautiful and unique Kiger mustangs.
In the remote southeastern corner of Oregon, you can find some of the most beautiful and genetically distinct wild horses in the country. The South Steens Herd Management Area is particularly famous for its Kiger mustangs, which often display dun coloring and other primitive markings that link them directly to the horses brought over by the Spanish conquistadors.
These horses are prized for their beauty and stamina, and seeing them in their natural, rugged habitat is a special treat. The vast, open sagebrush steppe of the Steens Mountain area provides a dramatic and fittingly wild backdrop for these historic and protected animals, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
10. New Mexico’s wild horses roam near ancient lands.
New Mexico’s rich history is complemented by the presence of free-roaming wild horses. One of the most notable herds is located in the Jicarilla Wild Horse Territory on lands co-managed by the Jicarilla Apache Nation. These horses are descendants of those that have lived in the region for centuries, adding another layer of cultural significance to their existence.
Another accessible herd can often be seen near the village of Placitas, roaming the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. These horses have become a cherished part of the local community. Watching them graze with the majestic mountains rising behind them is a peaceful and inspiring sight.