Are there still wild horses, why yes, yes there are. Tucked away in the West Desert ironically off of the Pony Express Trail of all places is the Onaqui Mountain Herd. They live out here in 100 degrees days for the duration of the summer. They also survive the cold winter nights and snowdrifts here there and everywhere.
In the summer to describe it, I would say imagine sticking your head in the oven and inhaling the dry air with a splash of dirt! The air is so hot it burns your nose when you breathe in. So why would we go there you ask? This particular day was 97 degrees, and these big guys were scratching their butts and necks on these abandoned fence posts. They didn’t even care I was standing there taking pictures of them with my iPhone.
We had so much fun dirt road driving and listening to music. Just relaxing and letting the sounds sink in. The herd we seen this day was small and cared less we were even there. It was fun to see them interacting with eachother.
We go out here for sanity!
West Desert Utah
For a lot of reasons, there are so many fun places to go in the desert! You might start at the Pony Express, and follow the trail to Simpson Springs, or maybe you want to see Fish Springs. Either way on most given days you will find anywhere from a small to a huge herd of Wild Mustangs.
History of The Beautiful Wild Mustangs
It is rumored this herd has been around since the late 1800s, made up of escapee horses from various farms in the area. This being the Pony Express there could have been several holding stables along the way. These wild horses have survived over 100 years out in this crazy beautiful desert.
Can you still see wild horses?
YES! YOU CAN! Anyone can drive out this way. If you are in the West Desert area in Tooele County, You can visit the historical Pony Express and possibly see the wild herd of beautiful Horses. If you stay on the trail you will find various hidden gems in this vast Desert.
I would not recommend going out here without your gear bag, there is minimal cell phone service and very few people stop on the trail if you need help. A full spare tire, maybe a 12v air compressor, and at least extra water are minimal considerations when you travel this route.
Don’t Forget The Camera
While these are the most beautiful majestic creatures, you don’t want to get too close to them. They are wild. My Wife thought the first time she saw the herd, about 200 of them getting water she could stand close. She said, “I am from Montana and have been around horses my whole life”. I said Okay, be careful! Then someone else spooked them and it was all on stampede. The herd went around us, but it was heart-pounding and very dangerous. Be safe out there.
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