Spring Creek Basin Wild Horse Herd Management Area

In the late 1800s, the first horses brought to Disappointment Valley belonged to a Montana rancher. The United States Cavalry used this original ranch stock for their military mounts. In 1940, local residents removed most of the herd, leaving behind a few horses that formed the present day herd.

The Spring Creek Basin Herd Management Area (HMA) covers more than 20,000 acres in the Disappointment Valley area of southwestern Colorado. Terrain varies from open, rolling hills to rugged mountainous country to the north, south, and east boundaries. Elevation ranges from 6,200 to 7,400 feet.

The HMA is characterized by salt desert shrub community in the valley and pinon-juniper woodland on the slopes and higher elevations. Green rabbitbrush, shadscale, black sage, galleta grass, Indian ricegrass, winterfat, and needle-and-thread grass make up the primary forage items in the horses' diet.

At various times of the year, the HMA provides habitat for elk, mule deer, bald eagles, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, coyotes, prairie dogs, and the occasional black bear and mountain lion. Rattlesnakes are common throughout the HMA.

Spring and summer are the best seasons to observe wild horses in the Spring Creek Basin HMA. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars and a telephoto lens for your camera so you don't disturb the horses by getting too close.

Use a "good neighbor policy" when traveling through this herd management area. Motorized vehicle use in the area in limited to existing roads and trails. Leave the gates as you find them. Please do not trespass on private or state school lands; access to these lands is available by permission only. These areas are marked on the Dove Creek surface management status map available for purchase at BLM offices in Durango or Montrose, and at the Anasazi Heritage Center near Dolores.

Herd Information

Spring Creek Basin Wild Horse (85k)

Herd Size - Herd size ranges between 35 and 65. A herd size of 50 best maintains a thriving ecological balance within the HMA.

Horse Colors - Bays, sorrels, grays, and pintos can all be found in the Spring Creek Basin herd.

Size of Horses - The horses are generally around 14 hands (56 inches) in height and weigh 700-800 pounds.