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Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range: A Glimpse into the American West

Witness the majesty of wild mustangs roaming free in their natural habitat at the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range near Grand Junction, Colorado.

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Discover the spirit of the Wild West at the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range, a sanctuary for free-roaming mustangs. Located near Grand Junction, Colorado, this unique preserve offers a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat amidst stunning landscapes.

A brief summary to Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or early summer for the best chance to see the horses at lower elevations and to spot young foals.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera to fully appreciate and capture the beauty of the wild horses and the surrounding landscape.
  • Stay on marked trails to minimize disturbance to the horses and their habitat.
  • Check with the BLM for current access conditions and any temporary closures, especially during winter.
  • Observe the horses from a distance to ensure their safety and avoid any disruption to their natural behavior.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Grand Junction, take I-70 east to the Cameo Exit 45. Turn off the freeway and travel under the interstate, continuing east before crossing the Colorado River near the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex. Follow the Bureau of Land Management signs to the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range and Coal Canyon Trailhead. The trailhead is about 2.2 miles from the interstate on a dirt road. Note that the Coal Canyon Road is closed to motorized vehicles from December 1 through May 31. Parking is free at the Coal Canyon Trailhead.

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Discover more about Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range

The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range, located a short distance from Grand Junction and Clifton, Colorado, offers a unique opportunity to witness wild horses in their natural environment. Encompassing over 36,000 acres of rugged canyons and plateaus, the range is one of only three in the United States specifically designated to protect wild horse herds. Here, visitors can observe herds of diverse colors, sizes, and ages, including palominos, mustangs, paints, sorrels, appaloosas, and even curly horses. These horses, descendants of animals from Native Americans, Spanish explorers, ranchers, and the U.S. Cavalry, roam freely across the sagebrush parks and pinyon-juniper-covered hills. The best times to spot them are during the early morning and late evening hours. The range is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to maintain a healthy balance between the horse population, the surrounding ecosystem, and other wildlife, such as mule deer, elk, and various bird species. While exploring the area, visitors may also encounter bighorn sheep, wild turkey, gray fox, and eagles. Visitors can explore the range via several trails designed for foot and horse travel. The Coal Canyon Trailhead is a popular access point, though it's closed to motorized vehicles from December 1 through May 31 to protect wintering wildlife. Hiking and horseback riding are permitted year-round.

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