All About Arizona’s Wild Horses: Population and Where to See Them

Whenever you can escape into nature and breathe in a gulp of fresh air, it’s a treat. When you can do that with a view of wild horses roaming protected lands and wilderness areas in Arizona, it’s a dream! The best part? We’re going to tell you how these wild horses got there and exactly where they live so you can see them for yourself if you have the chance to visit.

History of Wild Horses in Arizona

Like many of the wild horses on the East Coast, the Mustangs in Arizona are descendants of the horses brought to North America by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. When Mexico cut ties with Spain in 1821, many of the Mustangs were left in Arizona where they still roam free today.

Arizona’s Wild Horse Population

As of 2023, about 400 wild horses inhabit Arizona. These animals reside in national forests, on a Navajo reservation, and within Bureau of Land Management (BLM) boundaries. They are free to live off the land, and you are free to visit them there. Just remember to stay 50 feet back and take in the beauty of these wild horses from a safe distance!

13 of the Best Places to See Arizona’s Wild Horses

There are numerous areas where you can see the wild horses that roam Arizona. Let’s go over the 13 places where you’re most likely to spot these incredible animals in their natural habitat.

1. Lower Salt River

The most popular place to spot a wild horse in Arizona is along the Lower Salt River. This 12-mile section in the Tonto National Forest runs alongside Saguaro Lake Ranch. A kayak, paddleboard, or tube down the river provides spectacular views of the area and the wildlife within it — including wild horses who have lived off the land since before the national forest was designated in 1902. The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group now manages the herds here.

2. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

On the nearby Indian reservation in the Sonoran Desert, wild horses have roamed for over 500 years. A diet of Mediterranean grass and mesquite pods keeps them alive in the harsh environment. A chance to see the wild horses who live here is a real treat. Just be sure to get the proper permits first!

3. Canyon de Chelly

The Navajo Nation reservation is home to an estimated 50,000 wild horses! However, there’s only one way to access Canyon de Chelly where they roam. You need to obtain the proper permit from the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department or other tribal authority first. Once approved, you will have an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the wild horses if you hike inside the canyon.

4. Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area

If you don’t want to kayak the Salt River to see Arizona’s wild horses, you’ll appreciate the 0.8-mile Lookout Trail in the Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area. This vantage point provides an excellent opportunity to see these stunning animals milling about the river and shoreline.

5. Coon Bluff

Within Coon Bluff lies another trail that leads to an overlook that’s perfect for viewing the wild horses. It’s a short hike, but expect some steep sections before you get to the top. This is considered one of the top places to see Arizona’s wild horses.

6. Granite Reef

In a recreation area along the Lower Salt River, Granite Reef offers an excellent trail to follow on the shoreline. This provides you with a scenic view and a high chance of catching a glimpse of the horses who live here. You can also fish, birdwatch, and picnic in this area.

7. Goldfield Recreation Area

If you want to tube down the Salt River and see wild horses along the way, Goldfield Recreation Area has a popular river access point to do it! Located only 19 miles northeast of Mesa, it’s well worth the trip to see Arizona’s wild horses.

8. Pebble Beach

The parking lot at Pebble Beach offers panoramic views of the river, giving you a good chance to spot the wild horses who live there. No boating is allowed, but you can camp, picnic, fish, and swim in the recreation area!

9. Water Users Recreation Area

Water Users is the main access point to the Salt River. Kayakers crowd the area in the summer, so set off in the early morning hours for the best chance to see the wild horses undisturbed.

10. Cerbat Mountain Range

Five miles northwest of Kingman lies the Cerbat Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA). Around 70 of Arizona’s wild horses live on 83,000 protected acres. The horses here are sturdy, athletic, and accustomed to the harsh environment of the mountain range. This means you may have to hike into the canyon to catch a glimpse. On the plus side, it’s a stunningly scenic area well worth the trip even if you don’t see any horses.

11. Cibola-Trigo Herd Management Area

About 120 wild horses inhabit the Cibola-Trigo HMA. There are two herds — the Gould Wash Herd and the Castle Dome Wash Herd — that live within this area. The Gould Wash Herd is larger in both height and population numbers, with 60 to 75 horses standing between 15 and 16 hands high.

12. Saguaro Lake

It can be difficult to spot the horses when they’re in the forest or desert. But when they come to Saguaro Lake to cool off and get a drink, it’s easy to sneak a peek. Want a wonderful, secluded spot to see the wild horses who live here? A 5.8-mile hike leads you to the Butcher Jones Recreation Area where you can view them from a safe distance.

13. Blue Point

If you visit Arizona, make sure you stop by the Blue Point Recreation Area in Fort McDowell. Wild horses gather near the mesquite grove by the picnic area, along the river, and in the woods. Blue Point offers you a rare up-close-and-personal view of them in their natural habitat.

When to Visit Arizona to See the Wild Horses

Now that you know where to go to see Arizona’s wild horses, when is the best time to visit?

Early morning is when you’re most likely to catch a glimpse of the wild horses. After sunset is the second best time to see them. It’s also a good idea to come during the summer months when the horses are sticking close to the water to stay hydrated and cool off. You have a higher chance of seeing them while you kayak or visit one of the many recreation areas across the state.

Just remember to observe the horses from a safe distance of about 50 feet. Let’s keep these horses wild!