About Us

Protecting The Area Since 2018

We are a group of volunteers that support the long term maintenance of a viable, healthy, free-roaming horse herd on healthy rangelands, and implementing range improvement projects. We provide support for and coordinate our efforts with the Bureau of Land Management, primarily the White River Field Office, in the form of goods and volunteers. 

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We provide information and education promoting the value of the Piceance-East Douglas Herd Management Area horses.

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We seek funding from grants, contributions and other sources to accomplish the foregoing purposes.

INFORMATION ON PICEANCE-EAST DOUGLAS HMA

Information and Graphics Courtesy of BLM, Colorado District Office

The White River area is full of history. As early as 1882, settlers crossing this region recorded seeing bands of wild horses. With the depression of the 1930s, herds were increased by the release or escape of domestic horses from abandoned homesteads and small ranches. Today, these wild descendants share this basin with large oil and gas exploration activities and livestock grazing.

Recreational activities in the area include seasonal big game hunting, primitive camping, jeeping, horseback riding and hiking. (Sturdy shoes are needed and long pants are recommended.)

 Water can be a precious commodity for people and animals. Make sure you bring enough water on your viewing trips. Use a “good neighbor policy” when through this herd management area. Leave the gates as you find them. Please do not trespass on private lands. Private lands are marked on maps available for purchase at the BLM office in Meeker.

Go 19 miles north on Highway 13 from Rifle. Turn west on Piceance Creek Road (CR-5) to Ryan Gulch Road (#24). For additional maps or further information about this area, contact the White River Resource Area Office.

ABOUT THE HERD

Bands of Color

The herd runs from 90 to 145 head. Bays, blacks, sorrels and browns are dominant. Mixtures of grays, buckskins, palominos, paints and chestnuts can also be seen.

Size

The horses are typically 14 to 15 hands high; weight 800 to 900 pounds

Habitat

The horses are typically 14 to 15 hands high; weight 800 to 900 pounds

Wildlife

Antelope. elk, mule deer, sage grouse, eagles, hawks, buzzards, prairie dogs, coyotes, horned lizards and rattlesnakes can be found in Piceance Basin.

OBSERVATION TIPS

In the spring, view horses at 84 Mesa and along Yellow Creek. In the summer, herds will migrate to higher elevations.

Winter Places

Herds will concentrate on the windswept ridges and southern-exposed slopes.

Best Chance For Viewing

Look for horse trails along the face of Cathedral Bluffs.

Best Travel

Four-wheel drive vehicles and hiking trails are recommended. Snow and summer thunderstorms can cause the clay roads to be difficult and impassable at times.

Join Us

Want to support the Piceance-East Douglas wild horse herd? We welcome you to join our advocacy group! Please to learn more about how becoming a member enables us to continue our mission.