A band of five different colored wild horses stand near each other on the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range Aug. 30, 2024.

Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range

 

In 1971, the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range was designated as part of the National Wild Horse and Burro Program, established by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. This aimed to protect and manage wild horse populations on public lands.

The range is one of only three ranges in the United States designated specifically to protect wild horses and is an important area for wild horse conservation. It offers opportunities for public recreation while balancing ecological needs and conservation goals.

Location

The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range is in northwest Colorado, about 8 miles northeast of Grand Junction, and is between Grand Junction and De Beque, Colorado.

Wildlife and Ecosystem

The 36,113-acre wild horse area is characterized by four major canyon systems falling to gentle sloping plateaus. Flora consists mainly of sagebrush, rabbitbrush, fourwing saltbrush, and pinyon-juniper.

Fauna includes wild horses, mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, wild turkey, gray fox, raccoon, ringtail, squirrel, coyote, great horned owl, golden eagles, various other raptors, rattlesnake, the collared lizard, and chukar.

Wild Horses

  • The Little Book Cliffs wild horses have a diversity of colors, band sizes and ages.
  • Horses include palominos, paints, grays, blacks, bays, sorrels, blue and red roans as well as a few appaloosas. In recent years, a curly was also introduced and has since foaled. Band sizes range from two to 10 horses.
  • The appropriate management level for the range is 90-150 wild horses. Currently, there are more than 220 horses on the range; a gather is scheduled in September 2024 to reduce population size.

Recreation Opportunities

The public can enjoy a variety of activities to include hiking/walking, horseback riding, photography, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

Access and Trails

  • There are nine identified trails ranging from one to 5 miles
  • Trails in the Wild Horse Range are designed for foot and horse travel only
  • There are two horseback trailheads: Tellerico Trailhead, located off 25 Rd in Grand Junction, and Coal Canyon Trailhead, located off of Coal Canyon Rd
  • Gates into Coal Canyon are closed to motorized vehicles from Dec. 1 through May 31 to protect wintering wildlife and foaling areas.

Directions to Coal Canyon: From Grand Junction take I-70 east to the Cameo exit (46). Cross the Colorado River and drive past the public service power plant. Stay on the main road approximately 1.5 miles to the parking area. NOTE: the Coal Canyon trailhead is closed to motorized traffic Dec. 1 - May 31.

Directions to De Beque/Winter Flats Road: From Grand Junction take I-70 east to the De Beque exit (62). Cross over the Colorado River and stay on the main road, take a left into the town of De Beque (4th Street) to the gas station - take a left and follow the road to the end. Turn right onto Winter Flats Road. Travel approximately 20 miles to a fork in the road. The right branch will take you to the North Soda area (the northern most point of the Wild Horse Area) and the left fork will take you into the Indian Park area. CAUTION: Winter Flats Road is a 4x4 road year-round and usually impassable during winter months and in rainy conditions.

Directions to De Beque/Dry Fork Road: From Grand Junction, take I-70 east to the De Beque exit (62) and proceed north 3.2 miles to Dry Fork Road. Turn left and travel 20 miles until you cross a cattle guard and the road forks. The right fork goes to the North Soda area and the left fork goes to the Indian Park and Winter Flats areas. CAUTION: Roads are designated 4x4 roads and may be impassable during wet conditions. Always review weather forecasts before leaving.

Conservation Efforts

  • The Friends of Mustangs volunteer group works closely with the BLM to identify potential range improvement projects that will help support the horses. Latest projects include the removal of approximately 1 mile of old barbed wire fencing and the reconstruction of three spring developments.
  • Planned projects include repairing the horse range boundary fence in North Soda and various seeding projects to improve forage production.

Safety Tips

  • Observe horses from a distance; don't chase horses or any wildlife you encounter
  • Do not try to feed the horses or leave food for them to find
  • Pets increase stress on both horses and wildlife, always keep your pet under voice/leash control

Contacts and Resources

Maps and Images