Wyoming is a land of vast horizons, rugged mountains, and wide-open skies. From the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park — here’s what to do if you only have one day there — to the jagged peaks of the Tetons, its landscapes are as dramatic as they’re diverse. In the northwest, Jackson Hole is the perfect romantic getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing, hiking, and dining in a setting framed by mountain peaks. Towns like Sheridan and Cody preserve Wyoming’s cowboy heritage through rodeos, museums, and historic downtowns, while capital city Cheyenne hosts the legendary Frontier Days, America’s largest outdoor rodeo.
Between its national parks, high plains, and quiet backroads, Wyoming has a rare sense of space and solitude. It’s a place where the spirit of the frontier still feels alive, and nothing represents that more than the wild horses on White Mountain. As singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers belts out in her energetic folk jam, “I see horses running wild. I wish I could feel like that for just a minute.” A tour of White Mountain in southwest Wyoming offers just that feeling. A six-hour drive northwest of Denver, it offers vast open spaces, small town hospitality, and the chance to see equestrian magic in its most ancient and pure form.
Take a trip to watch the horses, then stargaze under some of America’s clearest night skies, trace the path of pioneers, adventure on outdoor trails, or simply take in the unbroken silence of the open range. Rugged, unmistakably authentic, and welcoming, Wyoming remains one of the west’s last great frontiers. A visit to White Mountain is the perfect portal to the essence of the Cowboy State.
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Taking a wild horse tour on White Mountain
A flat expanse in Wyoming with grazing horses in the distance – Twildlife/Getty Images
Wyoming has some of the top U.S. travel destinations to spot wild horses, according to online travelers. The southwest is home to the state’s largest wild horse population, with roughly 1,100 to 1,600 animals managed on public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. To see the majestic horses, travelers can take the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Tour. It’s a 24-mile self-guided route through Wyoming’s high desert country between the towns of Green River and Rock Springs. The drive, which takes about 1.5 hours, winds mostly along gravel roads and provides a rare chance to spot wild horses roaming free across the broad expanse of White Mountain.
As one visitor wrote on TripAdvisor, “This drive offers stunning scenery and an opportunity to spot wild horses in their natural habitat. Be sure to use the pull-offs to enjoy the scenic views and visit the markers for Pilot Butte.” The best viewing is between Rock Springs and 14-Mile Hill, where herds of wild mustangs often graze. The landscape may appear barren, but it supports a surprising variety of wildlife — elk, deer, rabbits, coyotes, hawks, eagles, and sage-grouse all live here. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times for sightings and photography — you’ll want decent tires on the rocky road, as one reviewer said they suffered from two flat tires.
There are tips on horse-watching etiquette to keep in mind from American Wild Horse Conservation. Things like not feeding them are obvious and good reminders, but there’s also advice like turn off your vehicle, don’t alter their behavior in any way by approaching or clicking your tongue for pictures, and more.
Enjoying southwest Wyoming
The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area with a wide river and red dramatic cliffs and hills around it – Sdbower/Getty Images
A main base for exploring White Mountain and the surrounding area could be the town of Rock Springs. There you’ll find plenty of hotel options, a lively downtown with welcoming eateries, and more outdoor adventures a short drive away. The Killpecker Sand Dunes are just north, and are a playground with an ATV, AWD, or sandboard. For history lovers, there’s nearby Boar’s Tusk (a volcanic rock formation) and the ancient White Mountain Petroglyphs. South of town, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is great for fishing, boating, or mountain biking against red rock cliffs and wide western skies. After a day outdoors, unwind with a hearty steak or fresh seafood at a Rock Springs institution like the beloved White Mountain Mining Company Restaurant.
The nearby town of Green River is another option for overnight stays. On the banks of its mighty namesake, this town similarly offers a mix of outdoor adventure and small town charm. Ride mountain bikes on the scenic single-track at Wilkins Peak, float or fish the tranquil river, or stop by Sweetwater County Museum — and any of the aforementioned outdoor spots near Rock Springs. When hunger strikes, grab a hearty steak or burger at Hitching Post Restaurant & Saloon, or the instantly charming and classic Penny’s Diner.
Southwest Wyoming offers rugged freedom without crowds. You’ll find rock art carved into sandstone cliffs by ancient peoples, wild horses running semi-free, and roads that climb toward plateau edges where the horizon opens wide. By day, explore the land, by night, enjoy a local tavern or the hush of the high plains sky. Quiet introspection, wildlife magic, or bold adventure in dramatic landscapes, the White Mountain area delivers a genuine Wyoming experience.
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Read the original article on Explore.