The Herds of the West Desert

First Stop: Swasey Herd Management Area

On the east side of Swasey Peak there’s a very accessible herd — mustangs are often spotted from any main road in the area. From Delta, head west for 12.5 miles until the unsigned Old 6 & 50 is on your right. This road is easy to miss, so prepare with maps or a GPS. Once you turn, the Swasey Herd Management Area will be on your right. Follow this road for just about 28 miles until you reach an intersection with Death Canyon Road. Turn right towards Antelope Spring and U-Dig Fossils. 

These undulating roads will take you up and over knolls and through canyons in the foothills under Swasey Peak. Drive slowly and keep an eye out for mustangs along this stretch. Small ponds form in the depressions between highlands, and horses frequent these water sources. If you come across a watering hole, turn off your car and speak quietly. These oases are a vital part of the ecosystem: Desert species rely on this sparse water for survival, so minimize your impact by treading lightly and packing out everything you brought in with you.

Once you’ve sufficiently explored the backroads in the Swasey foothills, head back south to Old 6 & 50. Continue west across Marjum Pass and through Marjum Canyon, where the narrow canyon walls create shade and allow plant life to flourish. You’ll pass Hermit’s Cabin, a natural cave bordered by slices of rock and old logs. Soot-covered rocks guard the entrance. This historical site is a short walk from the road and is well worth a visit. 

Second Stop: Conger Herd Management Area

As you approach the Conger area, big skies open to sights of the Conger Mountains in the distance and sandy roads weave through juniper-dotted hills. If you catch sight of the herd along the south side of the road, you can watch as the mustangs send up plumes of dust when their hooves pound into the earth, reverberating through the dry land. Wild horses can be incredibly powerful, so always maintain a safe viewing distance and never attempt to approach the herd. 

Continue along Old 6 & 50 for 13 more miles until you reach the Skunk Spring 3 sign. If you want the best chance of sighting the Conger herd, turn left towards Skunk Spring and Conger Spring. These locations are frequented by mustangs, so spending time on these dirt roads will give you the best chance of a sighting. However, these roads splay out in labyrinth-like webs, so Millard County ATV trail maps will be helpful if you intend to take this detour. 

Once you’ve had your fill, return the way you came. Or continue weaving south on dirt roads until you reach US-50, where you can cruise on pavement back to Delta. 

It may take a little effort to spot these wild horses. But it’s well worth the time spent chasing when you catch a glimpse of cream-colored stallions with billowing blonde tails that match the yellowing grass, or chestnut brown and black horses that dash across the valley with ease.