Wild About Horses

Enchanting, majestic and noble are just a few of the words used to describe the wild horses of the Lower Salt River.

As you navigate the waters of the Lower Salt River, you'll have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Arizona's wild horses in their natural habitat. You may see them grazing along the riverbanks, wading through the water to drink or cool off, or playfully running across the riverbed. Watching these horses in their natural environment offers a rare, awe-inspiring experience.

How many horses are there?

There are as many as 300 of these magnificent animals, and they roam in families called bands. Their habitat consists of 20,000 acres of Forest Service land, which includes 12 miles of the lower Salt River. Their enigmatic presence is a common sight when visitors are kayaking, paddle boarding, or tubing down the river, as the horses emerge from the surrounding desert to cool off in the water and graze on the underwater foliage called river eelgrass.

Where did the horses come from?

According to historical records, the horses have been living on the Salt River reservation before the National Forest was created in the early 1900s. The wild horses are watched over by the tireless efforts of the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group. This non-profit is dedicated to the freedom and humane management of the wild horses, which has allowed them to live and wander peacefully over the years.

What kind/breed of horses are in the Salt River Valley?

Also known as mustangs, from the Spanish word mustango, which means, "wild, stray, or feral animal," they are thought to be descendants of Spanish Colonial or Iberian horses brought to the Southwest by explorers in the 16th century, like Father Eusebio Keno who came through this area in 1691 and founded 21 missions in Arizona.

Where can you see them?

Where can you see the wild horses?

Before sunrise and after sunset, along the waters of the Tonto National Forest and into the adjacent Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation, visitors have a pretty good chance at catching a glimpse of Arizona’s wild horse population. The following viewpoints require a Tonto Pass or an America The Beautiful Pass to park. These can be purchased at nearby retail vendors or online.

Coon Bluff

Currently, along the banks of the river at Coon Bluff has been the best place to view the wild horses. But you can also catch a glimpse at one of the Tonto Forest recreational sites below:

  • Granite Reef
  • Phon D Sutton
  • Water Users
  • Goldfield
  • Pebble Beach

Before sunrise and after sunset, along the waters of the Tonto National Forest and into the adjacent Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation, visitors have a pretty good chance at catching a glimpse of Arizona’s wild horse population. The following viewpoints require a Tonto Pass or an America The Beautiful Pass to park. These can be purchased at nearby retail vendors or online.

If you are lucky enough to spot a horse or herd when you #VisitMesa, remember to be respectful of their space and natural habitat.

Saguaro Lake Viewpoint

Related Content

About The Author

Visit Mesa Team