Sightsee like never before in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest, where wild horses roam free, for an unforgettable family reunion
Picture this: a mare and foal amble serenely along in a shallow stream, their strong, elegant outlines rippling in the afternoon sunlight. In the distance, the rest of the herd frolics and basks in the hot but comforting heat of the desert sunset. You can experience this magical moment during Salt River horse viewing in Mesa, Arizona, and the Tonto National Forest for an unforgettable family reunion.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll take you through the best places and times for viewing and epic photography, as well as provide intriguing information about these majestic creatures. We also advise how to observe the Arizonan treasures responsibly, gaining appreciation and respect for their rich, fascinating history.
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Why Salt River Horse Viewing is So Special
Salt River horse viewing offers magnificent glimpses of wild mustang herds galloping under a vast sky. They are not only a lasting symbol of the American West, but they are powerful historical, national and natural symbols of our country’s heritage.
Today, in the picturesque landscape of the Salt River in Mesa, Arizona, visitors are graced with a unique opportunity to encounter mustangs in the Sonoran Desert’s riparian corridor, where these wild herds are protected and roam freely.
But who are these special horses, where did they come from and why are they so remarkable?
Mustang History & Fascinating Facts
Although the animals are widely referred to as “wild horses” or “wild mustangs,” they are actually feral, having descended from once-domesticated animals. All mustangs are particularly surefooted and have great stamina; you may spot them in herds in rougher terrain, probably travelling in a herd of six to eight. Aesthetically, mustangs in Arizona are typically smaller in stature (at most 64 inches tall) and often eat desert plants as a tight-knit herd.
Where did Arizona’s wild mustangs come from?
The ecological significance is deeply tied to the horses’ cultural status. The prehistory of the mustang has sparked key debates regarding how we define ‘native’ species and how to protect them. Although they originated in North America 55 million years ago, they became extinct in the US by the end of the Ice Age. The mustang descended from horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish conquistadors and was therefore reintroduced to the continent long after extinction.
For this reason, the Arizona mustangs are a must-see for anyone interested in their conservation efforts and to gain a newfound perspective of the wild horses as a living legacy of American history.
Wild Horse Conservation History & Efforts
Modern mustangs are quite varied due to interactions with other horse breeds introduced to the Americas. In the Gila and Salt River regions of Arizona, the mustangs formed free-roaming herds and adapted to the arid Sonoran Desert landscape.
A wild and storied past
Due to habitat loss in urban areas, development and resource extraction have encroached on the natural environments of the Salt River region, threatening the ecosystem and its habitats. Moreover, several past government policies have compromised the mustangs.
The Taylor Grazing Act of 1934 regulated grazing on public lands to prevent environmental degradation. Although the primary purpose was to issue permits for cattle and sheep ranching, since mustangs are viewed as wild horses by law, this led to the removal of mustangs to prevent overgrazing. America’s mustang population dropped to an estimated 25,000 by 1950.
In 1959, public outcry over the harsh treatment of wild horses, such as the mustangs, led to the abandonment of cruel capture methods used to relocate or remove them by motor vehicles. Then, in 1971, the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act allowed the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to protect and manage wild horse herds on administered lands and created Herd Management Areas.
Today, there are approximately 300 horses in the herd, which the BLM protects. Mustang herd sizes can multiply by over 20% every year, straining the availability of
resources. Nonprofit organizations employ humane methods to compassionately relocate aging and injured horses to sanctuaries, reducing the number of births from 100 foals annually to just two by using fertility control.
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GUIDE TO SALT RIVER HORSE VIEWING
Although viewing the Salt River wild horses can be unpredictable at times, as they mainly roam free around Arizona’s Tonto National Forest, this guide will help you choose a location within the national forest from a range of options for unique experiences.
Greatest Accessibility
The Lower Salt River Recreation Area is not only the most accessible location for viewing Salt River wild horses, but it is also widely regarded as the most effective. To reach this location, exit from Highway 87 North and find a comfortable spot in a field or the hills to view the horses. The Lower Salt River Recreation Area is best for individuals with mobility issues or those who prefer not to navigate the desert terrain.
Well-Rounded Day Trips
The Blue Point Recreation Area offers an alternative way to access the Lower Salt River, along with activities such as river tubing, hiking, and paddleboarding. While you can also enjoy Salt Riverhorse viewing from this location, it can be crowded during peak season, as numerous recreational activities are offered. If you’re on a tight one-day schedule, then the Blue Point Recreation Area may be the better fit for your travel needs!
Immersive Wildlife Experiences
Coon Bluff Campground offers a convenient option to view Salt River wild horses and birds. Groups can also enjoy camping with its very convenient facilities. This spot provides fantastic opportunities for wildlife lovers. For those wishing to view the incredible river landscape and learn more about wildlife, the Coon Bluff Campground is an excellent option.
3 Additional Activities in Tonto National Forest
When visiting Tonto National Forest, there are numerous activities to explore apart from wild mustang viewing, including kayaking, tubing and hiking. Below are a few ideas that make perfect additions to family trips.
- Kayaking on the Salt River is a calming and scenic experience, especially for inexperienced kayakers, thanks to its gentle current and serene atmosphere. Rent a kayak and drift with the view of a wild mustang grazing along the riverbanks.
- River tubing can either be done through securing a rental or independently. For example, Arizona’s Salt River Tubing & Recreation operates from May to September, providing a rental tube and shuttle for a nominal fee. You can bond with all generations of your family during this experience by tying your tubes together with rope, bringing waterproof speakers, and packing snacks for everyone to enjoy.
- Hiking and biking trails nearby can also offer an up-close view of the wild mustangs on the same trails. Popular hiking trails include the trail connecting Phon D Sutton to Coon Bluff, a long trail spanning different difficulties along the way.
Plan Your Visit
Follow these guidelines for a streamlined and successful family reunion in Arizona’s Salt River region. We cover the right time of year down to the ideal time of day, along with what you need to access Tonto National Forest, safety and conservation tips, and photography best practices.
Ideal Time of Day & Seasons
The best time of day for exceptional Salt River horse viewing is in the early morning (dawn), just after sunrise, and late afternoon (dusk), just before sunset. These are cooler times of the day, which make the viewing experience much more comfortable but are also aligned with the horses’ grazing patterns. At these times, you could snap amazing photos of mustangs crossing the river or drinking water with great natural lighting.
An ideal time of year is generally spring, as the horses are very active and graze in open fields and hills, the wildflowers are blooming, and the weather is perfectly mild for viewers. Visiting in the fall is also a great time, because the river flows are lower, which can help you capture incredible images of herds crossing rocky creeks and riverbeds.
Access to Salt River Horse Viewing
To enter the Lower Salt River region, where the Arizona wild mustangs frequent, you will need access to the Tonto National Forest and into the adjacent Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation. To park in the Tonto National Forest, you need to purchase a Tonto Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass at nearby retail vendors or online.
3 Key Safety Considerations
As the wild mustangs are a protected species of horse, it is essential to respect the environment and their well-being when viewing them. To do your part in keeping them healthy and safe, please do the following whenever you visit:
- Keep your distance: Stay at least 50 feet from any wild horse to avoid disturbing, stressing or provoking them with noise or sudden movement. Any wild horse can be unpredictable and might flail, kick, or run suddenly when stressed, so this is for your safety and the horse’s.
- Don’t feed wildlife: Avoid feeding wild horses, even if visitors have good intentions, as it could pose a danger to them. They may not be able to digest certain foods, leading to discomfort or digestive issues.
- Leave No Trace: If you pack it in, pack it out. Leaving garbage and uneaten food in the mustangs’ natural habitat can be harmful to the animals and the environment.
5 Photography & Viewing Experience Tips
- Be patient and still while viewing and taking photos of the wild mustangs to avoid disturbing their natural behavior and well-being.
- Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for your camera to capture the moment best while adhering to ethical viewing.
- Prepare for outdoor conditions. Depending on when you visit, the outdoors in the Tonto National Forest can be harsh, so prepare well for your viewing experience by packing plenty of sunscreen, water, food, and dressing appropriately.
- Support wild horse conservation in Arizona by donating or volunteering if you’d like to help. Get involved with the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group to learn how to help protect Arizona’s wild horses.
- Be careful near Bush Highway, especially early mornings when traffic is heavy and visibility is limited; however, do be aware of your surroundings when taking photos on the dirt pullout next to the highway.
No matter why you’re gathering with generations of loved ones or what time of the year you choose, a family reunion that includes Salt River horse viewing and Tonto National Forest adventures will be one for the family history books.
Find more information with Visit Mesa’s Guide to Salt River Wild Horses in Mesa, AZ.
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By Kristy Chan, Contributing Writer
All images credited to the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group Facebook
