Wild Horses & More! Pryor Mountains
- Categories:
- Watchable Wildlife, Things to Do, Scenic Drives, Sightseeing and Scenic Tours
- Keywords:
- General info
-
In the extreme southeast corner of Carbon County you’ll find one of the last remaining herds of wild horses in the country. The 44,000 acre Pryor Mountains National Wild Horse Range was set aside by the Secretary of the Interior in 1968.
Theories of where these horses originated are varied. Some believe they are descendants of those brought to the region by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Others believe they are escaped from domestic herds of local ranchers. Probably, they are a mix of both. Common mustang social units form around a dominant stud, his harem of mares, and their foals.
Getting to them isn’t easy, but the trip is worth it. The best route through Montana is via Hwy 310 south out of Laurel. Follow that for 50 miles to Warren. Another 20 miles of gravel road will put you in the canyons of the Pryors.
If you want to go the whole way on paved road, continue on past Warren to Lovell, WY. Just on the east side of town you’ll see the turnoff to Hwy. 37. Follow this to the Bighorn Recreation area. If you are more adventurous you can take the turnoff to Barry’s Landing.
While exploring this area, watch for Bighorn sheep. They have been restocked in the
Wild Horses & More! Pryor Mountains