(Information and graphics courtesy of BLM, Colorado
District Office)
When traveling to the Little Bookcliffs area on Winter Flats Road, you will
drive through an extensive area of colorful sculptured badlands. A
spectacular view of the Grand Valley can be seen from the cliff line that
forms the southwestern boundary of the wild horse range. Don't miss the
"Goblins" along Dry Fork Road.
There is a monument to Velma B. "Wild Horse Annie" Johnston at Indian Park.
With the passage of the 1959 "Wild Horse Annie Act", thousands of Americans
became aware of the plight of the west's wild horses and burros. In 1971,
Congress passed the "Wild, Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act" because of
Velma's continued efforts and school age children writing to their
congressmen. Little Bookcliffs is one of three herd management areas
dedicated to the memory of "Wild Horse Annie".
Today the majority of horses within the Little Bookcliffs area are
descendants of horses escaped or abandoned by local ranchers, migrating
farmers and miners. There are some horses whose ancestry has been traced back
to indian ponies, and small amounts of Spanish barb blood can be found in
present day herds.
Go approximately 20 miles west of DeBeque. Access through DeBeque on Dry Fork Road or Winter Flats. For additional maps or further information about this area, contact the Grand Junction Resource Area Office.
Bands of Color
The herd runs from 110 to 120 head. Bays, blacks and sorrels are dominant.
Mixtures of grays, pintos, roans, buckskins, browns and palominos can also be
seen.
Size
The horses are typically 13 to 15 hands high; weight 800 to 900 pounds
Habitat
This wild horse area encompasses 30,261 acres of rugged canyons and
plateaus. Elevations vary from 5,000 to 7,421 feet. Climate is semiarid;
droughts are common.
Wildlife
Wintering mule deer, elk, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, bald eagles,
hawks, owls, peregrine falcons and golden eagles can be found in the Little
Bookcliffs.
Spring and Summer
Beware of frequent summer thunderstorms that can result in flash flood
conditions. Roads become slick from rain storms and impassable, even with
chains.
Winter Places
Coal Canyon and Main Canyon are excellent viewing areas. Gates into Coal
Canyon are closed to vehicles from December 1 through May 31 during the
foaling season and for wildlife protection.
Best Chance for Viewing
Park your vehicles and horse trailers at the Coal Canyon Trailhead
entrance. You will probably see wild horses around that vicinity, in the
North Soda area and around Indian Park. Please keep a respectful distance
from the horses so as not to disturb them.
Best Travel
There are many hiking, horseback and four-wheel drive trails in this area.
You must stay on designated roads and trails to protect fragile vegetation and
soils, especially in the Wilderness Study Area.
This is not a BLM operated or BLM sponsored site. It
is run by private wild horse and burro enthusiasts. We are thankful to the
BLM for providing the information which is presented here.
|