KBR Wild Horse and Burro Information Sheet

  CEDAR MOUNTAIN HERD MANAGEMENT AREA

Information and map courtesy of BLM, Salt Lake District Office.
Photo by Janet Tipton

The Cedar Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) is located 50 miles west of Salt Lake City. The HMA extends from Hastings Pass southward to the Dugway Proving Grounds and contains 179,584 acres of Federal, State and privately owned lands.

The vegetation on the upper elevation of the Cedar Mountains is comprised of junipers. The foothill and valley regions include mixed desert shrubs. Due to range fires during the past 10 years, the area is dominated by cheatgrass.

Wild horses have occupied the Cedar Mountains since the late 1800s. It is suggested that the original stock was controlled by the Standard Horse and Mule Company that provided remounts for the U.S. Army. However, many of the horses on the Cedar Mountains are descendants of horses that were turned loose or escaped from nearby ranches.

The dominant colors within the herd area are bay and black. Other colors found are sorrel, red and blue roan, buckskin, gray, palomino, and pinto.

The wild horses on the Cedars are classified as average in size. Mares weigh 750 to 800 pounds and stallions weigh 850 to 1000 pounds.

A December 1991 aerial survey counted 444 horses. Of these, 372 were adult animals and 72 were foals.

  BEST OPPORTUNITY FOR VIEWING

Take I-80 40 miles west of Salt Lake City to the Dugway Rd. exit (exit 77). Travel south approximately 17 miles to the Skull Valley Ranch. At the south end of the ranch, turn west at the BLM sign marked "Rydalch Pass - Eight Mile Spring." Proceed west approximately one mile to another BLM sign marked "Rydalch" and turn left. Travel across Skull Valley 14 miles to the Cedar Mountains. Horses can be viewed along the east or west side of the Cedars south to the Dugway Proving Grounds fence, north to Hastings Pass. Do not enter the military area without permission!

  SPECIAL TRAVEL CONDITIONS

Road conditions along the Rydalch Road are influenced by moisture. Roads in the Cedars are very slick and muddy when wet, and dusty during extended dry periods. When dry, the Rydalch Road can be driven by a medium profile vehicle, although side roads can be hazardous. When wet, high clearance vehicles are recommended on all Cedar Mountain roads. (Check with the Salt Lake District Office at (801) 977-4300 for up to date access and road conditions.)

Wild horses are naturally wary. They are best viewed with binoculars at a distance. When approached, they will normally spook and run for cover.

Photo Collage of Cedar Mountain Horses

Cedar Mountain Wild Horse Rescues!

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.

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