The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area
The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area
The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area
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Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.0
37 reviews
Excellent
19
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11
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5
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Laura D
Downers Grove, IL99 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
We were visiting a college in Grand Junction and had about 7 hours until our flight back to Chicago. I had seen this place on trip advisor and thought my daughter would love it. You have to go on their website and get the specific driving directions or you will never find it. It is literally 4 minutes from I70. Once we parked and figured out that we needed to go through the "locked" gate- which really meant it was secured so that the gate was not left open. Don't panic and think you can't go in. Once we were in we started hiking and expected to see horses right away. That did not happen, The trails are a bit hard to track in the summer because everything is dry and looks like it could be a trail. Don't panic, just follow the creek bed and you will be fine. There was horse poop everywhere and we knew they were around but it was summer and the creek was dried up. We walked about 2 miles and thought we heard a noise. We kept walking and then spotted one horse up on the mountain. while we were staring at it and taking photos we didn't notice the other mustang to our immediate right! We followed him for a bit and took many photos. He didn't seem to care that we were there, but these are wild animals so don't try and pet them or get super close. As we walked back we found two more and got a few more photos. It was super cool to see wild horses in their element. So glad we did this! It was about 2 hours total we spent there.
Written August 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen_BE
Antwerp, Belgium383 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
I didn't know what to do with the very last day of my holiday and stumbled onto Little Book Cliffs on TA. And I'm very glad I did.
Just take exit 46 on the I-70 (Cameo) and drive past the plant onto a gravel road. It looks bumpy and it is but I was able to do it with a normal car so I'm sure anyone can as long as it hasn't been raining or snowing. Drive up until the end of the road and you'll find the parking lot and info on the trails.
I have no idea if there's anywhere you can drive through the area but I just recommend to hike. Be careful though: there are no clear signs and I nearly got lost. There are so many hoof prints that it's easy to lose track of the human foot prints...Luckily a local on horseback was able to point me back to the parking lot.
Anyway I took the main trail up until the split where I turned into the creek bed from which I then retraced my steps. I saw 2 groups of wild horses: three of them against the canyon wall about 30 minutes in (quite far, say 50 meters) but then as I was walking back there was another 6 of them standing right on the trail (and this is where I got lost, not wanting to stay on the trail and disturb them). They were very calm and I was able to get very closed. Do mind these are wild animals though so do not try to befriend them.
Just take exit 46 on the I-70 (Cameo) and drive past the plant onto a gravel road. It looks bumpy and it is but I was able to do it with a normal car so I'm sure anyone can as long as it hasn't been raining or snowing. Drive up until the end of the road and you'll find the parking lot and info on the trails.
I have no idea if there's anywhere you can drive through the area but I just recommend to hike. Be careful though: there are no clear signs and I nearly got lost. There are so many hoof prints that it's easy to lose track of the human foot prints...Luckily a local on horseback was able to point me back to the parking lot.
Anyway I took the main trail up until the split where I turned into the creek bed from which I then retraced my steps. I saw 2 groups of wild horses: three of them against the canyon wall about 30 minutes in (quite far, say 50 meters) but then as I was walking back there was another 6 of them standing right on the trail (and this is where I got lost, not wanting to stay on the trail and disturb them). They were very calm and I was able to get very closed. Do mind these are wild animals though so do not try to befriend them.
Written October 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa R
Denver, CO104 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
We did see wild horses, and that was our goal, but we were not prepared to have to drive into the park so far. We probably did not research it enough, but it was an hour or more in and then another hour out. Make sure your gas tank is full and that you have plenty of water!
Written June 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leahb908
East Troy, WI343 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
We entered via the Cameo entrance and saw two herds right away. We enjoyed watching them for quite some time and then continued on past them.
As other reviewers have said, the signage is almost nonexistent. I had a map with me but was still concerned about getting lost. After a while the horse trails are impossible to distinguish from the human trails.
We brought a few ticks home with us so beware of that. Pretty sure we picked them up while walking the creek bed area.
As other reviewers have said, the signage is almost nonexistent. I had a map with me but was still concerned about getting lost. After a while the horse trails are impossible to distinguish from the human trails.
We brought a few ticks home with us so beware of that. Pretty sure we picked them up while walking the creek bed area.
Written April 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rita B
2,914 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
Driving out past Cameo, you take a dirt road out to the trailhead parking. After May 1, there is a gate you can drive through so lessen the hike. It is closed in the spring when the foals are born.
To me, the excitement of this hike is seeing the wild horses. The scenery is less spectacular than most of the other hiking trails in the area - and it is hot except in the winter (when it is icy). So take a lot of water and take your camera. It is pretty exciting when you come upon a horse or a small herd of horses. I am reminded how big they are! And don't get too close or you might spook them, they are wild!
The trails are not well marked - every time we have gone out trying to do one trail or a loop, we end up getting tired and turning around.
To me, the excitement of this hike is seeing the wild horses. The scenery is less spectacular than most of the other hiking trails in the area - and it is hot except in the winter (when it is icy). So take a lot of water and take your camera. It is pretty exciting when you come upon a horse or a small herd of horses. I am reminded how big they are! And don't get too close or you might spook them, they are wild!
The trails are not well marked - every time we have gone out trying to do one trail or a loop, we end up getting tired and turning around.
Written April 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl H
Wichita, KS72 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
It's difficult for me to properly rate this attraction as we couldn't experience the whole area. We don't have a four wheel drive vehicle and even with trekking poles I'm not a great hiker.
That said, we picked up the map at the BLM and headed out. We were able to walk up the gravel path and go through the walk in gate to look into the valley. We walked to the northeast about 1/2 mile along the lip of the canyon and were able to see two mares with foals about 300 yards up the canyon. We watched them till they grazed out of site and headed back to the car. Well worth the effort.
That said, we picked up the map at the BLM and headed out. We were able to walk up the gravel path and go through the walk in gate to look into the valley. We walked to the northeast about 1/2 mile along the lip of the canyon and were able to see two mares with foals about 300 yards up the canyon. We watched them till they grazed out of site and headed back to the car. Well worth the effort.
Written August 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ckaep
Craig125 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
There are a plethora of trails available from easy to difficult. If you go, best is spring or fall. when it isn't so hot. Go early. You will not only see horses! We were lucky enough to see mountain goats, various birds and plenty of rabbits. It is a high-desert topography. Take plenty of water and sunscreen!
Written June 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karmalita
Boulder, CO82 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
This is one of only 3 areas in the United States set aside for wild horses - and we were not disappointed. Since the horses are wild, you never know if you will see them or where you might see them (we were actually lucky enough to see them as soon as we drove into the parking area, but don't count on this). This Coal Canyon entrance is supposed to be a good place to see the horses in the winter, but our visit in early May proved to be a great time. We were so delighted to see a group of 6-7 horses throughout our entire hike, and at one point the horses came very close to us (these are wild animals so never approach them & give them plenty of distance if they wander close to you). There are both hiking and equestrian trails in this area; just make sure you take plenty of water, and know that it's easy to wander off on some wrong trail if you're not paying attention.
Written May 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maui R
1 contribution
May 2017
Best during the spring, more likely to see the wild horses. This hike is truly unique, dry, not difficult, there is one hill to climb at the beginning then you can continue on a fairly flat wash for a long while.
Written April 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tiburondelnorte
whitewater colorado309 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
STAY AWAY! i like going there when I'm alone or with small groups. Seriously, folks, this is desert-hiking/sojourning which usually is "solitary." I've seen the wild beasties about half the times I've gone. HOT in summer, of course -- but three seasons per year the hikin' is much easier and enjoyable.
Written August 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are disabled seniors so hiking is not a can do thing. Is there any chance that you might see horses without hiking or is it necessary to hike in? Is it worth the time if you can not hike?
Written August 29, 2019
Very unlikely that horses would be near the parking lot. A quarter mile uphill hike to the ridge overlooking the river valley might allow you to see some horses, but they will be distant. You would need to hike down into the valley and along the trails to increase your good viewing chances.
Written August 29, 2019
How many pony?
please? must know for science school.
Written May 28, 2016
Sorry, no trail map. Stop in the town of Palisade off I-70 and visit one of the local wine houses and ask directions.
Written September 8, 2015
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