Boise, ID

My husband and I enjoy off-roading in our Toyota Tacoma. What we love best is to explore places we’ve never been to before. Of course the more mud the better in my husband’s opinion. The foothills surrounding the Treasure Valley here in Boise are awesome for off-roading, dirt biking, and four-wheeling. There are literally hundreds of places to go.

One of my favorite off-roading trips is a wild horse run just south of Homedale and Marsing. We first discovered it in February and just revisited it again last weekend. Our adventure always starts outside of Marsing just past Mile Marker 8 on Highway 95. I say Mile Marker 8 because the road is not marked—just a dirt road off to the right. The road is technically called Sands Basin Road, but you wouldn’t know it as there is no sign marking it (although it is marked on Idaho recreational maps that are available at most truck stops and gas stations).

We stay on the Sands Basin Road until it comes out near Jump Creek between Marsing and Homedale (about 10 miles total). It is a nice loop that takes you right through the heart of wild horse country.

When you first turn off Highway 95 onto Sands Basin Road, you don’t enter the Herd Management Area until after about 3.5 to 4 miles. You’ll know you’re there once you see a small sign that says ‘Wild Horse Herd Management Area.’ The first time we visited this area we followed a two-track on the right just past the sign, which eventually loops back onto Sands Basin Road. It was off this two-track that we first came upon the wild horses.

I have always been a horse-lover and this was an amazing experience for me. There is just something truly magnificent about watching these wild horses running free over the high desert of the Owyhees with the wind blowing through their manes and tails. Their nostrils flared. Their heads held high, arched above their muscled necks and strong bodies. They represent all that is good about the Wild West.

During our first trip to Sands Basin we came upon the herd just after two babies had been born. It was amazing to watch these colts try to stand on their wobbly legs. You could also easily tell who the stallion of the herd was as he constantly pranced around the mares, eying us warily. Our nine-year-old son was absolutely enthralled with him.

I recently learned that the Sands Basin Wild Horse Herd is one of three herds running free in the Owyhee Mountains. The other two herds are located near Murphy off of Highway 78. There are about 200 horses total living along the Owyhee Front.

I realize not everyone may enjoy the rocky, sage brush-covered Owyhees as much I do. But you can’t help but admire the view. You can see for miles around, all the way across the Treasure Valley, Boise, and the mountains beyond. I also enjoy exploring all the canyons and rock formations found in the Owyhees. It is still truly the Old West. In fact, one of the neat things about the trip along Sands Basin Road is it goes by an old, abandoned coach house before coming out by Jump Creek Canyon. Then, to get back to Marsing, you take Jump Creek Road to Cemetery Road, which puts you back on Highway 95.

If you too want to catch a glimpse of the wild horses in their natural habitat, I recommend an off-road trip to the Owyhees. You’ll want a vehicle with four-wheel drive though. You’ll also need a pair of binoculars and some good walking shoes. Sometimes these are necessary to locate the herd as they have a huge roaming area and can’t always be seen from Sands Basin Road. If you are lucky enough to see the wild horses on your trip, be sure to give them their space and enjoy them from a safe distance. They are still wild animals and can be unpredictable.

I also recommend only going when the ground is either frozen or dry. When it is wet and muddy it is very easy to get stuck. Also, always go with friends—and a tow-strap—just in case you get stuck. Be sure to pack along some water and a first-aid kit, as well as some snacks. The total Sands Basin loop takes about two hours depending on how much stopping you do. You will definitely want to take your camera—and a recreational map is handy. The summer can be quite hot and isn’t a good time to visit. Also during the summer you have to watch out for rattle snakes!

For more Idaho wild horse information, contact BLM’s Boise District Office at (208) 384-3300 or visit their website at www.blm.gov.