Rare Horse Sighting on Western Colorado Bookcliffs

For the first time in years I encountered wild horses on the way to Mt. Garfield's summit. Spare yourself the hike and check out a couple of photos.

I haven't seen wild horses on the Bookcliffs in over three years. To date, I've only encountered them once while making the hike up Mt. Garfield. That wouldn't be a big deal, but I make this climb several times per month.

Last Saturday evening, life gifted me with a four hour window during which I didn't have to be anywhere. Look out Mt. Garfield, here I come. On the way up, a couple of hikers mentioned they had seen horses. During the climb, the horses and I didn't cross paths. On the way down, though, our routes converged.

Midway down the trail I spotted them at the plateau just east of Mt. Garfield. This is almost the same spot where I encountered horses three years ago. There were two horses, both hanging out just west of the trail.

I like to let things be. Why not just admire from afar? In this case, though, they were only a few feet from the trail. Oddly, or least strange in my mind, they didn't mind my passing by. They gave me a look, and then like most people and things, ignored me.

Check out the video below. This was shot from the point when I first spotted them. Okay, so it's a long way away. It seemed best to leave them alone. Check out the tan colored horse rolling on the ground at right.

It made my weekend to spot horses on the Bookcliffs again. It's probably no big deal, and not that uncommon, but I certainly enjoyed it. If you get a chance, make the hike. The time is right. Temperatures are perfect, weather is cooperating, and you still have plenty of daylight hours available.