Boondocking and Wild Horses in Idaho
Boondocking and Wild Horses in Idaho
We’ve only been in Idaho a few days, and I already have several blog posts worth of stuff. First up, Boondocking and Wild Horses in Idaho.
We left Utah on Wednesday, and by the time we had everything loaded, and ready to go it was already noon. We planned on going half way, mostly because driving through the wasatch front is a complete and total nightmare. You have to get way north of Ogden before the masses and hoards of people get semi tolerable. So, knowing this we planned on over nighting in Blackfoot, Idaho at the Fort Hall casino. We’ve stayed here before, and while it’s nothing to write home about, it’s a good mid way stopping point.
We had a general idea of where we wanted to end up, so we took off Thursday morning and headed that way. We’ve done this drive through Idaho a few times. Highway 26 takes you through Arco, and past the Craters of the moon national monument. This is a very remote, and barren part of the state, with a uniqueness all it’s own. We then turned onto highway 93 towards Mackey. We stayed in this area a few years ago, and it is very nice. Rural, farms, rivers, and mountains. North of Mackey was our destination, the Challis wild horse HMA. We found a remote, peaceful, no people spot to boondock.
This part of Idaho is great because there is free camping all over the place. The eastern part of the state is a little harder to boondock, simply because it’s all private ground. Acres, and miles of potato and wheat fields.
We got set up and went driving to try and find the horses. Since this is a whole new area for us, we didn’t really know where to find them, or even if we would. We didn’t find them, but the drive was gorgeous. Such an amazing landscape. That evening we went in a different direction, and came across three bachelor stallions.
I wasn’t sure how they would react, because I’m pretty sure they don’t see people very much. When I started walking out to were they were, they stopped and tried to figure out what I was all about. They seemed a little spooky, so I stopped walking so they wouldn’t feel threatened. That did the trick, and curiosity got the better of them.
The black stallion was amazingly beautiful, and he was more interested in me than the other two.
Al caught up to me, and was watching through binoculars. That white spot way off in the distance, is our RV.
This guy was big and stocky.
I took photos until the sun went behind the mountain. It was only 3 horses, certainly not what I’m used to seeing, but I was glad to at least see them.
Come back tomorrow for more adventure.
Good morning Mary!
This as you know, is a HUGE treat for me. It’s Sunday morning, it’s windy and cold outside for the 25th of June, but you have transported me to the ethereal place I love to be: with the horses. Those guys are charming as all get out; three young guys feeling their oats and eating them too (teehee) and IF any females just happen to be by, you know how this story will continue! That black stallion is GORGEOUS and his stocky friend and other pal are cute as can be.
Oh, when I think of how silent the open area must be where you go, to think of the musty but fresh smelling air you must smell, it all takes me back to summer. As always, I await to see more!!!
The complete silence, the fresh air, all of it is just what we need.
Those three look very good! Glad you found them and thank you for sharing.
Hello, you found a wonderful spot to camp. The views are gorgeous. I love the wild horses, especially the beautiful black stallion. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day and the new week ahead!
Beautiful stallions. Maybe they’ll lead you to the rest of the herd eventually? Beautiful area too.
Hi Mary,
Great shots and wonderful location. We can not wait until we can travel to your area and enjoy the Boondocking. Rv won’t be ready to travel until about the end of this year hopefully. The 4X4 chassis has not yet arrived from Germany.
Lloyd
I hope you make it out this way. So much to see, and such beautiful country.
How wonderful – I know you’re back in your element. We really wanted to explore that part of Idaho last year …. but … let’s just say, things didn’t go according to plan. Perhaps next year. Keep those awesome photos coming!
So good for the soul. Thank you for being such an amazing photographer, Mary.
You got some wonderful shots. I love how you respect the horses and worry about their comfort.
What an experience! Those pictures are spectacular.
Thanks so much. I love to photograph wild horses, where ever I can find them.
Amazing photos! We do a trip to Montana each year and love it, so I found this an interesting post.
Thanks so much. I love Montana too. We were there quite a bit last summer.
Was hanging out at Susie’s party and thought I’d check out your travels. Wow! Your road trip looks and sounds like so much fun. The horses and those pics were so great!