The Salt River Wild Horses

Discover the Magic of the Salt River Wild Horses in The Tonto National Forest Near Mesa, AZ

The Salt River Wild Horses are a beloved and iconic part of the landscape in the Tonto National Forest near Mesa, AZ. These surprisingly beautiful and rugged horses roam freely through the area, delighting visitors and photographers with their wild spirit and stunning beauty. 

According to my research, these horses or Mustangs are thought to be descendants of Spanish horses brought to the area by explorers and settlers centuries ago. Today, they are considered a treasured part of Arizona's heritage and are protected by the state.  In the recent past there has been some major public controversy about protecting and managing the Salt River herd, but that’s a story for another time. From what I have heard, there are approximately 300 of these animals currently in the Tonto National Forest and the population of the herd is actively controlled through humane birth control methods.

Visitors to the area can spot the horses grazing along the banks of the lower Salt River, drinking from the river, or taking a dip in the cool waters. It's not too uncommon to see them playing (and fighting) and interacting with each other, making for a truly memorable experience. 

Personally, I’m still new to finding and photographing the horses. I can share that I have had my best luck seeing them along the Salt river at the Coon Bluff pullout. In the Spring of 2023 during the wild flower super bloom I was able view and photograph them right along Bush Highway heading towards Saguaro lake. It made for some memorable shots with the horses grazing in a field of vibrant blooming wildflowers- see images below. The city of Mesa also provides some free info here on where the horses are currently active.

As far as lenses, it definitely helps to have a zoom lens. This Spring however, I went back and fourth between shooting with a 24-70 kit lens and 50 mm prime lens (nifty fifty) on a Canon EOSR mirrorless. I felt the best images and sharpest images I captured were on the 50 MM lens.

If you want to get up close and personal with the Salt River Wild Horses, I have heard there are some tours available with volunteers from non-profit groups that will take you through the Tonto National Forest or at minimum just share or point you to where the horses are currently active. These tours are led by knowledgeable and friendly volunteer guides who help protect and preserve these animals and will will share their expertise about the horses and the surrounding landscape with the public.

Professional Guided Tours: If you are looking for professional guiding services to locate and photograph these beautiful wild horses please contact me. I don’t do the guided tours myself yet (im getting close) as I still don’t feel I have enough expertise about finding them. However, I do have a few highly regarded local photographers that I can recommend you can contact that do guided tours. The biggest challenge I have found is consistently finding where the many different bands of horses are hanging out currently in the lower Salt river area of the Tonto National Forest. And be forewarned, hiking a mile or more in the desert could be necessary to locate them so you will need to be properly prepared- particular in the summer season where temps can easily soar above 100 degrees.

It's important to note that these horses are wild animals and should be observed and filmed from a safe distance to ensure their safety and well-being- At least 50 feet according to the signs I see. Feeding, touching, or harassing the horses is strictly prohibited. 

So if you're looking to experience the magic of the Salt River Wild Horses, head to the Tonto National Forest near Mesa, AZ, and immerse yourself in the beauty of these stunning creatures. Just be sure to bring your camera and respect the wildness and freedom of these magnificent animals.

 Below are a few Salt River wild horse Photos and some video footage I captured with some additional info about the images. Please click on the images to see full size high resolution versions that are available for sale. Please contact me or comment below if you have any questions . All Images are Copyrighted

Two Salt River horses grazing in a colorful field of Mexican poppies (curtesy of a very wet spring in 2023 ) near Saguaro lake.

This image was captured along Bush highway during the super bloom of 2024 not far from Saguaro Lake.

A band of the Salt River wild horses roaming a wild flower filled hillside in the Tonto National Forest.

A beautiful band of horses taking a drink before crossing the Salt River. You can generally still see fall colors along the river well into late December.

A ruggedly handsome White Mustang crossing the Salt River at early morning time. Wall Art For Sale: You can also purchase a high quality metal print, canvas print, or poster print of this unique sunrise image.

A band of wild horses crossing the Salt River during winter of 2024.

Wall Art For Sale: You can also purchase a high quality metal print, a canvas print, or poster print of this unique wild horse sunrise image.

Early morning crossing on the Salt River in Tonto National Forest near Mesa. Quality Wall Art For Sale: You can also purchase a high quality metal print, canvas print, or poster print of this unique image.

Two horses (both Mares I believe) going at it on a misty morning.

An early morning crossing of the Salt River.

Wild horses foraging for Eel grass in the Salt River Near Mesa.

Horseplay on the Salt River.

These are tough animals. Fighting and other related horse play is fairly common to observe. The Cholla cactus spines stuck on the dark brown or chestnut colored horse are not easy to remove. Even with hands…

Mustang!