Pilot Butte Wild Horse Loop

The Red Desert spreads endlessly around Pilot Butte, a volcanic remnant rising from sagebrush flats where wild mustangs still roam free. This loop follows BLM roads through some of Wyoming’s most desolate country, circling the butte through terrain that looks more like Mars than the American West. The road quality varies from decent gravel to rutted two-track, with several creek crossings and sandy washes that can catch you off guard. Antelope Creek and Separation Creek provide the main challenges, especially after spring runoff or summer storms.

Moderate difficulty suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles with decent tires, though 4WD is recommended for wet conditions. The area sees extreme temperature swings and sudden weather changes year-round. Carry plenty of water and fuel — services are 80+ miles away in any direction. What makes this worth the isolation is the wildlife: wild horses, pronghorn, sage grouse, and absolute silence broken only by wind. Camp anywhere on BLM land and watch stars like you’ve never seen them.