Gila River wild horses leave drivers in the dust

A herd of wild horses running in the chilly Wednesday-morning weather caused commuters on State Route 347 to stop or slow to take a look near the Gila River Bridge. 

More than 100 horses were seen at about noon under the bridge. Drivers stopped along the shoulder to take photos and videos before the herd left them in the dust. 

The bridge, just south of the entrance to the Gila River Sand and Gravel plant, is a hotspot for the herd. They can be seen there often as they travel under the bridge to cross State Route 347. 

However, the horses are wild and roam the surrounding desert landscape. They can be seen near Riggs Road, Casa Blanca and even in front of Pima Butte, also known as “M” mountain. 

Related: Wild horses still run in desert near Maricopa – InMaricopa 

In 2010, there were an estimated 600 to 1,000 horses roaming the Gila River Reservation, mostly in packs of five or fewer. However, three larger packs of more than 25 each often roam the area.  

Among the packs: 

• The Pima Butte herd roams Pima Butte to just east of I-10. They cross back and forth under the SR347 Gila River Bridge and usually are spotted along SR347.
• The Gila Butte herd roams east of Interstate 10 from Gila Butte to Goodyear Village and can be observed on any given day. 
• The Estrella herd roams mostly in the scrub-mesquite growth along Santa Cruz Wash and the Estrella Range. This herd can be seen only sporadically along Beltline Road. It is the largest of the three packs, never coming in contact with humans. If the herd is spotted, it’s usually taking water from the irrigation canals. They raise a dust cloud when in motion.

View a video of the horses below: