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Sand Wash Basin HMA

Tucked away in the remote corners of northwestern Colorado, Sand Wash Basin is a rugged, high-desert haven where wild horses have roamed for generations. Spanning over 150,000 acres of sagebrush plains, rocky outcrops, and rolling hills, this untamed landscape offers a rare glimpse into the raw, unfiltered spirit of the American West.

Here, wild mustangs live as they have for centuries—free, resilient, and beautifully wild. The horses of Sand Wash Basin are a kaleidoscope of color: striking pintos, steel grays, fiery chestnuts, and soft roans. Each horse tells a story written in wind, dust, and lineage that reaches back to Spanish explorers, Native tribes, and the ranching traditions of the early frontier.

Though remote, the basin draws photographers, artists, and adventurers from all walks of life. There are no paved roads, no welcome signs—just wide-open skies, whispering sage, and the chance to witness true freedom in motion.

Dedicated volunteers and advocates work year-round to preserve and protect this living piece of wild history. Their efforts help ensure that future generations can experience the breathtaking sight of a wild herd thundering across the basin, manes flying, eyes bright, and spirits unbroken

Sand Wash Basin isn’t just a place—it’s a reminder that some wild things are worth fighting for.

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Picasso

At the heart of the basin is not just its natural beauty, but the legendary wild horses that call it home—most famously, the charismatic stallion Picasso, whose painted coat and fierce independence made him an icon among wild horse lovers across the world

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