(2011.MAY.22) - Siegel Creek Band

Siegel Creek, far up in the High Schells Wilderness, is inaccessible throughout most of the year.  Today, we were able to cross numerous water-gorged wash-outs, with the use of a high suspension 4-wheel drive vehicle.  The way is steep, and the road is deeply washed in several places.

(Not recommended to the inexperienced rough terrain driver.)

High precipitation and melting snow have produced a lush and verdant landscape, resplendent with new wildflowers. Forage is extremely plentiful, and the deciduous trees and shrubs are just beginning to show buds. Evidence of large game is abundant, though we saw only tracks and scat, as the animals have probably heard us coming slowly along the muddy trail, and taken cover.  Along our two-hour tour we encountered rain, snow, sleet, hail, and finally, a few rays of sunshine as we descended back into the canyon .



Survivors of January's Antelope Complex roundup are safe in their

high country home in the Schell Creek Mountains. 



Two known bands of wild horses in this isolated range are yet unaccounted for. That does not mean they are gone forever; most of the mountain remains inaccessible at this time, and stormy weather has likely driven most wildlife into the shelter of  mahogany thickets and aspen groves.

Archive Photo: Bachelor Stallions of Siegel Creek (2010.AUG.22)

Come! Ride along with me on a journey that is sure to impact your perception of horses in the wild!

PhotoRover@GreatBasinLife.com



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Schellbourne Pass Band Of Wild Horses

(2011.APR.30)

The day is cold and overcast, with intermittent light snow flurries.

Schellbourne Pass is a high thoroughfare crossing the Schell Creek Mountains between Steptoe Valley to the west, and Spring Valley to the east, along the old Pony Express Route.

The wide, well-compacted dirt road is steep and winding, passable throughout the year, but may require 4WD or chains in winter.

A small creek runs parallel to the road, at the bottom of a very deep canyon. It feeds a series of small pools all year round.

An abundance of wildlife may be seen here, including deer, elk, and predators.

 
Cattle typically graze along the narrow creek banks during the summer.
Some of this land is privately owned.

One small band of wild horses ranges from one end of the canyon to another,

This band consists of one stallion, three mares, and a near-yearling colt. They are newly arrived in this canyon, and currently occupy a small territory formerly inhabited by a different band.  I will continue searching for the old band, even as I am concerned they were taken in the roundup operation of January, 2011.