Piceance-East Douglas HMA

Facility · Colorado ·

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management

White River Field Office (Bureau of Land Management CO) · Open Access

6,508 ft
Elevation
This 190,000-acre location is host to numerous activities on the public land from mining to oil drilling to livestock grazing. Of particular note is the herd of wild horses, which gives the area its special designation. Horses within the HMA are similar in size and temperament to quarter horses, and some resemble workhorses. Typical colors are bay, gray, sorrel and black. A few horses are also other colors like roan and buckskin. To ensure that future generations can enjoy these majestic animals, the herd’s size is kept between 135 and 235 animals following current best management practices. In addition to the wild horses, there are numerous opportunities to view other local wildlife including pronghorn, mule deer, elk, badger, snowshoe hare and various upland bird species.

Getting there

From Rifle CO, follow Highway 13 to Piceance Creek Rd (CR-5). Follow CR-5 until you reach Ryan Gulch Road (#24).

40.05664, -108.29962 · 40°3'23.9"N 108°17'58.6"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 86°F in Jul, down to 34°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F343950586879868476634835
Low °F6132228354148463827198
Precip in1.21.01.22.01.81.01.11.41.81.71.31.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 20.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Piceance-East Douglas HMA

Can you reserve a site at Piceance-East Douglas HMA?
No. Piceance-East Douglas HMA is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Piceance-East Douglas HMA

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Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.