Horseshoe Springs Wildlife Management Area

Last week we headed way out west to Horseshoe Springs Wildlife Management Area in order to keep social distance during our Spring Break. Horseshoe Springs is a small area that is great for walking a short trail, fishing, wading in the water, and learning a little history.

The color of the water is so pretty.

Horseshoe Springs is actually shaped like a horseshoe. The trail walks along the edge of the springs, and we wandered around in the open space admiring the beautiful blue water. The water stays warm, but not super hot like a hot springs. The average temperature is 70, and we read that in the winter it was down near 60. Our boys didn’t mind putting their feet in and wading for a bit.

There is a small log to cross to get to the trail.
The trail walks right along the water as it follows the horseshoe shape.
Our boys were thrilled that we let them wade in the water.

The trail is only about 1/3 of a mile. We didn’t see much wildlife, but we did see some small fish in the water. The water is very clear and shallow in most areas, but there are some deep sections, so be careful if you allow your children to get in.

The water is so clear. You can see all the little fish and plants.
These small fish are the only wildlife we saw at Horseshoe Springs.
There are lots of shallow areas to put your feet in.

Horseshoe Springs was a stop for the Donner Party and other travelers along the Hastings Cutoff on the California Trail. There are some historical signs talking about those who traveled there, and a few small markers with quotes showing where the trail would have been. We loved learning more about Utah’s history.

Make sure to read the signs and talk about the history of this area.

We paired this adventure with a few other stops to make it worth the drive from Utah County out to Tooele County. Here are a few other adventures in the area worth stopping by:

For more info about Horseshoe Springs Wildlife Management area, visit the BLM website. The directions are very simple. Take 1-80 west to exit 77. Head south for about 10 miles until you see a sign for Horseshoe Springs. Turn right onto Horseshoe Springs Road and park in the small dirt parking area.

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  1. Carol

    There was a fire at Horseshoe Springs a couple years ago. It burned the bridge, boardwalk and large sign with wildlife info as well as all the plants surrounding the springs. That is why there’s a couple old timbers now to cross the canal. It is a fun place to go swim with your dogs. I’ve seen carp and large mouth bass in the springs, and killdeer, stilts and cranes in spring time. Lizards, snakes and lots of dragonflies are always there too.