Wild Horses of Utah Photo Workshop & Photo Tour                
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  Office Hours: 8AM-4PM MT, Monday-Friday  
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Wild Horses of Utah

Lodge-Based Photo Safari
Book Trip
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Wild Horses of Utah

Lodge-Based Photo Safari
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$749.00
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  Deposit: $1,500.00  
Start/End

Salt Lake City, UT / Salt Lake City, UT

Length

5 Days/4 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 1 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 7 Guests

Highlights
  • Close-Up Encounters with Wild Mustangs: Photograph free-roaming wild horses in their natural habitat, capturing dynamic action shots, intimate herd interactions, and breathtaking portraits in golden-hour light.

  • Epic Desert Scenery as a Backdrop: Frame your wildlife shots with dramatic western landscapes: sweeping sagebrush plains, pastel sunrises, stormy skies, and fiery sunsets that make every frame cinematic.

  • Hands-On Instruction and Creative Growth: Hone your wildlife photography skills in a supportive, small-group setting with professional guidance focused on composition, light, storytelling, and technical mastery.

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

Wild Horses of Utah: A Unique Photo Workshop

Join Backcountry Journeys for a five-day photo workshop that combines accessibility, incredible value, and one of the best wild horse photography opportunities in North America. Just a short drive from Salt Lake City, western Utah’s remote desert plains are home to large, photogenic herds of wild mustangs roaming freely across a dramatic landscape of sagebrush, salt flats, and distant ridgelines.

This is your chance to photograph powerful scenes of wild horses in motion—galloping through the desert, silhouetted against sunrise skies, or calmly interacting within their tight-knit bands. With expert guides who know the land and herd behavior intimately, we’ll get you to the right place at the right time to capture compelling wildlife moments under ideal natural light.

What makes this trip stand out:

  • Easy Access, Big Impact: Fly in and out of Salt Lake City. Minimal travel, maximum photo time.

  • Incredible Value: A world-class wildlife experience at a lower cost than most multi-day safaris.

  • One of the Best Wild Horse Locations Anywhere: Photograph large, free-roaming mustang herds in open, scenic terrain.

  • Golden Light & Creative Compositions: Perfect for silhouettes, dust-filled action, and storytelling images.

  • Bonus Landscapes: Explore nearby gems like the Bonneville Salt Flats for extra creative opportunities.

Each day offers a mix of action, patience, and creativity. We’ll be out early and late to take advantage of soft light and prime wildlife movement, with time in between to review images, hone techniques, and dive into post-processing tips if desired. Whether you’re looking to expand your wildlife portfolio or experience something truly different in the American West, this trip is designed to deliver both stunning images and deep creative satisfaction.

The wild horse story is an urgent and emotional one—these iconic animals face growing challenges across the West. This workshop gives you the chance to capture their spirit while it’s still thriving, and to create meaningful photographs that inspire others.

What's Included
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • All permits and park fees

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Gratuity for service staff

What's Not Included
  • Flights to and from Salt Lake City, UT

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B, L, D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arrival in Salt Lake City, Utah (D)
Arrive in Salt Lake City and check into our group hotel. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and trip orientation—your chance to meet the group, review the plan, and get excited for the days ahead.

Day 2: First Light with the Herd & Transfer to Tooele (B, L, D)
We’ll depart early for our first shoot, catching the wild mustangs at sunrise as they roam the open desert. Expect a variety of scenes—from stallions in motion to quiet, intimate moments. After a midday break and check-in at our hotel in Tooele, we’ll head out again for a golden hour session. In the evening, we’ll offer an optional image review to share photos, feedback, and tips.

Day 3: Into the Heart of Mustang Country (B, L, D)
Today we go deeper into the range, seeking out new bands or revisiting active herds. We’ll focus on storytelling—capturing behavior, emotion, and dynamic interactions. The landscape will play a key role in our compositions, with ridgelines, sagebrush, and wide-open skies providing dramatic backdrops. During the midday break, we’ll review images and dive into creative editing techniques before heading out again for another golden hour session.

Day 4: Creative Exploration & Final Light (B, L, D)
This is a day to push your creativity. We’ll emphasize light, mood, and composition—creating images that feel personal and evocative. Whether revisiting known herds or exploring new terrain, we’ll challenge ourselves to go beyond documentation. After an image review and feedback roundtable during the day, we’ll wrap up the trip with one final sunset shoot—aiming for unforgettable shots as the sun dips behind the western desert.

Day 5: Farewell Sunrise & Departure (B)
We’ll rise early for one last peaceful morning in the field—a quiet farewell shoot with the herds. Afterward, we’ll return for a final group breakfast, say our goodbyes, and check out. You’ll leave with memory cards full of images, new skills, and a deeper connection to the wild spirit of the American West.

Please note: Road conditions in the areas the wild horses inhabit can change quickly, especially after rain or snow. While the primary access routes to the wild horse ranges are typically drivable, wet weather can make them muddy and impassable. If conditions prevent us from reaching the horses, we have backup plans if so, including photographing the surreal landscapes of the Bonneville Salt Flats. Our guide will monitor the weather and road status throughout the trip to ensure safety while maximizing photographic opportunities. Flexibility is key—and we’ve got stunning alternatives no matter what Mother Nature brings.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.


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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.


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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
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HERE’S THE DEAL

We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve
made on the site – we guarantee it!

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
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