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Salt Lake City, UT / Salt Lake City, UT
5 Days/4 Nights
Level 1 - What's This?
Up To 7 Guests
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.