Wild Horses, Wildflowers & a Sobering Reality on Forest Road 124
- Rachel Joel
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
By Rachel Joel · AZ Places · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona
There are places in Arizona that don't announce themselves. Forest Road 124 in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is one of them — a quiet stretch of ponderosa pines and open meadows that rewards anyone willing to slow down and pay attention. We recently spent time out there with the camera rolling, and what unfolded was one of our most memorable — and heartbreaking — days in the field.
Wild horses in their element
The real draw of FR 124 is the wild horses. Seeing them here, unhurried and unbothered, moving through the forest on their own terms, is something that never gets old. These are not animals performing for anyone. They exist out here on their own schedule, and if you're patient and quiet, they'll let you watch. We kept our distance and let the camera do the work.
More than just horses
The area gave us plenty more to take in. A short walk off the road opened up sweeping views of the surrounding forest — the kind of vista that reminds you just how big and wild the Apache-Sitgreaves really is. We also caught a White-breasted Nuthatch working its way down a pine trunk in that distinctive head-first way they have, and the wildflowers were putting on a show along the roadside. If you're into nature photography or just enjoy being outside without a crowd, this road is worth your time.
A discovery that stays with you
As we drove out, we came across two horses that had been shot. We're not going to pretend that wasn't difficult to process after everything we'd just experienced. These are wild animals living on public land — they belong to all of us, and they deserve protection.
We're sharing this not to be sensational, but because it matters. Wildlife crime happens, and it often goes unreported. If you're out in the forest and you come across something like this, please report it.
Report wildlife crimes in Arizona: Contact the Arizona Game & Fish Department at 1-800-352-0700 (24-hour hotline) or submit a report online at azgfd.com. You can remain anonymous. These reports make a difference. |
Getting to Forest Road 124
FR 124 is located within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in eastern Arizona. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended depending on recent road conditions. Check with the local ranger district before heading out, especially after wet weather. No fees or permits are required to drive forest roads, but please pack out everything you bring in and respect the wildlife and the land.
Watch the full video
Everything we saw that day — the horses, the nuthatch, the wildflowers, the views, and the hard ending — is in the video above. Give it a watch and let us know in the comments if you've been out to FR 124 or anywhere else in the Apache-Sitgreaves. We'd love to hear from you.
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