By Shannon Lukens.
The recent trapping and fertility control of wild horses in Sand Wash Basin, in north Moffat County, is complete, for now. A total of 42 have been gathered.
“We had good conditions to capture horses and be selective in what we removed to keep good genetics on the range.”
That’s Tyrell Turner, who is the Wildhorse Specialist for the Bureau of Land Management in Northwest Colorado.
The horses were taken to a holding facility in Canon City where they will be put up for adoption by the Bureau of Land Management.
“They get vaccinations and a brand that identifies them as a wild horse. Stallions will be gelded and then from there they will be available for adoption to the public.”
It’s estimated that 402 wild horses are still in the Sand Wash Basin Herd Management Area. The appropriate level is 162 to 362. Turner says the herd will continue to be monitored.
“We monitor the herd year-round for forage and water conditions, and herd health. Our goal is to maintain healthy horses on healthy range lands so we’re always keeping an eye on it.”
Press Release; July 24, 2025 — BLM Colorado field office completes wild horse bait trap gather in Sand Wash Basin
More on the Story – BLM completes wild horse bait trap in Sand Wash Basin
This month’s wolf watershed map with Colorado Parks and Wildlife shows more wolf activity in central and northeast Moffat County. A watershed is a geographic unit that drains water into a specific waterbody. If a collared wolf set foot in a watershed, the GPS position was recorded. There is also activity throughout south and central Routt County, central and eastern Rio Blanco County, and most of Jackson County.
CPW asks that you report any wolf sightings as it is helpful for monitoring and tracking. And please include a high-quality photo or video if possible. That can be done through their website.
- Report Wolf Sightings
- CPW: Map online
- CPW: Tracking Collared Wolf Activity
- More on the Story — CPW reports wolf activity in this month’s watershed map
The Steamboat Tennis & Pickleball Complex is hosting two tournaments this weekend. The Mountain Town Classic is a pickleball tournament. The National Tennis Rating Program, or NTRP, tournament will bring 225 advanced-level tennis players from across the country to Steamboat Springs. You’re welcome to stop by and watch the competitions.
Friday and Saturday nights is the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo.
Saturday is the Steamboat Springs Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Yampa Street.
The Luttrell Barn in Craig presents A Country Tour of Gardens. It’s from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at different properties in Moffat County. Tickets are sold at The Downtown Bookstore in Craig and all the gardens on the tour.
Movies on the Mountain is this Saturday night in Steamboat Square at the base of Steamboat Resort. Bring a chair and enjoy this week’s movie under the stars. It’s all free and fun for the whole family.
- July 26 – Mufasa: The Lion King 8:50 p.m. start; 10:40 p.m. end
More on the Story — Movies on the Mountain at Steamboat Resort
The new Steamboat Swings dancing group is having their first swing dance from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at Library Hall. Everyone is invited. No partner necessary, and there will be lessons for beginners.
Try Sled Hockey at Howelsen Ice Arena. It’s from 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, July 26.
On Sunday…
Jane Austen Book Club is celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, which is Dec. 16. They are reading all of her published novels with friends from the South Routt Library. Meet at 2 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month at the South Routt Community Center in Oak Creek for Jane Austen themed activities. Contact Mandy with questions at 406-925-2211 or email MandyMaass@yahoo.com
- July 27 – Sense and Sensibility
- Aug. 31 – Pride and Prejudice
- Sept. 28 – Mansfield Park
- Oct. 26 – Emma
- Nov. 30 – Northanger Abbey
- Dec. 14 — Persuasion
Registration is open for the Annual Empower Yampa Valley Conference, which is Thursday, July 31, at CMC in Steamboat Springs. It’s a progressive workplace conference designed to help organizations and employees foster connection, resilience, and long-term success, presented by the Steamboat Springs Chamber and Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. A link for tickets is on the chamber’s website. Secure your tickets here.
Register by Friday for the 114th Annual Dinner and Dance in Meeker, for the Rio Blanco County Pioneers Association. It’s Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Bar 7 Sheridan Ranch on Rio Blanco County Road 15. They need a head count for the caterer. Information is at the Meeker Chamber.