Uploaded August 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Horseshoe Springs is both a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and a historic site on the California National Historic Trail located in Skull Valley, Tooele County, Utah. Two large springs come together to form a horseshoe shape, giving the site its name. Horseshoe Springs was utilized extensively by local Goshute tribes and first visited by a white man in 1827 by the legendary trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith while returning to Utah from California. In 1846, Horseshoe Springs became a stop on the Hastings Cutoff emigrant trail and was visited by the infamous Donner-Reed party. Today, Horseshoe Springs is managed for its important riparian, fisheries, and wildlife habitat. There is a visitor kiosk and boardwalk providing access for fishing and other recreation. There also is an interpretive display for the California National Historic Trail. No restrooms or overnight camping.
Horseshoe Springs is a Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).
To most people, Utah’s West Desert appears to be just a large expanse of dry sagebrush valleys and desolate salt flats. But hidden in this vast desert environment are locations that transform the landscape. Compared to the surrounding hills and valleys, Horseshoe Springs is one of these locations. Horseshoe Springs is located in Skull Valley and is one of the many natural springs in this area.
Horseshoe Springs Skull Valley Utah
The name Horseshoe Springs comes from its “horseshoe shape” created by two natural springs that converge together and continue to flow north into the Great Salt Lake. It's difficult to see the “U” shape while at the springs, however, if you view the springs from any elevation the “U” is apparent.
Horseshoe Springs is considered a warm springs with an average temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit year around. For those looking to soak, winter is probably not the best time of year, but in the summer heat, a dip in 70 degrees water would be a great way to cool off.
Soaking or swimming in the springs in just one of the many activities to enjoy. Bring your fishing pole and try your luck at the Largemouth Bass and Carp population that call the springs home.
After fishing for several hours and reading about others who have fished the springs, it seems there is more fishing and not so much catching. The fish are very finicky and difficult to catch.
Fishing and Swimming are allowed. A current Utah State Fishing License is required. See the current Fishing Guide Book for current fishing regulations. Catch and Release is recommended due to low fish populations.
The area is patrolled by the BLM and the highway is patrolled regularly by the Utah Highway Patrol.
Please do your part and keep this area free of trash. Pack it in, Pack it out!
Open Year Around.
Some of the text in this description was sourced from the following links:
blm.gov/visit/search-details/16252/2
Music By:
BvsMV
"The Lights Go Passing By"
licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0
Horseshoe Springs is both a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and a historic site on the California National Historic Trail located in Skull Valley, Tooele County, Utah. Two large springs come together to form a horseshoe shape, giving the site its name. Horseshoe Springs was utilized extensively by local Goshute tribes and first visited by a white man in 1827 by the legendary trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith while returning to Utah from California. In 1846, Horseshoe Springs became a stop on the Hastings Cutoff emigrant trail and was visited by the infamous Donner-Reed party. Today, Horseshoe Springs is managed for its important riparian, fisheries, and wildlife habitat. There is a visitor kiosk and boardwalk providing access for fishing and other recreation. There also is an interpretive display for the California National Historic Trail. No restrooms or overnight camping.
Horseshoe Springs is a Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).
To most people, Utah’s West Desert appears to be just a large expanse of dry sagebrush valleys and desolate salt flats. But hidden in this vast desert environment are locations that transform the landscape. Compared to the surrounding hills and valleys, Horseshoe Springs is one of these locations. Horseshoe Springs is located in Skull Valley and is one of the many natural springs in this area.
Horseshoe Springs Skull Valley Utah
The name Horseshoe Springs comes from its “horseshoe shape” created by two natural springs that converge together and continue to flow north into the Great Salt Lake. It's difficult to see the “U” shape while at the springs, however, if you view the springs from any elevation the “U” is apparent.
Horseshoe Springs is considered a warm springs with an average temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit year around. For those looking to soak, winter is probably not the best time of year, but in the summer heat, a dip in 70 degrees water would be a great way to cool off.
Soaking or swimming in the springs in just one of the many activities to enjoy. Bring your fishing pole and try your luck at the Largemouth Bass and Carp population that call the springs home.
After fishing for several hours and reading about others who have fished the springs, it seems there is more fishing and not so much catching. The fish are very finicky and difficult to catch.
Fishing and Swimming are allowed. A current Utah State Fishing License is required. See the current Fishing Guide Book for current fishing regulations. Catch and Release is recommended due to low fish populations.
The area is patrolled by the BLM and the highway is patrolled regularly by the Utah Highway Patrol.
Please do your part and keep this area free of trash. Pack it in, Pack it out!
Open Year Around.
Some of the text in this description was sourced from the following links:
blm.gov/visit/search-details/16252/2
Music By:
BvsMV
"The Lights Go Passing By"
licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0
