This simple little trek offers visitors some of the most impressive geologic and historic views of the Columbia River area. The uniquely beautiful sculptures at the top of the ridge offer great exposure to one of the most impressive outdoor art pieces in the Northwest.

The trail leads out of the parking area and climbs steeply to the fifteen surprisingly lifelike horse sculptures. These beauties stand on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River. Constructed out of welded steel plates, they are the work of Spokane artist David Govedare. The tempered steel ponies were put on the bluff in 1989 for Washington State's Centennial Celebration.

A short hike up the path leads to the base of the hill, from where you can peer up to admire the monument. To really experience the horses, though, and to connect with the desert landscape, follow the scramble trail from the viewpoint up to the horses. This steep, rocky path is only a few hundred yards long, but it's enough to lead you to some beautiful wildflowers and increasingly open views down to the river.

Once at the side of the horses, enjoy them up close, then continue to hike along the slope behind them until you can frame the horses against the blue ribbon of the Columbia down in the canyon to the southwest. You'll feel like you are watching a real herd of wild mustangs running over the hills when you look back on them! You'll also feel transported back hundreds of years to a time when horses first migrated into the area and ran wild through these hills.

Amble around the sagebrush flats above the monument at your leisure, enjoying the views before heading back down. To the west, look out over the rugged landscape of the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park highlands; north of that you'll see the Colockum Wildlife Area wildlands climbing more than 5000 feet above the river.