The Appaloosa is a horse breed best known for its colorful leopard-spotted coat pattern.
Artwork depicting prehistoric horses with leopard spotting exists in prehistoric cave paintings in Europe. Images of domesticated horses with leopard spotting patterns appeared in artwork from Ancient Greece through the early modern period; the Nez Perce people of what today is the United States Pacific Northwest developed the original American breed.
The Nez Perce lost most of their horses after the Nez Perce War in 1877, and the breed fell into decline for several decades.
Today, the Appaloosa is one of the most popular breeds in the United States; it was named the official state horse of Idaho in 1975. It is best known as a stock horse used in a number of western riding disciplines, but is also a versatile breed with representatives seen in many other types of equestrian activity. Appaloosas have been used in many movies; an Appaloosa is the mascot for the Florida State Seminoles.
Depending on where you park, a Tonto pass may be required and can be purchased at various businesses along the way, including the Quik Trip at Power & University. If it is an improved area there most likely will be a sign requiring a Tonto pass.