Feb. 25 last day to take sleigh ride through elk herd

HYRUM — This weekend is your last chance to take a sleigh ride through the middle of hundreds of wild elk.

This weekend is your last chance this winter to take a sleigh ride through the elk herd at Hardware Ranch.

Photo by Laura Howell, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

After Feb. 25, sleigh rides at the Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area will be over until December 2013.

On Feb. 18, Brad Hunt, supervisor of the Hardware Ranch WMA, says about 500 elk, including several bulls, were still in the meadow the sleighs are pulled through. "There's about five to six inches of snow on the ground," Hunt says, "so we can still pull the sleighs."

Getting within feet of wild elk isn't the only reason to come to Hardware, though. Hunt says the ranch has experienced gorgeous weather this winter. "The days up here are beautiful, with blue skies and warm temperatures," he says. "Since we're above the inversion, we get lots of sunshine. Bring your sunscreen."

Hunt also encourages you to dress in layers. "The temperatures during the day are in the low to mid 40s," he says. "Dressing in layers will allow you to adjust and be comfortable."

Sleigh ride schedule

In addition to dressing in layers, you'll need to bring cash or a check with you. "We're not set up to accept credit cards," Hunt says.

The sleigh rides are about 20 to 30 minutes long. The cost is $5 for those 9 years of age or older, or $3 for those 4 to 8 years old. Children 3 years of age and younger can ride for free.

The following is the sleigh ride schedule for the final weekend:

You can reach Hardware Ranch by traveling 18 miles east of Hyrum on state Route 101.

Successful season

Since the WMA's winter season opened on Dec. 14, more than 14,000 people have visited the WMA to ride on the sleighs.

For more information about the ranch, visit the Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area website. You can also call the ranch at 435-753-6206 or email Hunt at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Marni Lee at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .