UPDATE: Starting December 5, 2023, adventure seekers can experience the magic of winter wildlife at Utah’s Hardware Wildlife Management Area (WMA) with sleigh rides among majestic wild elk. This unique opportunity, provided by Haviland’s Old West Adventures, runs through February 15, 2024, creating an essential winter attraction for nature lovers.
Visitors can partake in exhilarating sleigh or wagon rides every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, including special dates on December 22, 23, 29, 30, and 31. With hundreds of wild elk roaming the area, this experience promises not only breathtaking scenery but also an educational journey into the natural history of these magnificent animals.
The Hardware WMA Education Center features an “All About Elk” exhibit, allowing patrons to learn more about elk biology and behavior. Additionally, guests can engage in festive Christmas ornament-making sessions using local flora, providing a creative take-home memento from their visit, as shared by Marni Lee, Director of the DWR Hardware Wildlife Education Center.
Ticket prices are accessible, with adults and children over the age of 9 charged $12.50, while children aged 4 to 8 can ride for $5. Children 3 and under enjoy free entry. Tickets must be purchased in-person at the Education Center on the day of the ride, ensuring that everyone has the chance to experience the beauty of Utah’s wildlife.
While excitement builds for this seasonal spectacle, there are concerns regarding brucellosis, a disease affecting elk and bison in the Greater Yellowstone Area. The bacteria, Brucella abortus, can lead to serious reproductive issues among infected wildlife. Given the migratory patterns of the elk at Hardware WMA, wildlife managers are diligent in monitoring and mitigating this risk, as explained by Jim Christensen, the DWR Northern Region Wildlife Manager.
To protect both wildlife and visitors, the viewing and feeding season is intentionally timed to encourage elk dispersion during critical periods of disease transmission. This careful management ensures that while guests enjoy the thrill of the sleigh rides, the health of the elk population remains a priority.
The Hardware WMA is located 16 miles east of Hyrum on State Route 101, winding through the stunning Blacksmith Fork Canyon. This picturesque route leads to an extraordinary natural spectacle where wildlife thrives and visitors can connect with the untamed beauty of nature.
For those eager to embark on this unforgettable winter adventure, check the DWR website or contact the Hardware WMA directly for more information. Don’t miss this chance to witness the wild elk of Utah and create lasting memories this winter season!
