Take A Winter Sleigh Ride By Heading North (No, Not That Far North)

The winter season at Hardware Wildlife Management Area begins December 6, offering visitors the chance to experience horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides through a herd of wild elk. Operated by Haviland’s Old West Adventures, the rides run Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until February 9, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for ages 9 and up, $4 for children 4-8, and are free for kids 3 and under. Tickets are sold in-person at the Hardware Wildlife Education Center, which closes at 4 p.m.

Group reservations for 25 or more are available on Wednesday afternoons by calling 435-744-3229. Visitors can also enjoy food from a nearby trailer before or after their ride.

Santa’s Workshop and New Offerings

This year introduces “Santa’s Workshop,” featuring a waffle breakfast or lunch with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, holiday ornament crafting, and a sleigh ride. Offered on December 7, 14, and 21, the workshop costs $40 for those aged 3 and older, with younger children attending for free. Reservations can be made at 480-540-3499.

Educational Activities and Family Fun

The Hardware Wildlife Education Center offers free activities, including “All About Elk” exhibits and family-friendly programs held hourly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Popular December crafts include making habitat ornaments using plants like sagebrush and bitterbrush.

Conservation Efforts Address Brucellosis Risk

The elk at Hardware WMA migrate extensively, sometimes reaching as far as Idaho and Wyoming. This migration increases the risk of exposure to brucellosis, a disease affecting elk, bison, and cattle. To mitigate this, the season ends in early February, aligning with the onset of the disease’s highest risk period.

“Elk dispersing before calving season reduces the chance of disease spread,” explained DWR Regional Wildlife Manager Jim Christensen in a press release.

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Plan Your Visit

Hardware Wildlife Management Area is 16 miles east of Hyrum via state Route 101, offering scenic views through Blacksmith Fork Canyon. For more details, visit the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website or call 435-753-6206.