Sleigh Rides To View Elk Begin Friday

Hardware Ranch will begin its annual sleigh rides on Friday, Dec 19, 2008.

The ranch is a Utah DWR wildlife management area where elk are fed during the winter to keep them from migrating down the mountain and destroying farms.

When there is adequate snow (there is this year) then horse-drawn sleighs are used to transport hay to the animals. Horse-drawn wagons are used at other times. The wild elk get use to the horses and wagons and show little fear.

People are allowed to ride on the wagons. They often get close enough to take remarkable photos of the elk. On many days, large bulls can be seen and photographed with the herd.

A DWR news release said about 100 elk were at the ranch early this week, with more showing up daily.

Read the news release.

Visit the Hardware Ranch website.