|
 |
Hardware Ranch
By the first of February, the elk are in, the sleighs are running and the viewing is good. If there is a right time to visit Hardware Ranch, wildlife managers say February is it.
Huge bull elk are fed each winter at Hardware Ranch.
Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News |
Every year elk come to visit. A few early on, then more as the snow gets deeper. Young and old, cows and bulls. They come for two things—food and companionship.
Hardware Ranch, located 15 miles east of Hyrum, is the state's one and only elk feeding area. Cows bring their calves early, and the bulls, well, they show up when it's convenient, especially the older, larger ones.
Each day, crews at Hardware Ranch load horse-drawn hay wagons and special deliver meals to the herd. In most years, more than 500 elk hang out at the ranch, about 35 of which are bull elk with trophy antlers. The ranch also has a visitors center with a cafe, displays and information.
Late February and early March typically have some of the best days to view elk because the bulls are still in antlers, the weather is generally warmer and there is enough snow in the hills to hold the elk in place.
The rides lasts approximately 20 minutes. Visitors are urged to dress warmly and bring a camera. The new snow on the mountains in the background will make for some memorable photos. Also, the sleighs often come within five to 10 feet of the wild elk. Sleigh drivers give information on the ranch and the elk that winter on the feeding area.
The cafe, located in the visitors center, serves a variety of meals and will continue the evening sleigh ride/dinner combo on Saturday evenings until the ranch closes. Reservations are required. Call 435-753-6168 for more information or to make reservations.
Hardware Ranch — sleigh rides, visitors center, cafe and gift shop — is open daily. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Cost for the sleigh rides is $4 for ages 9 and up and $2 for ages 4 to 8. Children 3-years-old and younger ride for free. No reservations are required to ride the sleighs.
The ranch is 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. Take the Brigham City exit off I-15 east through Sardine Canyon. Signs from the Hyrum exit off Highway 89/91 will guide visitors to the ranch.
For more information, visit the Hardware Ranch Web site at www.hardwareranch.com or call 435-753-6206.
|
|
|
