SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Haviland’s Old West Adventures are partnering to give Utahns horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides this winter. Dry conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the DWR from offering rides for the previous two years.

Starting on Dec. 2, Utahns can take a 40-minute ride through to see wild elk at the Hardware Wildlife Management Area, known as the Hardware WMA.

Utahns can dash through the snow Fridays through Sundays, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The rides will be going through Feb. 12. 

Brad Hunt with the DWR said in an email to KSL NewsRadio that the sleigh rides have been a tradition since the 1950s.

“It is a unique experience to be close to wild elk. It is also a great opportunity to learn about the magnificent animals, their biology and behavior, and a little bit about the mission of Hardware WMA and UDWR,” Hunt wrote in his email.

Hunt said the elk are tolerant of horses and sleighs, but advised visitors to be calm and quiet during their rides.

Hunt also advised that visitors dress warmly as if they’re going tubing or snowmobiling. 

“The rides will be running on Fridays – Sundays rain, snow, or shine. Don’t let inclement weather scare you off.”

The Hardware WMA website offers more information on the sleigh rides for anyone wanting to visit.

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