Hardware Ranch | Blacksmith Fork Canyon

This post almost seems void already. Well, it kind of is, since I just read that the elk have already moved on and Hardware Ranch is not open for sleigh rides anymore.  So it's good that we went when we did!  It's not even Valentine's Day and I've seen more people and kids in shorts!  This is crazy Utah.  Just crazy.

Really, it wasn't even that long ago that we went to Hardware Ranch

We decided to go on a whim and somehow managed to pack lunches for everyone (or bought them.)  When we finally made it up there we were so hungry!  I mean, I knew it was going to be a long drive, but it really was a LONG drive from Davis County.  Luckily, there is a lunch room where you can go and eat before your sleigh ride.  (Beware of the water dispenser, there were more Box Elder bugs (dead and alive) crawling all over it.)

Inside Hardware Ranch there are a few displays that the kids can touch and read.  The kids could even go on their own little nature hunt and gather some cards and then get a carabeiner from the front desk.   Obviously, we had to gather them all to attach to our Official Salt Project Adventure Packs.

Once we finally got everyone to the bathroom, fed and packed up again, we decided to take the short little hike down from the Lodge down to the sleds.

Really, it was not that long of walk, but it was made super long by my two babies.  One who wouldn't walk (the two year old) and the baby (9 month old) because I couldn't carry both of them at the same time.  Le sigh.  Always pack a stroller people, or a baby carrier.  Always. No matter where you are going.  Or pack an extra set of arms, either will do.

We made it though.   Just before a group of 40 people showed up.  The kids were in heaven.

These mighty beasts just hauled us around like we were feathers. 

After settling down, we realized that our seats were very wet.  (Pack blankets to sit on next time.)  It wasn't that cold out, so other than wet bottoms, it was more unfortuante than anything.

It was pretty crazy how ginormous the elk were.  They really didnt' care too much about us, just kind of mosied out of the way.  Our guide was pretty cool.  She told us all sorts of facts and I'm pretty sure Stephanie and I asked so many questions (after she had already said the answers just moments before) that she was ready for us to scoot on out!

We know the season has already ended, but you definetly need to put this on your list of things to do next winter!  Thanks Hailey for the tip! 

If you guys have some place that The Salt Project needs to see, let us know!  We'd love to hear your tips and tricks of Utah.