Northern
Hardware Ranch, 18 miles east of Hyrum at the head of Blacksmith Fork Canyon offers the opportunity to view thousands of Rocky Mountain elk. Wagon rides are offered through the summer. Sleigh rides glide through the elk, December through March. The visitor center features interpretive materials on elk and telescope viewing of the huge herd.
In spring and summer Cutler Marsh, west of Logan, offers wildlife viewing in classic wetland habitat. A wide variety of birds may be viewed from roadways or by canoe or kayak.
The view from the ridge top at the north end of the Wellsville Wilderness, west of Cache Valley, in early autumn highlights the annual raptor migration. Northern harriers, kestrels, goshawks, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and other species float by, lifted by canyon updrafts which ease their relentless flight south. A vigorous two-hour hike climbs to this unique setting.
The Briderland Travel Region (435-752-2161) can provide more information on this area.
One of the most productive wetland complexes in the nation is at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Visitors can drive the 12-mile scenic tour and see habitat for more than 200 species of birds.
Golden Spike National Historic Site provides viewing of one of the few sharp-tailed grouse populations in Utah. These birds may be seen strutting on their breeding grounds at daybreak in late winter and early spring.
At Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area peak numbers of migratory ducks occur in September, and this spectacle may be viewed by hiking along the dikes or from the vehicle loop.
The Ogden Nature Center (801-621-7595) is the only city-centered nature habitat in the state, providing a wildlife sanctuary and nature trails.
The North Arm Viewing Site, adjacent to Pineview Reservoir, features a nature trail. This area hosts a wide variety of songbirds such as the yellow warbler, lazuli bunting, white crowned sparrow, and northern oriole. It also hosts many shorebirds and waterfowl species as well as birds of prey such as bald eagles and red-tailed hawks.
The Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area is a wetland system with sweeping scenic views and many species of shore, wading and migratory birds and interpretive panels at key viewing sites.
Antelope Island State Park, between Ogden and Salt Lake City on the Great Salt Lake is home to several species of big game. Most notable is the American bison herd descended from bison laced on the island over a century ago. Shore birds, wading birds and waterfowl are common sites on the island year-round.
The Great Salt Lake shore west of Salt Lake City offers viewing of white-faced ibis, gulls, terns, phaloropes, white pelicans, and American avocets during the spring and summer months, with many waterfowl during the fall migration.
The Golden Spike Empire Travel Region (801-627-8288) can provide more information on this area.
Cascade Springs, east of the Provo Valley, offers wildlife viewing from a trail system constructed over mountain springs which discharge over seven million gallons of water daily. Brook trout can be seen darting from the cover of aquatic vegetation in the crystal clear pools. In the surrounding habitats songbirds fill the air each spring.
The Strawberry Valley offers as much wildlife diversity as any place in the state. Spawning cutthroat trout and kokono salmon, nesting sandhill cranes, soaring raptors, rafts of white pelicans and double crested cormorants…to name a few.
The Mountainland Travel Region (801-229-3800) can provide more information on this area.