Hardware Ranch Snowmobile Complex
The Hardware Ranch, Monte Cristo and Logan Canyon snowmobile complexes are grouped together and are some of northern Utah's unique recreation treasures. More than 180 miles of well-groomed snowmobile trails wind through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, providing snowmobiling opportunities that are consistently included in lists of the West's top riding areas.
Hardware Ranch is owned and operated by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Hardware Ranch is a wintering ground for one of Utah's premier elk herds. Visitors to Hardware Ranch find a warm visitor center with interpretive displays, heated restrooms, and restaurant. Sleigh rides provide an up close look at the elk, which annually migrate to the ranch. Since this is a critical wintering area for elk, snowmobilers are cautioned to stay on the designated trails.
Below are some specific items of interest about the trails included in the Hardware Ranch complex. Check with local U.S. Forest Service offices for trail guides and travel maps of ungroomed trails and other areas open to snowmobile use.
This 63-mile loop offers opportunities for all snowmobilers. The trail is flat and well-groomed, with generally gentle grades and tremendous views of the Cache Valley. In many areas the trail is lined with tall trees that open to spacious play areas. Several switchbacks provide enough variety to keep everyone interested. Riders are cautioned about icy conditions in the shaded areas on the north end of Ant Flat Trail. In addition, the Ant Flat Trail crosses private property throughout much of its length. Snowmobilers are cautioned to stay on the trail to avoid trespassing on private property.
Heading north from Hardware Ranch, this trail features gradual climbs and falls through the trees. Access to some of the best play and hill climbing areas in the region are via this trail. A warming hut at the Elk Valley Guard Station is available.
Cottonwood Canyon provides riders with excellent trail riding opportunities as it climbs from the Bear Lake Valley to meet with Sinks Trail near Strawberry Valley. This well-groomed trail draws limited use and is prone to occasional drifting. It is considered to be moderately difficult as it climbs into numerous open play areas.
The Temple Canyon Trail is a moderately difficult trail considered a favorite by local riders. The trail is groomed weekly and receives relatively little use. Deep powder play areas near Temple Flat and wildlife watching opportunities near the eastern end of the trail combined to make this an excellent opportunity for intermediate riders.
This moderately difficult trail is twisty and narrow in spots as it climbs from Garden City to the Sinks area. The trail receives moderate use, but provides access to several popular play areas, as well as access to visitor services in Garden City. Drifting along the trail is a concern in several locations and riders are cautioned to be aware of changing conditions.
The Amazon Trail is an easy, well-groomed trail ideal for beginning to intermediate riders. The trail provides access to the Beaver Creek Lodge for riders coming from Garden City and the other eastern slope trailheads. The first mile of the trail (from the east) is narrow and moderately steep and is prone to occasional drifting. The second mile is heavily wooded and provides excellent mountain riding.
The Beaver Creek Trail originates near the Beaver Creek Lodge and provides a connection between the Utah and Idaho trail systems. This trail receives a lot of use and is groomed frequently. Restrooms, food, fuel, rentals, and lodging are available at the Beaver Creek Lodge. This sometimes narrow trail provides numerous play opportunities in bowls of deep powder.
The Franklin Basin Trail provides an interconnection to the Idaho snowmobile trail system. This trail is groomed frequently, but snowmobilers may encounter continual drifting and should be prepared for changing conditions.
The Tony Grove Trail provides excellent mountain trail riding opportunities as it climbs through the twisty canyon between Logan Canyon and Tony Grove Lake. This is a popular destination trail with a nice play area at Tony Grove Lake. Snowmobilers are cautioned to stay out of the Mount Naomi Wilderness Area to the northwest of the lake.