Onaqui Photo Safaris

LOCATION: 

The Onaqui Wild Horse HMA (herd management area) is located in the West Desert and encompasses 321 square miles just a short drive southwest from Salt Lake City, Utah.  The picturesque valley extends from Johnson's Pass to south of Simpson's Springs and offers background views of the Cedar Mountains, Stansbury Mountains and Simpson Mountains. 

ABOUT THE HORSES:  

The word Onaqui originated from the Native America word meaning Place of Salt and the herd population count is just over 200 as of August 2022.  These beautiful horses have been living in the area since the late 1800's and are found in a stunning array of colors including bays, sorrel, roan, buckskin, black, grey, cremello and pinto.  Foaling season technically begins March 1st, but you are bound to find a few new little additions arriving later into the summer and early fall months as well. 

THE SAFARIS:

Wild Horse Photo Safaris are provided by A Place In Time Photography, LLC. 

I love to facilitate a once in a lifetime experience for my guests where they immerse themselves in the lives and beauty of the wild horses while promoting environmental stewardship.  You will learn details about the lives, families and hardships of the herd and hear stories and learn the names of countless horses throughout the duration of your tour.

Transportation for your private photographic safaris depart from and return to the town of Tooele, a quick 25 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport, where you'll have access to all the modern amenities you'll need before starting on our adventure into the desert.

The exact start time will be coordinated at the time of booking. You will also be provided with a digital Welcome Packet of what to bring and/or expect.

The photo safari is limited in space to a maximum of 3 guests traveling together and children must be 10 and above.  No pets are allowed.

The easy drive from Tooele to the Onaqui HMA will take approximately 45 minutes and once we arrive there are various locations where we will begin to look for the herds grazing, resting or coming to/from the watering holes. 

Depending on where the horses are located there will likely be a bit of walking involved so close toed shoes are required and dressing in layers is recommended to account for weather change.  The terrain is primarily flat and easy to traverse so this activity should be no problem for those who are able to walk the equivalent of 5-10 blocks at a time.  As the horses move and graze we walk with them. The elevation is 6,500ft.

While in the field you'll learn all about the individual Onaqui Wild Horses, their family structure, bonds and how Federal Management comes into play.  If requested, you will receive one on one photography instruction to help you improve your technical skills as well as your ability to creatively frame an image.  Achieving beautiful wildlife photographs is about more than just being in the right place at the right time, it's about seeing the possibilities of the scene unfolding in front of you through the lens.  

Please bring your preferred camera body, lens and tripod/monopod combination but all external light sources and drones must be left at home.

To hear what previous guests have to say about their experience click here

THE INVESTMENT:

• Full payment to A Place In Time Photography, LLC. is due at the time of booking for all Single Day safaris. 
• Multi-day safaris require a 50% deposit to reserve your dates and the remaining balance must be received no less than 14 calendar days prior to the start of your tour.
• 4 Hour safaris that exceed their scheduled time at the request of the guest will be billed at $75/additional hour in the field. 
• The 4 or 8 hour safaris are inclusive of time on the range and excludes travel time to/from our Tooele departure point. (ie: for a 4 hour tour, your 4 hours starts when we arrive at the entrance of the range, not when we leave town)
• Shorter tours are typically timed around sunrise or sunset, but special requests can be accommodated (ie: mid-day tours). 
• Post photo safari portfolio review is offered at an additional cost per hour and can be done remotely.
• Snacks and waters are included as appropriate for 8 hour tours and you are of course welcome to bring your own food or non-alcoholic beverages.  
• This is a non-smoking tour.