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 230 as of April 2025.  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 and a safe, educational experience which allows the horses space they need to maintain natural patterns and behavior.  You will learn details about the lives, families and hardships of the herd and hear stories and learn the individual names of countless horses throughout the duration of your tour. 

I offer partial day, full day and multi-day safari options for 1-4 guests at a time and all safaris are private so the experiece can be personalized for your interest and photography skillset.  All levels of photographers welcome including cell phone users and those who are simply wildlife and/or horse enthusiasts. 

For more specific details about the range & horses please click here.

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 4 guests traveling together and children must be 10 and above. 

The easy drive from Tooele to the Onaqui HMA will take approximately 45 minutes and wind through scenic mountains and open desert terrain.  Once we arrive at the range 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 walking involved so close toed shoes are required and dressing in layers is recommended to account for possible weather change. 

The terrain is primarily flat with a potential for a gradual incline/decline (similar to walking across an open field) and easy to traverse for most.  Average distance to reach the horses is between 5-10 blocks at a time.  As the horses move and graze we walk on foot with them.  On average 90% of the tour time is spent on foot - this is not an activity where one should expect to drive up to the wild horses and photograph them from the car.

The elevation is 5,100ft.

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 basic photography instruction to help you improve 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 anticipating the possibilities of the scene unfolding in front of you through the lens. 

Please bring your preferred camera body, lens (100mm-400mm lens recommended with or without a teleconverter) and tripod or monopod if you are unable to shoot for periods of time hand held, but all external light sources and drones must be left at home. Anticipate photographing from a distance of 150 feet or more.  While I'm happy to give suggestions for optimal camera settings and great shot opportunities you will need to know all the basics of how to work your camera prior to arrival.  Bringing a manual is always recommended. 

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% retainer to reserve your dates and the remaining balance must be received no less than 30 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 6 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 easily be accommodated (ie: mid-day tours). 
• Post photo safari portfolio review is offered at an additional cost per hour and can be done remotely to help guests with post processing to make their Onaqui wild horse images into the best they can be.
• Snacks and waters are included as appropriate for sunrise/sunset tours and you are of course welcome to bring your own food or non-alcoholic, spill proof beverages as well.  
• This is a non-smoking tour.  Pets cannot be accomodated. 
• Field ID guides are available for an additional cost (see below)