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 under 250 as of 2026.  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.  We are fortunate enough to have foals who are frequently born yearround, so it's likely you'll enjoy some new babies regardless of when your safari is scheduled.

THE SAFARIS:

Wild Horse Photo Safaris are provided by A Place In Time Photography, LLC and I carry the required licensing and insurance to transport guests to and within this area to enjoy our Onaqui wild horses. 

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. 

Transportation for your private photographic safaris depart from and return to the town of Tooele, 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 once we arrive at the range there are various locations where we will begin to look for the herd 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.

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.  Per the guests request 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.  All guests need to know how to properly work their camera and all its settings prior to arrival at your safari.  Bringing your manual is always recommended.

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

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 60 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 standard Tooele departure point.
• Shorter tours are typically timed around sunrise or sunset, but special requests can be easily accommodated (ie: mid-day tours). 
• Post photo safari portfolio review is offered at an additional cost per hour.
• Snacks and waters are included as appropriate for each sunrise/sunset photo tour and you are of course welcome to bring your own food or non-alcoholic beverages.  
• This is a non-smoking tour and pets cannot be accommodated.