Cross E Ranch — Attraction in North Salt Lake

The ranch itself is fun for the kids. Lots to do. But it is in no way disability friendly. And this is such an easy fix! When I arrived, I realized that there is no handicap parking. I am wheelchair-bound, and it is very difficult as a mother of three children to take my children places and be a part of the world that other parents so easily immerse themselves in. After a tragic and traumatic year, I am trying my hardest to give my children a normal life. I want them to have the same access to the world as other children have. Upon arrival, and because there are no handicap spaces, we started to make our way towards the front through the rubble, but quickly realized that would be impossible. So we were forced to make our way to the front on through the busy, traffic infested road. It was quite terrifying to drag three children through the dark with cars having to zoom around us. When we finally made it to the front, we realized that the entire front area of the park was also covered in rubble. Large, loose rocks, are what make up the pathways throughout their park. We had already paid online for access. Roughly $75. As a family who has many medical needs, this is a heavy sacrifice for us. We spoke to one of the people at the front about this problem, and no accommodations were offered. So, in those areas that are covered with this loose rubble, my husband was required to pull and drag me through these areas. My daughter had to drag my little boy, who is also disabled through these areas. By the time we got to the first exhibit, I quietly broke down in tears. Luckily, a family approached us to offer sympathy, and told us that it would get better as we pushed on. Indeed, the further we went into the park the smoother the path became. Much of this park is covered in sand and bark. Those areas or accessible to my family. It would only take creating a small path in these rubble covered areas to make it easier for families like mine. Just one narrow path to make this accessible. On the way out, we luckily glanced a way out that wasn’t quite a hard. A sign said “No exit”, but we asked if we could go out the gate. Someone opened it for us and we didn’t have quite as much to press through. Please consider families like mine, Cross E Ranch. It may add some trouble to add some bark along the rubble, but it could open up your park to so many people who are blocked from so much. Being handicapped accessible gives families like mine, the opportunity to be part of things that other families so easily access. And it does matter to us. My kids were thrilled when they saw the things your park has to offer. But we were only able to access a small portion of it, and it really saddened them. Your ranch is wonderful. Please make it available to...

Love the animals and the food. They've definitely invested in their farm experiences. My only complaint is the rocks. From the parking lot to the entrance except for the road, it is rocks. They have ample disability parking but not super accessible. I have a 4 wheel walker and disability plates. I had to maneuver the rock hill upwards from the lot, and then the rock hill down to the entrance. My walker got caught up in the rocks multiple times. There were others with strollers struggling with the rocks as well. When we got to the entrance, I mentioned this to the lady scanning our tickets. She said well this is a farm. What do you expect? My friend had to hold up the front end of my walker to maneuver the path for me not to fall. Once inside, the wood chips were easy to get through, and we enjoyed seeing all the beautiful animals. The staff was great in the pens. We really enjoyed our time there and got 2 dozen donuts. They had 2 pallets of bottled water available for thirsty guests for free. When we left, I once again struggled up and down the rocks to get to our vehicle. The rocks jammed up my wheels, jerking my walker to stopping. My donuts were on my walker and fell several times. Luckily, they were in a sturdy box with a lid. On our way out of the exit. I mentioned to the gentleman at the exit how difficult the rocks were to maneuver over for me, My friend had to keep pulling the front of my walker up, and he basically said that he couldn't do anything about it. I just felt like they have definitely invested a lot in other areas of the farm, that they should be able to accommodate disability/mobility devices and strollers. A sidewalk or paved path, or anything else that can help make a smooth surface,...

Unfortunately this place has changed from what it was to what it is now.

I went first 4 years ago. The price for me, my wife and our baby was under $23. We were looking for something fun to do and saw something nearby. We were blown away by the Ranch. They gave us a free donut, a pumpkin and had lots of fun things to do. It felt like a small local farm was doing something fun for the community. I remember the tractor ride. The daughter of the owner sat in the back with us and told us about her family and the cows. I could tell that she loved them and it was very charming. The things around the farm were kind of weird but we liked them. The corn pit was fun, the giant slide was novel and the maze was horrifying since it wasn't very organized. I loved it. I literally told every young family I knew to go. I told people at work. My family to go. I probably sent 50 people to the Cross E Ranch.

Contrast all of that today. It would now cost my family north of $60 to go. Charming things like the barn and donuts are now turned into little shops where they try to milk you for more money. Their focus changed to profits. I understand its a business but they lost what I loved about it. This fall will be the first event I am going to skip in the last 4 years at the ranch. Hopefully there is something out there that isn't another money pit. When/if I find it, I'll be another evangelical promoter of the business. I haven't been able to recommend the ranch to people for a while. I hope they can make their business work to support...