Dog Sledding in Pagosa Springs

Dog sledding in Pagosa Springs is a must do when you visit. There is nothing like being pulled across the snow by a team of sled dogs. Even if you are visiting Pagosa Springs outside of the winter months, you can still experience what it is like to be pulled by a team of sled dogs. The only difference is that the dogs pull a cart instead of a sled. The dogs need to stay in shape year round, so pulling the carts in the off season ensures that they will be ready for the winter months of sledding.

Movies such as Snow Dogs, Balto, and Eight Below have made dog sledding popular for both kids and adults. Maybe you’ve heard of the Iditorod race between Anchorage and Nome Alaska. The 1000+ mile race depicted in Balto commemorates the 1925 serum run to Nome during the diphtheria epidemic that plagued the state. Sled dogs were used to carry the antitoxin because planes were not an option and ships were too slow. Sled dogs are still used throughout Alaska to get around in rural areas of the state.

Most people visualize the blue eyed Siberian Husky when they think of dog sledding because of the Snow Dogs movie. In fact, Siberian Huskies are rarely used. Alaskan Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are the two breeds most commonly used in dog sledding. Huskies are the smaller and fastest of the two breeds, and are bred to travel long distances. Alaskan Malamutes, on the other hand, are the larger of the two breeds and are used to carry heavier loads short distance.

Dog Sledding Options in Pagosa

Luckily there are two different options for dog sledding in Pagosa Springs, San Juan Sled Dogs and Mountain Paws Dog Sled Tours. Both tours provide a different dog sledding experience, each using a different breed of sled dogs.

San Juan Sled Dogs offers a two-hour experience. Teams of Alaskan Malamutes are used to pull sleds large enough to accommodate small groups on one sled. Round trip transportation is included to and from the trail, which is located at the base of Pagosa Peak. Enjoy the views on the way! When you arrive at the trail, you will be greeted by the mushers and introduced to the dogs. A brief history dog sledding will be given while you sip hot chocolate around the campfire. Then it’s time to set out on your dog sled ride. After your ride, you can enjoy snacks and warm beverages in the heated tent or in front of the fire.

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Mountain Paws Dog Sled Tours utilizes teams of Alaskan Huskies, and you will be able to drive your own sled. Each sled accommodates two people (or one adult and two children). Tours are limited to two sleds. After driving to the trailhead, you will be given an orientation and instructions. You will then be involved in all aspects of dog sledding from setting up the equipment, harnessing the dogs, and finally driving your sled. You will have a guide accompanying your tour in order to ensure the safety of participants and the dogs as well. After your adventure, enjoy a warm beverage before you drive back to Pagosa.