Durango Colorado Dog Sledding Tours and Excursions

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Durango and Silverton on Brown Stained Train
Credit: pexels.com, Durango and Silverton on Brown Stained Train

If you're looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure in Durango, Colorado, consider dog sledding. This unique experience allows you to ride on a sled pulled by a team of happy huskies.

Durango's dog sledding tours are typically offered during the winter months, from December to March, when the snow conditions are ideal.

You can choose from a variety of tour lengths, ranging from a few hours to a full-day excursion.

What to Expect

You'll want to go into your dog sledding adventure in Durango, Colorado with an open mind and plenty of warm clothes, as weather conditions can change quickly.

Be prepared for the dogs to be very excited and barking loudly, especially at the start of the excursion. This can get a bit loud, but it's all part of the experience.

Expect to feel free and on top of the world as you glide through the winter scenery, and don't forget to appreciate the power of the animals pulling you.

What to Pack

Credit: youtube.com, What to Expect - Packing

When traveling to a destination with a tropical climate, it's essential to pack light and breathable clothing. Loose-fitting cotton shirts and pants are perfect for hot days.

Don't forget to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. A hat with a wide brim will provide extra protection for your face and neck.

Insect repellent is a must-have for any tropical destination. Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance, so make sure to pack a reliable repellent.

For cooler evenings, consider packing a lightweight sweater or cardigan. This will help you stay comfortable while still enjoying the outdoors.

A small first-aid kit is always a good idea, especially if you plan on engaging in outdoor activities. Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.

What to Expect on an Excursion

You should go into your excursion with an open mind and plenty of warm clothes! Be overprepared for changing weather conditions, even if the forecast isn't calling for snow.

Dogs Pulling the Sled in the Mountains
Credit: pexels.com, Dogs Pulling the Sled in the Mountains

Expect to feel free and like you're on top of the world. The experience can be exhilarating, but also loud, so be prepared for a lot of barking from the excited animals.

The anticipation is incredible, and the howling of the animals makes for a great buildup prior to takeoff.

Understanding Dog Sledding

Dog sledding has a rich history dating back to at least 1000 AD, with some reports suggesting it may have originated as far back as 2000 BC.

The practice started as a practical way to transport goods and supplies from one place to another. Firewood, medicine, and other essential items were often hauled using dog sleds.

Some of the most famous dogs in dog sledding history are Balto and Togo, who were part of epic teams that helped deliver goods and supplies.

The main type of dog used in Durango is a mix of Alaskan Husky, which are surprisingly smaller than you might imagine but incredibly strong and enthusiastic about running.

These dogs genuinely love pulling and running, and it's clear they take pride in their work. I had the chance to meet some of these dogs and can attest to their loving and affectionate nature.

Sledding Experience

Credit: youtube.com, Is This The Coolest Thing To Do in Colorado? Doing Some Dog Sledding in Durango 🐕❄

Durango Dog Ranch offers a 2-hour dog sledding tour through the snowcapped mountains.

The tour is available in the morning, and you can choose from several time slots. You'll meet your guide and the dogs at the ranch, where you'll learn how to properly harness and attach the dogs to the sled.

You'll get to meet each of the individual dogs in your group, and your guide will share their unique personalities and characteristics.

The dogs are well taken care of, spoiled, and loved, and it's clear that they're happy to be there. You'll learn how to drive the sled and get to experience the thrill of cruising through the mountains.

The tour is suitable for all ages and levels of experience, and you can even drive the sled yourself if you want to.

Durango Dog Ranch has been running for 25 years, and they're a family business that really knows what they're doing. They offer three tour packages, and you can book your reservation in advance.

Credit: youtube.com, Dog Sledding in Durango, Colorado

The facilities at the ranch are limited, but you can work out at the on-site gym if you want to. The drive to Ouray is part of the Million Dollar Highway, and it's definitely an adventure worth taking.

It costs $18 for entrance, and the tour is a truly magical experience that will leave you thirsting for more.

Locations and Tours

In Durango, Colorado, you can experience dog sledding with Durango Dog Ranch, a family-owned and operated business with decades of experience. They offer a range of tours, including the Adventure by Dogsled Two-Hour Tour and the Sunset Sled Two-Hour Tour.

Durango Dog Ranch is located in Hesperus, just 20 minutes west of the county seat. Their sled dogs are a mix of Siberian and Alaskan huskies, as well as other breeds adopted from shelters, which are selected for their suitability in performing this specialized work.

If you're looking for a more extensive experience, consider visiting Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado, which offers a variety of dog sledding rides, including a Short Dog Sled Ride that's perfect for families.

Snow Mountain Ranch

Credit: youtube.com, YMCA of the Rockies - Snow Mountain Ranch Review - Tabernash , United States of America

Snow Mountain Ranch is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in Granby, Colorado, it offers a wide range of activities both in the summer and winter.

Dog sledding is one of the most memorable winter activities at Snow Mountain Ranch. There are various dog sled ride options available.

The Short Dog Sled Ride is a great introduction to dog sledding, taking riders on a two-mile trail through open meadows with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The Long Dog Sled Ride is 50 minutes long and accommodates one adult and one child.

Only 30-40 minute long dog sledding rides are being offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays due to COVID-19 precautions.

Take a look at this: Winter Park Dog Sledding

Durango Ranch

Durango Ranch is a family-owned and operated business with decades of experience. They receive five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, which is a great indicator of their quality and dedication to customer satisfaction.

Their Adventure by Dogsled Two-Hour Tour is a great introduction to mushing and is a fantastic way to learn about dog sledding on the trail. You'll get to experience the thrill of mushing with expert guides.

Credit: youtube.com, 4 Great Campgrounds In Durango | Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours

If you prefer a faster and more exhilarating experience, consider the Sunset Sled Two-Hour Tour, which is even more intense and fun. Just be prepared for the cold!

During the summer, Durango Ranch offers a unique Summer Kennel Tour that's perfect for warm weather enthusiasts. You'll get to see the dogs in action and even try bikejoring, where the dogs pull you on a bike or scooter.

Sled Tours

Durango Dog Ranch is a great place to experience dog sledding, with three tour packages to choose from, including a 2-hour tour and a sunset tour. They have a team of energetic and trained dogs that are ready to work and look forward to pulling the sled.

You can also visit Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado, which offers a variety of dog sledding rides, including a short ride that's great for families and a long ride that's 50 minutes long. They also offer a full immersion dog sledding experience and customizable group tours.

Credit: youtube.com, Introducing Mountain Paws Dog Sled Tours

For a more personalized experience, consider booking a tour with Mountain Musher, which offers a 6-mile trek with trained dogs that are ready to work. You'll ride on hills and make several turns during the trip, adding to the excitement of dog sledding.

The Durango Dog Ranch has been running for over 20 years, with Gregg and Gretchen Dubit at the helm. They've developed a system for selecting and training their dogs, which are a mix of Siberian and Alaskan huskies, as well as dogs adopted from shelters.

Durango Dog Ranch is a family-owned business that receives five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. They offer an Adventure by Dogsled Two-Hour Tour and a Sunset Sled Two-Hour Tour, both of which are great introductions to mushing.

Go Snowshoeing

If you're looking for a fun winter activity in Durango, Colorado, consider going snowshoeing.

Durango has plenty of snowshoeing trails, including the San Juan National Forest, which offers over 1 million acres of wilderness to explore.

Credit: youtube.com, DURANGO COLORADO Dog sledding

The high country of the San Juan Mountains gets plenty of snow, with some areas receiving over 400 inches per year.

You can rent snowshoes at local outfitters, such as the Durango Mountain Resort, which offers a variety of snowshoeing trails for all skill levels.

The trails around Durango offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making snowshoeing a great way to experience the beauty of the area.

Many of the snowshoeing trails in the area are dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to go dog sledding in Colorado?

Adult sled-rides cost $345 and children's rides cost $195, both including a three-course lunch.

Is dog sledding worth the money?

Dog sledding is a unique adventure worth considering, especially for those who love dogs and are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience. While it may come with a higher price tag, the experience is hard to find elsewhere.

What time of year is best for dog sledding?

Best time for dog sledding: December to March. Experience the thrill of mushing through winter wonderlands during these frosty months

Tina Tromp

Senior Writer

Tina Tromp is a passionate writer with a specialization in animal-related topics. With a keen interest in the human-animal bond, she has penned articles on dog training and canine therapy training, showcasing her expertise in the field. Her writing style is engaging, informative, and accessible to a wide range of readers.

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