Dryland Dog Sled Ride in Alaska: Meet Iditarod Racing Dogs

A 5-passenger vehicle pulled by racing sled dogs across rough terrain

A dryland dog sled tour at Susitna Sled Dog Adventures, the kennel of Iditarod musher Rohn Buser, where you ride in a cozy 5-passenger vehicle pulled by racing sled dogs, then spend time in the yard meeting the team and learning how dogs and mushers work together. The ride covers 0.5 to 2 miles depending on weather and season; after dismounting, you'll see the sled and equipment up close, and if puppies are present, you'll end with cuddles from the next generation of athletes. A live guide in English leads the experience, which runs about 90 minutes and welcomes children from age 2.

The Experience

The sled itself is a 5-passenger vehicle with a powerful engine that assists the racing dogs on rough terrain—built so the whole family can ride together without slowing the team. Depending on the weather and how hot it is, the dryland run covers anywhere from half a mile to two miles; in summer the kennel keeps it shorter to protect the dogs. You'll stop for photos with the dogs during the ride and rotate positions so everyone gets a clear view, then head into the yard to meet more of the Iditarod racers up close.

Once you're out of the vehicle, a guide walks you through the sled and all the gear—harnesses, lines, the equipment that mushers and dogs rely on during the actual races. You'll learn what it takes to compete in Alaska's toughest sled dog races and why these particular dogs thrive in that role. If the kennel has puppies at the time of your visit, the tour ends with time to cuddle the next generation of athletes; otherwise, you spend the remaining time in the yard with the adult racers.

Bottled water is included. The kennel is located near Anchorage and operates year-round, so you're visiting a working Iditarod facility—not a tourist attraction built around the dogs, but the actual home and training ground of Rohn Buser's team. A live guide in English leads the whole experience.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• a guided tour with a live English-speaking guide.
• the dryland sled ride pulled by racing sled dogs.
• time in the kennel yard to meet more of the Iditarod team.
• a close-up look at the sled and racing gear.
• puppy cuddles if the kennel has young dogs at the time of your visit.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Susitna Sled Dog Adventures

Is this one for you?Families with children from age 2 up will find the 5-passenger vehicle and short ride (0.5 to 2 miles depending on weather) manageable, and the kennel visit lets kids spend real time with the dogs instead of just watching from a distance. If you want to see a working Iditarod facility and understand what sled dog racing actually demands, this is the behind-the-scenes access most visitors don't get.

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Top questions

What exactly happens during the dryland dog sled ride?

You sit in a 5-passenger vehicle that the racing sled dogs pull across rough terrain for 0.5 to 2 miles, depending on weather and season. The vehicle has a powerful engine to assist on difficult ground, and you'll stop for photos with the dogs and switch positions so everyone gets a good view during the run.

Can I bring my young children on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome from age 2 and up. The 5-passenger vehicle is designed for families, and the whole experience runs about 90 minutes, which works well for younger kids who want to see and pet the dogs.

What do I learn about the dogs and the sport of mushing?

A guide will explain why these dogs thrive in sled racing, share stories about individual racers, and walk you through the sled and equipment used in actual Iditarod races. You'll see firsthand how dogs and mushers work together as a team and what it takes to compete in Alaska's toughest sled dog races.

Will there be puppies to meet?

If the kennel has puppies at the time of your visit, the tour ends with time to cuddle them. If not, you'll spend the remaining time in the yard with the adult racing dogs.

How long does the whole tour take?

The experience runs about 90 minutes total, including the dryland ride, time in the dog yard, a close look at the sled and equipment, and any puppy time if available.