Dog Sledding in Fairbanks: Historic Yukon Quest Trail

Seven miles across frozen lakes and snow-covered spruce on one of Alaska's longest mushing trails.

Dog sledding in Fairbanks on the historic Yukon Quest trail is a 1.5-hour activity where you ride in an enclosed sled pulled by a team of huskies across 7 miles of frozen landscape. Small groups get one-on-one time with the dogs and guide before the run, and the operator provides all cold-weather gear: parka, bibs, boots, mitts and hat. You stop halfway on a frozen pond for photos with the dog team before mushing back to the Mongolian yurt where the experience begins and ends.

The experience

You arrive at an authentic Mongolian yurt where the guide outfits everyone in cold-weather gear (parka, snow pants, boots, mitts and hat), then walks you into the dog yard to meet each husky on the team. The guide explains the dogs' personalities and lets you get photos before helping you into the sled, which is enclosed with cushions, pillows and fur blankets. Once the team is hooked up and ready, you mush out onto the trail.

The run covers 7 miles across the Yukon Quest trail, passing over frozen lakes and streams lined with snow-capped black spruce. Halfway through, the guide stops on a quiet frozen pond so you can step out, take pictures with the dogs and catch your breath in the arctic landscape. Then you mush back to the yurt, where you warm up and say goodbye to the team. The whole outing runs about 90 minutes from start to finish.

Small groups mean you get personalized attention from the guide and a quieter trail experience instead of a crowded run. The operator is award-winning and known for lifelong care of the sled dogs. They foster dogs in need and donate to local rescues. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the enclosed sled with blankets keeps everyone comfortable in Fairbanks' cold temperatures.

What’s included

• All cold-weather gear including parka, snow pants, boots, mitts and hat.
• an enclosed sled equipped with cushions, pillows and fur blankets.
• one-on-one introduction to each sled dog with the guide.
• a 7-mile run on the historic Yukon Quest trail with a halfway photo stop on a frozen pond.
• and use of the Mongolian yurt at the start and end of the experience.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Last Frontier Mushing Co-op

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers commentary throughout, so you'll follow the whole experience comfortably. This works for families with children from age 3 up, and for anyone who wants to ride rather than run: the enclosed sled and blankets handle the cold, and the small group size means you get the guide's full attention without a crowd on the trail.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 8 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Yukon Quest trail like when you're actually on it?

The Yukon Quest is a 1,000-mile mushing route in Alaska, and this tour takes you 7 miles of it across frozen lakes, streams and forest lined with snow-covered black spruce. You'll see winter sunrises and sunsets over the landscape and stop halfway on a frozen pond for photos.

Do I need my own cold-weather gear or is it provided?

All cold-weather gear is provided: parka, snow pants, boots, mitts and hat. The sled itself is enclosed with cushions, pillows and fur blankets to keep you warm during the ride.

How much time do you actually spend with the dogs before the run starts?

The guide introduces you to each dog on the team in the dog yard, tells you about their personalities and lets you take photos before you get into the sled. This one-on-one time happens before the team is hooked up and the run begins.

Is transportation to the dog yard included, or do I need to arrange my own?

Private transportation is available as an option at checkout. If you don't add it, you'll arrange your own way to the yurt where the experience starts.