FAIRBANKS HUSKY HIKE
A Summer Dog Sledding Experience
Looking for a summer dog sledding experience in Fairbanks when there is no snow?
Our Husky Hike offers a hands-on, active alternative.
Meet the working sled dogs at our off-grid kennel, learn how to harness your own Siberian Husky, and head into Interior Alaska’s boreal forest for a guided hike with your husky.
Along the way, you’ll learn about mushing, year-round sled dog care, and the personality that make each dog such a memorable trail companion.
Check Husky Hike Dates and Availability
What to Expect on Your Husky Hike
Hike through Interior Alaska’s old growth boreal forest with your own Siberian Husky sled dog.
This 2–3 hour guided adventure takes place at the Fairbanks branch of the world’s oldest Siberian Husky kennel. It is designed for guests who would like to spend meaningful, hands-on time with the dogs while learning more about Siberian Huskies, mushing, and daily life at the kennel.
Before hitting the trail, you’ll meet the dogs, tour the kennel, and choose the husky who will accompany you on the hike. After learning how to properly fit and use the hiking equipment, you’ll head into the boreal forest for a guided 2-3 mile adventure together.
The trail travels through uneven forest terrain with roots, rocks, and moderate elevation gain. Along the way, you’ll enjoy mountain and forest views while learning about sled dog training, care, and life in Interior Alaska.
Whether you are a lifelong dog lover or simply looking for a unique Fairbanks summer dog sled tour, the Husky Hike offers a personal way to connect with working sled dogs in a small-group setting.
Arctic Dog Adventure Co. is located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. Transportation is not included.
What Is a Husky Hike?
A Husky Hike is an active summer sled dog experience that takes place on foot instead of on a sled or wheeled cart. Some people call this experience “canicross” if running/fast walking or “dog-trekking” dog-hiking” if casual walking.
On this dog-hiking experience, you are attached to a sled dog (a Siberian Husky) via a specialized waist belt and an elastic bungee leash, while the dog wears an ergonomic pulling harness. Guests may also participate without being connected to a dog.
As you hike through the boreal forest, your guide will share how sled dogs are trained, cared for, and prepared for winter mushing. It is a personal way to experience the teamwork at the heart of dog sledding while spending meaningful time with working dogs during Alaska’s summer season.
What You’ll Experience
During your Fairbanks Husky Hike, you will:
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Meet working Siberian Husky sled dogs at our off-grid kennel.
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Learn how to properly fit and use the dog hiking equipment.
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Hike with a sled dog through forest trails.
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Learn about mushing, sled dog training, and year-round care.
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Spend meaningful time getting to know your hiking dog.
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Enjoy views of the Chatanika River Valley, snow-capped Alaska Range and the White Mountains National Recreation Area.
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Explore Interior Alaska in a small-group setting.
How Difficult Is the Husky Hike?
The Husky Hike is a moderate, active experience on uneven forest terrain. It is not a flat kennel walk.
The trail includes roots, rocks, steep sections, and approximately 300 feet of elevation gain and descent.
The first kilometre includes the steepest climb.
Approximately one-third of the hike is uphill, one-third is relatively flat, and one-third is downhill.
Your husky may help pull you uphill, but you must also be comfortable managing the dog’s pull on downhill sections. Guests should be prepared to walk for several hours on uneven ground and remain in control of their balance.
Walking poles are available, and guests may ask a guide for assistance with their dog or take a break when needed.
It is also possible to complete the hike without being attached to a husky.
All guests must complete the Pre-Hike Fitness Check before participating.
Husky Hike Fitness Requirements
For the safety of our guests, guides, and sled dogs, every participant must complete a short Pre-Adventure Fitness Check before joining the hike.
This assessment confirms that guests have the minimum balance, coordination, and mobility needed to safely participate.
The Fitness Check consists of five exercises:
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Balance: Stand on each foot, one at a time, for five seconds.
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Coordination: Cross your body by touching your right hand to your left foot, followed by your left hand to your right foot.
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Coordination: Complete five jumping jacks, moving your feet apart and back together with control.
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Mobility: Bend down and touch your toes. Bending your knees is acceptable.
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Mobility: Begin lying flat on your stomach and return to a standing position within 10 seconds.
Important Notes
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Guests who cannot successfully complete all five requirements will not be permitted to participate.
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This policy is in place for the safety of the guest, our guides, and the dogs.
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Refunds will not be issued if a guest is unable to complete the Pre-Adventure Fitness Check.
Can Children Join the Husky Hike?
Kids love meeting the dogs, and the Husky Hike can be a memorable family experience.
Children may have the opportunity to hike with a husky, but this is not guaranteed. Participation is determined by the guide based on safety, trail conditions, weather, the other guests in the group, and the child’s size, awareness, energy level, and comfort around high-energy sled dogs.
The minimum age to hike with a dog is generally 10 years old.
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Children under six are not allowed in the dog yard.
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Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the dog yard.
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Babies and toddlers must be carried in a backpack carrier.
Do Kids Get A Discount?
Non-ambulatory children travelling in backpack carriers are free. All other children pay the full tour price.
It takes a high level of awareness, risk management, and experience to safely supervise young children around active working sled dogs.
What Should I Wear and Bring?
Summer weather in Interior Alaska can change quickly, so come prepared for an active outdoor experience. Check the weather before arrival and prepare accordingly; the tours run rain or shine.
We recommend bringing:
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Sturdy hiking shoes or boots.
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Comfortable outdoor clothing.
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Layers for changing temperatures.
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A rain jacket.
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Bug repellent during mosquito season.
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A small water bottle.
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A backpack for the above.
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A backpack carrier for babies or toddlers.
Avoid open-toed shoes or clothing that restricts your movement.
Detailed preparation information will also be included in your pre-trip emails.
Why Hike With Arctic Dog?
Arctic Dog Adventure Co. offers small-group adventures from an off-grid sled dog kennel in the hills north of Fairbanks.
Our guides introduce guests to the dogs as individuals while sharing the history, skills, and year-round care behind dog mushing.
This is not a quick photo stop. It is an active, hands-on opportunity to spend meaningful time with working sled dogs, explore Interior Alaska, and better understand the relationship between musher and dog.
We hike on the same wilderness trails we dog sled on in the winter.
When you join us, you can expect:
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A really great time!
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A small-group, husky trekking experience.
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Experienced and Wilderness First Aid certified guides.
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Hands-on time with friendly working Siberian Huskies with time for lots of selfies!
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An honest look at year-round sled dog care at a family-run, off-grid dog sled company.
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To get a little sweaty, muddy, and furry!
Planning a Summer Sled Dog Experience in Fairbanks?
Not sure what summer dog sledding looks like, what the dogs do when it’s not winter, or how to plan the rest of your Fairbanks day?
These guides will help you prepare for your visit.
