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TOUR SUMMARY
Hike through Interior Alaska’s 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 and is designed for guests eager to spend meaningful, hands-on time with our dogs while learning more about Siberian Huskies, mushing, and life at the kennel.
Before hitting the trail, you'll have the opportunity to meet the dogs, tour the kennel, and choose your own husky companion for the hike. After learning how to harness your sled dog, you'll head into the boreal forest for a guided 2–4 mile adventure together.
The trail travels through uneven boreal forest terrain with roots, rocks, and moderate elevation gain, rewarding hikers with beautiful mountain and forest views. Our experienced and certified guides will help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and personal experience for both guests and dogs.
Whether you are a lifelong dog lover or simply looking for a unique way to experience Alaska, Arctic Dog's Husky Hike offers a rare opportunity to connect with working sled dogs in a small-group setting.
Arctic Dog Adventure Co. is located 30 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. Transportation is not included. Click here for transport options.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
The 2-3 mile hike is moderate, with steep sections at the beginning and end. There is 300 feet of elevation gain/descent within the first 1 km.
1/3 of the hike is uphill, 1/3 flat, 1/3 downhill.
The ground is uneven, with multiple roots, ruts, and rocks to avoid. Your husky will help you up the hill, but will also pull you back down it as well. Anticipate a downhill pull, which can be hard on knees and backs. If you feel uncomfortable on the downhills, please ask your guide for assistance or for a break.
It is also ok to hike without a husky. See below for details on our Pre-Hike Fitness Check.
PRE-HIKE FITNESS CHECK
For the safety of all participants and our sled dogs, every guest must complete a Pre-Adventure Fitness Check prior to participation. This quick assessment ensures that clients possess the minimum balance, coordination, and mobility required for the activity.
The Fitness Check consists of five exercises:
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Balance – Stand on each foot, one at a time, for 5 seconds.
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Coordination – Cross-body movement: touch right hand to left foot, then left hand to right foot.
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Coordination – Perform five (5) jumping jacks. Feet must move apart and together with control.
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Mobility – Bend down and touch your toes (bending knees is acceptable).
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Mobility – From lying flat on the stomach on the ground, return to a standing position within 10 seconds.
Important:
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If a client cannot successfully complete all five requirements, they will not be permitted to participate in the adventure.
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This policy is in place for the safety of the client, our staff, and our dogs.
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No refunds will be issued if a client fails the Pre-Adventure Fitness Check.
KID FRIENDLY!
Kids LOVE this adventure (and we love kids!). This trip is suitable for families with children of all ages.
Children may have the opportunity to walk a husky, but this is not guaranteed and is at the guide’s discretion for safety reasons. Minimum age to walk a husky guideline is 10. Factors considered include: trail conditions, the energy level of the dog, group dynamics (private or with other guests), and—most importantly—the child's size, awareness, and comfort.
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Children under 6 are not allowed in the dog yard (we will bring the dogs to them).
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Children under 12 are not allowed in the dog yard without a parent or guardian.
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Babies and toddlers must come with a backpack carrier.
Non-ambulatory kids in backpacks are free, all other kids are full price. It takes a high level of awareness, risk management and experience to monitor kids AND high energy sled dogs.