PAGOSA SPRINGS DOGSLED FIELD GUIDE
Summer Dogsledding: Huskies Pull a Cart Through Blanco Basin Near Pagosa Springs
A 1.5-hour summer dogsled cart ride near Pagosa Springs where you help harness Alaskan Huskies and ride roughly three miles through Blanco Basin or Navajo State Park.
Summer Dogsledding: Huskies Pull a Cart Through Blanco Basin Near Pagosa Springs.
Adventure brief
Summer Dogsledding: Huskies Pull a Cart Through Blanco Basin Near Pagosa Springs
You don't have to wait for snow to feel the pull of a sled team. Mountain Paws runs summer dogsled cart rides near Pagosa Springs that put you in the loop: learn the gear, harness the dogs, and ride in a two‑adult, two‑small‑child–friendly cart as an Alaskan Husky team charges along trails in the Blanco Basin or Navajo State Park.
Set against the rugged backdrop of Pagosa Springs in Colorado, Mountain Paws offers a one-of-a-kind summer adventure that puts you right beside their eager Alaskan Huskies. Instead of the typical snow-covered expeditions, this dog cart tour transforms heat into a thrilling outdoor pursuit, riding through the lush Blanco Basin or around Navajo State Park. As the team of enthusiastic dogs pulls your cart, you’ll feel the vibrancy of the Colorado wilderness — scenting pine, hearing the panting of eager huskies, and witnessing expansive views of rolling hills and dense forest canopies.
Unlike traditional sledding, this warm-weather version invites newcomers and seasoned outdoor lovers alike to experience the power and bond of working dog teams, all while learning about harnessing and equipment. It’s an engaging, tactile trip that combines education with adventure, making it ideal for families, groups, or solo travelers craving a memorable connection with nature.
What sets Mountain Paws apart is not just their unique summer dogsledding experience but their commitment to sharing their dogs’ energy and intelligence in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. They’re a core part of the Pagosa Springs outdoor scene, offering an activity that’s accessible yet full of adventure, showcasing the region’s diverse landscape beyond the usual hiking trails.
Whether you're searching for a fun day in the outdoors or a rare chance to engage directly with working dogs in Colorado, this tour delivers. Expect exhilarating pulls, scenic vistas, and the heartwarming companionship of huskies eager to share their boundless energy. It’s a fresh way to experience the Colorado wilderness that will leave you smiling long after the sledders have stopped.
Route Schematic
Route & key stops
The tour sequence moves from meeting and prep through a short trail run and return; timing and meeting points vary by season.
Meet near Pagosa Springs
Tours meet in Pagosa Springs; morning tours (June–August) depart from Reed Hare Ranch at 8:30 a.m., and evening tours (April–November) run from Navajo State Park between about 4–6 p.m., depending on sunset.
Prep: equipment and harnessing
Participants learn about the cart and dogs, help harness and hook up the Huskies, and get oriented to safety and procedures before departing.
Cart run through the basin or park
A team pulls the cart along trails through the Blanco Basin or Navajo State Park for a roughly three‑mile summer route.
Return and wrap-up
After the run the team returns to the meeting area for a brief debrief and to unhook and care for the dogs.
Safety and equipment considerations: carts have a 500‑lb maximum per ride and cannot support any single person over 250 lbs; there must be at least one adult in the cart. Operator may adjust route or timing for weather, team welfare, or sunset.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Alaskan Huskies that want to pull
The experience centers on eager Alaskan Huskies that naturally want to run and pull — the operator harnesses that energy into summer cart runs so you can feel the team in motion.
Learn the gear and harness the team
Participants are involved in all aspects of the excursion: learning about the equipment, harnessing dogs, and hooking up the team before the cart run.
Short, scenic summer runs
Summer distances are intentionally limited; the outing covers approximately three miles through either the Blanco Basin or trails at Navajo State Park near Pagosa Springs.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Expect a compact, hands‑on dogsled experience: arrive at the meeting point near Pagosa Springs, help prepare and harness the team, then climb into a cart and feel the Huskies pull you along a roughly three‑mile course. The pace is energetic but distances are limited in summer, producing a concentrated burst of sled‑team excitement in a single 1.5‑hour (typical) outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Typical outing lasts about 1.5 hours (ranges between 1–2 hours depending on weather and group size). Morning tours run from Reed Hare Ranch at 8:30 a.m. (June–August); evening tours operate from Navajo State Park between roughly 4–6 p.m. depending on sunset (April–November).
Long pants and closed‑toe shoes are recommended. Bring additional layers for cool mornings or evenings; rain gear and an umbrella are advised during the rainy season.
Maximum 500 lbs per cart ride; the cart cannot support any single person over 250 lbs. There must be at least one adult in the cart; if the group is too large, consider two separate rides.
Mountain Paws follows Colorado and CDC health and sanitation guidelines for outfitters; expect natural distancing outdoors.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Dog Cart Tour?
Tours are about 1.5 hours long, with total time varying between one and two hours depending on weather and the number of people in the group.
Where and when do the tours depart?
Morning tours (June–August) meet at Reed Hare Ranch at 8:30 a.m. One evening tour runs daily from Navajo State Park between about 4–6 p.m., timed to sunset (April–November). The general meeting location is Pagosa Springs, CO.
Can kids ride in the cart?
Yes. Two adults and two small children can sit comfortably in the cart; separate pricing applies for children (under 80 lbs) and toddlers (under 2 years). There must be at least one adult in the cart.
Are there weight or capacity limits?
Yes. The cart has a 500‑lb maximum per ride and cannot support any single person over 250 lbs. If your group exceeds the cart limits, you can take two separate rides.
Will I get to help harness the dogs?
Yes. Participants are involved in learning about the equipment and in harnessing and hooking up the dogs as part of the excursion.
How long is the trail run?
Summer runs are limited in distance and cover approximately three miles.
What should I wear?
Long pants and closed‑toe shoes are highly recommended; bring extra layers for cool mornings or evenings and rain gear or an umbrella during the rainy season.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-14T23:12:07.646Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.