When most people think about dog sledding, they picture snow, ice, and cold winds. But did you know you can dog sled in summer too? In Alaska, mushers — the people who guide sled dog teams — train and run rides when there is no snow on the ground. They do this using special carts with wheels instead of sleds. This keeps their dogs healthy, strong, and happy all year long.

Summer cart rides are called dryland mushing. Dryland means there is no snow or ice. Instead, the dogs pull carts over dirt roads, forest trails, and rugged paths. This is exciting for visitors because you can still feel the speed, teamwork, and power of sled dogs — even when it’s warm outside.

You can join a summer tour if you visit Alaska between late May and early September. Many families and adventure seekers choose these tours when they can’t travel here in winter. It’s a unique way to see the Alaskan wilderness and meet real working dogs.

Why Summer Cart Rides Matter

Dryland mushing is not just for tourists. It is an important part of the sled dog world. Here’s why:

• It helps mushers train their dogs during warm months.
  
• It keeps the dogs fit, strong, and ready for winter races.
  
• It shows visitors what mushers do all year.
  
• It brings money and jobs to small towns in Alaska.
  

Many mushers live in rural areas. Summer tours help them care for their dogs, maintain their kennels, and share their way of life. By taking a ride, you help support this tradition.

If you want to learn more about how mushers care for their dogs, visit our Meet the Dogs page to see how we train and care for our team year-round.

How Summer Cart Sledding Works

From Snow to Dirt Trails

In winter, sled dogs pull sleds on snow. These sleds slide over ice and frozen ground. In summer, mushers switch to carts. These carts have three or four wheels and strong brakes to stay safe on hills. They also have good seats and sometimes shocks to make the ride smoother on bumpy trails.

Dogs wear harnesses that spread weight across their shoulders and chest. This makes pulling safe and comfortable. Teams of 8 to 12 dogs work together to pull the cart.

Mushers give commands like “Hike!” to start running or “Gee!” to turn right. The dogs listen and respond as a team.

How Long Is a Ride?

Most summer rides last 30 minutes to 2 hours. Some rides are short and easy for families. Others are longer and faster for adventure seekers. Trails can be flat or hilly. Some paths go through thick forests. Others offer mountain views or coastal scenes.

To see the types of rides you can book, check our Summer Tours page.

Where to Ride in Alaska

Alaska has many great places for summer cart rides. Here are some top spots:

• Fairbanks: Flat trails in cool, wooded areas. Good for smooth rides.
  
• Denali Area: Hilly trails with amazing mountain views.
  
• Talkeetna: Forest paths and family-friendly rides. Some mushers here train for big races.
  
• Seward and Girdwood: Coastal forests with wet, rugged paths. The air here is cool and fresh.
  
• Willow and Two Rivers: Small mushing towns with working kennels. Many mushers here race in the Iditarod and other big events.
  

Some famous mushers, like Martin Buser, run tours from places like Big Lake. These tours often include stories about racing and caring for the dogs.

Before you visit, read our Plan Your Visit page for tips about weather, gear, and how to get here.

Meet the Sled Dogs

One of the best parts of summer sledding is meeting the dogs. These dogs are not just workers — they are athletes and family to their mushers. Many are Alaskan Huskies, bred for strength, speed, and stamina. You might also see Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, known for their big coats and strong muscles.

When you arrive, the dogs will bark and wag their tails. They are excited to run. Many tours let you pet the dogs or put on their harnesses. Guides will share each dog’s name and story.

Learning about dogs helps you understand why mushers love and respect them. If you want to see photos and fun facts about our team, visit Meet the Dogs now.

The Gear That Makes Dryland Mushing Possible

What Do Mushers Use Instead of Sleds?

In winter, mushers use sleds that slide over snow and ice. In summer, they use strong carts with four wheels. These carts have:

• Good brakes to help slow down on hills.
  
• Steering handles to help turn safely.
  
• Strong metal frames that handle rough trails.
  
• Comfy seats for guests.
  

Many carts have shock absorbers to make bumpy rides smoother. The wheels have thick rubber tires for good grip on dirt or gravel.

How Dogs Stay Cool and Safe

Summer can get warm, so mushers work hard to keep their dogs happy and healthy. Here’s how:

• Tours run in cool hours. Most rides happen in the morning or evening.
  
• Dogs drink lots of water. Kennels have water bowls and rest stops along trails.
  
• Dogs take turns. Not every dog pulls every ride. Teams switch to get rest.
  
• Trails are checked. Mushers look for safe ground, good shade, and spots for breaks.
  
• Vets check the dogs. Many kennels have regular visits with vets to check health.
  

Good kennels also stop rides if the weather gets too hot. This keeps the dogs safe. When you book, feel free to ask how the kennel takes care of its team. Mushers love to share how they keep dogs healthy.

What You Will See and Do

A summer cart tour is more than just a ride. First, you arrive at the kennel. A guide will greet you and tell you what to expect. Then you meet the dogs. You watch them get harnessed. The dogs bark, jump, and wag their tails. They love to run!

When the guide gives the command, the dogs pull the cart onto the trail. You feel the cart move fast over dirt or forest paths. The wind hits your face. You hear the dogs’ paws on the trail. Sometimes, the guide stops the cart. They might point out animals, mountains, or fun things along the way.

On some tours, guests can help steer or give simple musher commands. This is safe and fun. Kids and adults both enjoy learning how real mushers work.

For longer tours, there may be snack breaks or photo stops. Guides often tell stories about the dogs’ races, training, and life in Alaska.

At the end, you can pet the dogs and take photos. Many visitors say the best part is seeing how much the dogs love to run.

Safety Tips for You

You can help too! Here’s how to stay safe and make the ride fun:

• Listen to your guide at all times.
  
• Wear sturdy shoes — no sandals.
  
• Stay seated while moving.
  
• Keep hands inside the cart.
  
• Bring water and snacks if your tour is long.
  
• Dress in layers. Mornings can be cold even in July!
  

Inside Look: Who Runs Summer Tours

Many summer tours come from mushers who race in winter. They run summer rides to keep dogs fit and share their life with guests. Some well-known mushers in Alaska include:

When to Book and How

Summer dog sledding is popular in Alaska, especially from June 1 to August 15. Many tours fill up fast — especially near Denali or Anchorage.

To get your spot:

• Book early. Try to reserve at least 2–4 weeks ahead.
  
• Read the kennel’s weather policy. Kennels cancel tours if it’s too hot.
  
• Check the group size. Small groups mean more time with dogs.
  
• Ask about age and weight limits, so you know if your kids can ride.

What to Bring for Summer Dog Sledding

You won’t need big winter coats, but you should still come prepared. Alaska’s weather can change fast — even in summer.

Pack these items for a safe and fun ride:

• Layers: Wear a light shirt, a sweater, and a thin jacket. You can add or take off layers as it warms up.
  
• Good shoes: Closed-toe hiking shoes are best. Trails can be muddy or rocky.
  
• Bug spray: Some forest trails have mosquitoes.
  
• Hat and sunglasses: The sun can be bright, even in the woods.
  
• Reusable water bottle: Many kennels have spots to fill bottles.
  
• Light gloves: If you help with harnessing or holding lines, gloves protect your hands.
  
• Camera or phone: Take pictures — but always hold on tight during the ride!

Need a full list? Use our Sledding Gear Checklist to be prepared for every trail condition.

Why Alaska Is Perfect for Summer Cart Sledding

Not every place can offer true summer dog sledding. Alaska has special things that make it perfect:

• Cooler summer weather: Northern areas stay cooler than many lower 48 states. This keeps dogs safe.
  
• Wide open trails: Alaska has big forests, dirt roads, and mountain paths that work well for carts.
  
• Real mushing culture: Here, sled dogs are not just for tourists. They are part of life. Many mushers live and train in remote towns all year.
  
• Mushing hubs: Places like Willow, Fairbanks, and Denali have kennels, trails, and skilled guides. This keeps tours safe and real.
  

Because of these things, Alaska is the top choice for dryland mushing. Visitors get a real look into the world of sled dogs — not just a short ride, but a piece of true Alaskan life.

How Summer Tours Help Local Communities

When you ride a cart behind a dog team, you do more than have fun. You help real mushers and small towns:

• Kennels use money from tours to buy food, gear, and vet care.
  
• Local people work as guides and helpers. This gives jobs in places where there may not be many jobs in summer.
  
• Some kennels adopt retired sled dogs or help train young puppies.
  
• By booking a local tour, you help keep the old skills of mushing alive.
  

Families in places like Two Rivers, Talkeetna, and Willow count on these tours to care for their teams. This means every ticket you buy does good for both dogs and people.

How to Be a Responsible Visitor

Visitors help keep tours safe and kind for dogs by doing small things:

• Pick kennels that show how they care for dogs.
  
• Be ready to ride in early mornings — when it’s cool for the dogs.
  
• Follow your guide’s rules.
  
• Stay calm and kind with the dogs.
  
• Share good reviews and photos to help mushers stay busy.
  

When you travel this way, you help protect Alaska’s wild places and its sled dog culture too.

Why This Adventure Stays With You

Summer cart sledding is more than a fun ride. It is a window into a way of life. You feel the bond between musher and dog. You hear the mushers’ stories about icy races and long nights. You learn how strong, smart, and loyal sled dogs really are.

When the cart rolls over the trail and the dogs pull as one team, you feel their energy. It is not just a ride — it is teamwork, trust, and history moving under your seat.

Ready to Try Dog Sledding Without Snow?

Thousands come to Alaska every summer for hiking, fishing, and glaciers. But few know they can ride behind a sled dog team — with no snow at all!

If you want a real taste of Alaskan adventure, dryland mushing is for you. You will:

• Meet working sled dogs.
  
• Help mushers train for winter.
  
• Support local families and their kennels.
  
• Make memories that last a lifetime.
  

Don’t wait too long — summer slots fill up fast! Visit our Summer Cart Tours page to check rides and book your spot. Or see Meet the Dogs to find out who will pull your cart this season.

Want help planning your whole trip? See our Plan Your Visit guide for packing lists, weather tips, and more.

Your Alaskan adventure starts here — wheels instead of sled runners, but the same wild spirit.