DURANGO DOG RANCH is owned and operated by Gregg & Gretchen Dubit. In 1988 these two outdoor enthusiasts met as employees of Sugarbush Ski Resort in Vermont. They moved west to attend Fort Lewis College and both became teachers. The outdoors called again and Gregg's fascination with sled dogs led to adventures by dogsled. It all started twenty-eight years ago when Gretchen said "I Do" and Gregg thought she said, "I do want two kids (Lydia, 19, and Hayden 17), thirty dogs, three cats, and three fish to grow old with". This family business is in its twenty-eighth year.
Making a Reservation
-
All reservations must be made online via our Booking Calendar.
-
Reservations must be made at least 12 hours in advance.
-
All bookings are non-refundable. Your selected time slot is reserved exclusively for you.
-
In certain circumstances, and at our discretion, a rain check may be offered during the season.
-
We operate in all weather conditions. With a variety of trails, including high-elevation options, we can typically find suitable snow conditions.
​
The Dog Sled
-
Our dog sleds comfortably accommodate two adults, with a combined weight not exceeding 375 pounds (excluding the guide). We also offer the option to include a lap child for an additional fee.
-
For safety reasons, lap children must meet specific criteria: they should be young enough to sit in a car seat and unable to tie their shoes. Adding a child who doesn't meet this description can overload the sled, damage equipment, and create an unpleasant experience for everyone.
-
We reserve the right to ask an adult to remain behind if a lap child does not fit in a car seat or if the sled's total weight exceeds our limits.
-
Our top priorities are the safety and enjoyment of our guests and our dogs' well-being.
The Meeting Spot
-
We offer dog sledding experiences from several trailheads, all within a 90-minute drive of downtown Durango. We select the trailhead based on optimal snow conditions.
-
Our primary location is at the Durango Dog Ranch, where the dogs live year-round in Hesperus, just 20 minutes from Durango and 50 minutes from Purgatory, accessible via well-maintained roads. We also utilize a high-elevation trail on Molas Pass, about an hour from Durango and 30 minutes from Purgatory.
-
The evening before your trip, between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, we'll send a text message with a map and directions to the chosen trailhead.
-
Please ensure we have your correct mobile phone number. If you haven't received a text by 7:00 PM, please call us at 970-759-1691 so we can provide the necessary information.
What To Wear
-
Dress in layers suitable for skiing. Warm, waterproof snow boots are essential; we recommend bringing goggles or sunglasses.
-
Be prepared for all weather conditions!
-
This is a winter activity; we operate regardless of snow or cold temperatures. Our dogs thrive in these conditions!
Pricing
-
All prices are PER SLED. A sled fits two people comfortably not to exceed 375 pounds.
-
The Booking Calendar shows how many sleds are available for the day (typically 3-4 sleds each time slot).
-
Sled prices vary from early to high season but range from $395 to $450 and are listed in the Booking Calendar.
-
It is a PER SLED price, and every sled has a guide. You will be trained to mush!
-
Lap children are an additional $75, and only one per sled is allowed per sled.
-
Lap children are small enough to fit in car seats and cannot tie their own shoes!
-
Prices are per sled and the weight limit is 375 pounds or TWO people or TWO people and a lap child (not including guide!)
Timing
-
Tours last approximately TWO hours, depending on snow conditions.
-
You will not be in the sled for TWO hours, but you will have a mushing lesson, harness the dogs, and finish with a complimentary hot drink by the fire.
-
This is very INTERACTIVE, and everyone will drive the sled!
-
Arrive ready to go at the time you choose; there is no need to arrive early, but be ON TIME-the dogs do not like to wait!
-
We run FOUR sleds at a time during the busy season. See the "sleds left " to see how many are available for booking.
-
4/4 means 4 of 4 available
-
3/4 means 3 of 3 available, etc.
Photography
-
You are welcome to take your photos and videos during your tour. We also have a professional photographer to capture pre-tour photos and candid shots of your dog sledding adventure.
-
There is no obligation to purchase these photos, but they are available on a thumb drive if you'd like a lasting memento of your experience.​
DDR Cocoa&Coffee Saloon
-
Join us at our new Saloon!
-
Complimentary Hot Chocolate-the best cocoa in the West
-
Lots of goodies to purchase including husky ornaments, western bandanas, stickers, shot glasses, DDR socks, and Farm to Summit food packets to eat around the fire!
-
Local Whiskey from Honeyville
-
Farm to Summit Food ​
