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.
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How to Reserve
Reservations must be made at least 12 hours in advance. We offer two daily trips from 10-12:00 and 12:30-2:30 with three sleds per time slot. During the busy times, we can add a 3-5 Sunset slot, too. Once booked, you will receive a confirmation. We will send a TEXT to the number provided with instructions and directions between 4-7 p.m. the night before the trip. Tours are NON-REFUNDABLE as we have saved the sled for you.
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The Dog Sled
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A sled comfortably fits two people or 375 pounds. The price listed in the Booking Calendar is PER SLED. Every sled has a guide. When the sled is overloaded, It is uncomfortable and damages the equipment. If you overload the sled and arrive with more than two people, we reserve the right to ask someone to stay behind. If the two people do not exceed the weight limit, a lap child can be added for an additional fee of $75. Lap children sit in laps, ride in a car seat, and cannot tie their shoes.
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Meeting Place
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Tours leave from our base camp kennel at our Ranch in Hesperus, Trails in Mancos, or Molas Pass. We choose the best trails for the trip. All trails are within 60 minutes or less of downtown Durango, and you will receive a text the evening before the trip with directions. If you do not hear from us by 7 p.m., we may not have the correct contact info, so please call us.
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Timing
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Tours last approximately two hours, including a mushing lesson before getting on the sled and harnessing dogs. We will finish with a hot drink by the fire and maybe even make a s'more after thanking your dogs for a job well done. It is important to be on time as the dogs will be waiting for you. This is a two-hour experience. You will NOT be in the sled for 2 hours.
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What to Wear
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Dress in layers, snow boots, hats, gloves, and a smile. This is a cold-weather activity, so dress accordingly. We have a photographer on-site to capture it all; purchasing a disc with all the photos is up to you! Trails are all above 8,000 feet, so wear sunscreen. We go in ALL conditions (snow or no snow!), so be prepared for all weather.
Tours by Snow Cat
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Take a tour at the Durango Dog Ranch after in a comfortable four-seater "Cat or 4x4 Side by Side. Come to the ranch and ride the trail up to the high point. Watch the sunset while sipping hot drinks. Dress warmly...when the sun sets, the chill sets in. We provide hot drinks. See Calendar for dates. Not available every day.
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Reserve a Cat Tour
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Reservations must be made at least 12 hours in advance. The price is $300 for 4 seats. Once booked, you will receive a confirmation. We will send a TEXT to the number provided with instructions and directions between 4-7 pm the night before the trip. Tours are NON-REFUNDABLE as we have saved the CAT for you.
The Snowcat
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The Snowcat or Kubota Side by Side has 4 seats. It fits 4 people comfortably, and your Tour Guide is the driver. Take a tour of the beautiful La Platas with an interpretive driver who will take you over the snow and stop at the top to view the sunset over the Sleeping Ute.
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Meeting Place
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Tours leave from our base camp kennel at our Ranch in Hesperus or 20 minutes from Downtown Durango. You will receive a text the evening before the trip with directions. If you do not hear from us by 7 pm, we may not have the correct contact info, so please call us.
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Timing
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Tours last approximately an hour and a half from 4:00-5:30
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What to Wear
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Dress in layers, snow boots, hats, gloves, and a smile. This is a cold-weather activity, so dress accordingly. We go in ALL conditions (snow or no snow!), so be prepared for all weather. Bring your libations (Think Peppermint Schnapps and Baileys!)
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Cat holds 4 people. Leaves at dusk. Dress Warmly! Be prepared for the elements!
A Sled holds 2 people not to exceed 375 pounds