What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 14 years old to drive a sled; younger guests may be able to ride depending on operator policy.

How long is the experience?

The advertised session runs about two hours from check-in, including orientation, harnessing the dogs, and on-trail time.

Check-in and meeting point is 18408 W Reynolds Rd, Willow, AK 99688—arrive early to meet the musher and dogs.

What fitness level is required?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended because you stand on the runners and may need to push through soft patches.

What happens in bad weather?

Schedules can change for safety in severe storms; the operator will advise on cancellations or rescheduling based on trail and weather conditions.

Are warming shelters available?

Yes; warming shelters are typically available between runs, but dress as if you will be exposed to wind and cold for extended periods.

drive-a-dog-sled-in-willow-alaska-mush-your-own-team

Mush your own Team invites adventurous visitors to try dog-powered travel on private trails north of Willow, Alaska. Located at 18408 W Reynolds Rd, Willow, AK 99688, this two-hour experience hands the reins to you: harness the dogs, stand on the runners, and learn basic steering from an experienced musher who rides with you as mentor. The route threads through black spruce and birch, across frozen wetlands and compacted snowpack, opening into wind-scoured flats where the dogs stretch into a steady, lunging run. On clear days the Talkeetna Mountains cut a serrated skyline; in storm-light the landscape reduces to the hush and rhythm of paws on snow. What makes this a standout in the Willow area is the mix of intimate dog-team time and private trails that avoid crowded commercial loops. The kennel dogs—purpose-bred huskies and malamutes—are the real protagonists: eager, high-energy athletes conditioned to run. You'll learn how to team the harnesses, hold the gangline, and use voice and brake to modulate speed. The trail terrain exposes visitors to common Alaskan features: peat-saturated muskeg under winter ice, wind-polished drifts, and stands of spruce with lichen-dusted branches. Wildlife sightings are possible—moose tracks in deep snow, red fox prints, and seasonal raptors on the outskirts of the trail. The experience is practical as well as playful. The operator's mentorship emphasizes safety and sled technique, and a moderate level of fitness is recommended because guests stand on the runners and sometimes push through soft sections. Participants must be at least 14 years old, and groups are small—up to two people—so each rider gets hands-on time. The session is roughly two hours from check-in at the address above. A brief cultural note: dog mushing has shaped Alaska's transport history, and races like the Iditarod helped solidify the region's mushing culture in the 20th century. The activity also supports animal-care practices and local outdoor economies in places like Willow, a gateway to vast public lands. Practical tips: dress for variable winter conditions with wind and temperature swings; waterproof outer layers and insulated boots make the day comfortable. Bring a charged camera for close-up action shots of the dogs and the sled's wake. Whether you come to test your nerve on the runners or to connect with working dogs in a small-group setting, Mush your own Team delivers a direct, tactile Alaskan experience that stays with you long after the snow melts. Check in at the meeting point listed—18408 W Reynolds Rd—and arrive early to meet the mushers and dogs. Warming shelters are available, and guests pair this romp with nearby snowmachining or winter hiking. Book in advance during peak season to secure a slot; small groups often sell out quickly on cold, clear days.