Is summer dog sledding safe for children?

Yes, children over age 6 enjoy the experience with proper supervision, and the ATV ride is designed for safety.

Layers, including comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, are recommended for comfort in varying weather.

Can I meet the dogs beforehand?

Absolutely! The tour typically starts with a kennel visit where you can interact with the dogs.

Is physical fitness required?

No special fitness level is needed; the activities are suitable for most visitors.

How far in advance should I book?

Booking at least a few weeks ahead is advised, especially in peak summer months.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 48 hours in advance are fully refundable.

Summer Dog Sledding Tour with Squid Acres Kennel near Denali | ATV/UTV

Located just outside the iconic Denali National Park in Alaska, the Morning Cantwell Summer Mushing Experience offers a rare glimpse into the world of summer dog sledding. While many associate sled dogs with winter, Squid Acres Kennel ingeniously translates the thrill into the warm months. Here, visitors meet some of the incredible canine athletes behind legendary races like the Iditarod and Yukon Quest, learning about their training, lives, and the vital role they play in Alaskan culture. The adventure begins with a personal tour of the kennel, where you get up close with the dogs and hear stories from accomplished mushers Paige Drobny and Cody Strathe. The highlight? A hands-on ride—strapped into a sled pulled by a high-powered ATV—delivering the exhilaration of a race even amid summer's lush surroundings.

This experience is distinguished by its authenticity and connection to Alaskan heritage. The kennel itself is a hub of animal vitality and local history, offering insight into how these dogs have shaped the region’s outdoor lifestyle. The wild backdrop features rolling tundra, dense forests, and mountain vistas, enriching every moment with natural beauty. Unique to this area, the summer mushing provides a fun, family-friendly alternative to winter rides, making it accessible year-round.

Whether you’re a dog lover, adventure seeker, or curious about Alaska’s sledding legacy, the Squid Acres Kennel tour combines education, adrenaline, and community spirit. It’s more than just an activity—it’s a window into Alaskan resilience and tradition, experienced in the company of some of the hardest-working dogs around.

Close to Denali, this tour is a must-do for visitors eager to immerse themselves in one of Alaska’s most unique outdoor pursuits. Prepare for a lively, memorable outing that captures the essence of Alaskan adventure without the cold.

About Squid Acres Kennel Dogsled Tours

Squid Acres Kennel Dogsled Tours operates a kennel and guided dogsled trips based in Healy, Alaska, providing seasonal mushing experiences near Denali National Park. The operation offers winter and summer programs that connect visitors with experienced sled dogs and professional mushers. Guests can choose from evening aurora rides, two-hour sled tours, half-day mushing schools, and summer hands-on experiences that include kennel tours and ATV-assisted rides.

The team includes Iditarod and Yukon Quest mushers Paige Drobny and Cody Strathe for seasonal summer programs, delivering personal instruction and firsthand stories from high-latitude races. Winter offerings emphasize traditional dogsled travel and include guided rides to a secluded camp for aurora viewing, longer two-hour runs near Denali, and immersive half-day mushing schools that teach guests to lead a dog team.

Safety and animal care are priorities; the kennel maintains working sled dogs trained for passenger rides and educational demonstrations. Guides provide trail briefings, appropriate winter clothing guidance, and mushing instruction tailored to experience level. Tours use local trails in the Healy and Cantwell areas, with winter trips operating on snow and summer programs using ATV-assisted setups.

Reservations are recommended due to seasonal availability and limited group sizes. Squid Acres Kennel Dogsled Tours appeals to visitors seeking authentic, educational, and active outdoor experiences in Alaska. The business focuses on animal-athlete welfare, experienced leadership, and proximity to Denali as core elements of its guest offerings. Booking information, pricing, and seasonal operating dates are available through direct reservation channels and partner tourism offices for all skill levels.