Dog Sledding

Travel 10 to 15 miles during the half day trip. Lunch and transportation is included. Learn More.

Snodgrass offers overnight yurt trips or transportation into Brooks Lake Lodge, which is inaccessible by car in the winter. Learn More.

There is an electric energy in the dogs before heading out. The leap in the air, strain at the harness. They are ready to go.

With the dogs exerting so much enthusiasm, I wasn’t sure what would happen when the musher released the brake. But the ride was surprisingly smooth as we started down the trail.

Dog sledding is an incredible way to experience winter. As a passenger snuggled under blankets, I watched the scenery, sparkling white like out of children’s book.

But dog sledding can be more than a way to watch the scenery. Billy Snodgrass, owner of Continental Divide Dog Sled Adventures, lets you mush.

Snodgrass runs dog sled tours on Togwotee Pass. The dogs that pull the sled are bred for it, and are either in training to race with Snodgrass—an Iditarod veteran—or are retired race dogs. He owns 140 dogs.

Togwotee provides plenty for those athletes with more than 400 miles of trails.

One favorite trail Snodgrass touts and loves to take visitors on is called “Candle Light.” The trees are so dense it’s like riding through a tunnel and everything quiets.

There are stunning views of the Tetons you’ll get all to yourself. You can look out across the land toward Yellowstone and maybe have a snowball fight, followed by hot chocolate. Snodgrass also offers overnight yurt trips or transportation into Brooks Lake Lodge.

Few know the trails as well as Snodgrass, who has guided on Togwotee for 25 years and is a fourth generation Wyomingite. He also knows sled dogs. He’s finished the Iditarod four times. But don’t let that intimidate you. Dog sledding is an activity for all ages and dispositions.

If you are looking for a mellow ride, the musher can keep it slow and smooth. If you want something wilder, you can catch a little air and rip around corners.

But back to the best part, mushing.

The experienced mushers—your guides—wield the reigns at the start of the trip, while the dogs are still wild with energy to get started, but once they find a rhythm, your guide will teach you the basics of mushing and even let you drive.

It feels a little surreal standing behind a team of dogs and taking the helm, but it’s easy enough with instruction to keep them on the trail.

Snodgrass says dog sledding captures the imagination and I agree that is part of the appeal, but in Wind River Country dog sledding comes to life and that’s even better. When else will you ever drive a team of dogs through the rugged mountains of Wyoming?

You can pick the trip that fits your family. Snodgrass offers several options, including trips that include transportation to-and-from Togwotee. While I recommend spending the night in Dubois, Snodgrass does offer transportation from Jackson.