In this episode of Wyoming’s Wind River Country: Yellowstone’s Unique Neighbor, Charene Herrera and Helen Wilson take you to one of winter’s most exhilarating traditions, the Pedigree Stage Stop Dog Sled Race in Lander.
Earlier this month, the sound of eager sled dogs and cheering spectators filled the crisp winter air as the race returned to town. We were there for the Meet the Mushers event in Lander City Park on February 6, where families gathered around a bonfire, kids leaned in to pet the dogs and mushers shared stories about life on the trail. Seeing these incredible canine athletes up close—their focus, their energy and the bond between each musher and team—makes the sport feel both powerful and personal.
The following morning, we headed to South Pass, where the dogs launched from the Louis Lake Road parking lot at 9 a.m. One by one, teams burst off the starting line, sled runners gliding over packed snow as spectators cheered them into the wide-open landscape. The excitement builds quickly, along with a deep appreciation for the endurance and teamwork required to compete at this level.
The race brings world-class competition to communities across western Wyoming each winter, but what stood out most was the sense of connection, between musher and dog, between neighbors gathered along the course and between this event and the rugged winter character of Wind River Country.
It was one of those bright, cold Wyoming mornings that reminds you why winter here is something to celebrate.
Winter in Motion: The Pedigree Stage Stop Dog Sled Race in Lander
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Ready to venture to Wind River Country this fall?
Check out our ranches, cabins, lodges and more at the link in our bio.
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
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Jul 29
Consider this a postcard from our backyard. ❤️
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Wyoming Dubois
Jul 28
If you`re ready to experience touchable history, venture to South Pass City and try your hand at gold panning.
Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism
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Jul 27
Sunny summer days are the best days.
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
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Jul 24
Have you seen a jackalope?
Photo: Natalie Kovarik
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Jul 22
We love to chase waterfalls around Wyoming.
Photo: Scott Copeland
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Jul 20
Cheers to the weekend! Tell us: where is your favorite place to grab a cold beverage?
Photo: Helen Wilson/Wind River Country
Location: The Rock Shop Inn
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Jul 17
Mountain biking, road biking, fishing and hiking. Wind River Country is an outdoor lover`s paradise.
Start planning your trip at the link in our bio.
Photo: Bob Wick
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Jul 15
The perfect Wyoming day: hiking and viewing petroglyphs.
Photo: Helen Wilson/Wind River Country
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Jul 14
Welcome to Wyoming, a place where badlands and mountains collide.
Photo: @nataliekovarik
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Jul 10
Road trips like these are worth every mile. ❤️
Footage: @bradytildeath
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Jul 8
Make plans to attend the Ethete Celebration Powwow, happening this week, July 9–12 at the Ethete Powwow Grounds. Experience the vibrant traditions, incredible dancing, drumming and welcoming community that make this annual celebration so special.
Schedule:
Thursday -7 p.m. warm up night, royalty contest and youth powwow
Friday -7 p.m. grand entry
Saturday – 1 p.m. grand entry
Saturday – 7 p.m. grand entry
Sunday – 10 a.m. parade
Sunday – 2 p.m. grand entry
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Jul 6
