Hut-to-Hut Dog Sledding Adventures

5-7 Days | Multiple Cabins

The Hut-to-Hut White Mountains Dog Sledding Adventures offer one of the best ways to experience the northern lights in Fairbanks. With over 200 miles of trails, this stunning Alaskan wilderness provides an ideal setting for dog sled travel and aurora viewing. The open expanse of the White Mountains serves as the perfect backdrop for the aurora borealis.

These 5- and 7-day excursions take you deep into nature, far from light pollution, maximizing your chances of witnessing the northern lights in all their glory. Participants mush their own team of huskies, exploring new trails daily and stopping at cozy huts to rest and recharge. This adventure promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience for northern lights enthusiasts.

  • Difficulty Level

    No previous mushing experience is required. Everything required to feel confident on the trail is taught beforehand. However, dog mushing is a physically demanding activity, involving tasks like harnessing dogs and standing on the sled for extended periods. Participants should be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the adventure.

  • Cabin Accommodations

    The White Mountains National Recreation Area features 12 rustic log cabins spaced 10-25 miles apart along remote trails, more often traveled by caribou and wolves than people. These open-concept cabins include a wood stove, small kitchen, large table with benches, and double bunks along one wall. A standout feature of each cabin is a large picture window offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Most cabins can accommodate up to six people, with the largest housing up to 12. Each cabin also has an outhouse for convenience.

  • Will I drive my own dog team?

    Yes. Participants will drive and care for their own small team of 4-6 sled dogs. On orientation day, a professional guide will introduce you to your team, provide a lesson on sled driving, and lead a short practice run to develop mushing skills. You'll learn key techniques such as harnessing dogs and controlling the sled, including slowing and stopping. Throughout the adventure, the guide drives ahead, monitoring the dogs, trail conditions, and your progress. You will drive a dog sled all six days.

  • 🎥 Arctic Dog Adventures

    Here is a playlist of videos that clients and guides who have adventured with Arctic Dog Adventure Co. in the White Mountains National Recreation Area have created. 

    Check it out! 

  • What we eat

    Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice at registration. Each participant receives a snack bag filled with a mix of sweet, salty, savory, and chocolatey treats to keep energized between meals. Desserts often include cookies or chocolate, paired with hot coffee, tea, or cider.

  • The White Mountains National Recreation Area

    Just north of Fairbanks, Alaska, the White Mountains National Recreation Area spans over one million acres of wilderness. The landscape features rolling black spruce forests, rugged limestone cliffs, open river valleys, and mountain ridges crowned with striking black granite tors. Known as one of the world’s premier spots for northern lights viewing, the area is also marked by wildfire burn scars and over 200 miles of trails connecting 12 remote cabins.

an unforgettable journey under the northern lights

Itinerary

DAY 1: ORIENTATION

Location: 2218 Hattie Creek Road, Fairbanks, AK, USA

Start the day with breakfast at your accommodations before heading to the homestead to meet the guides and your sled dog team. The day includes a gear overview, a brief mushing lesson, and a test ride through the boreal forest to practice. After a provided lunch, preparations for the next day’s departure continue, followed by a relaxing dinner at Arctic Dog Adventure Co. In the evening, the guide will demonstrate how to use the cold-weather sleeping system, giving you a chance to test your pad, bag, and liner in the comfort of the lodge.

  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner at Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
  • Accommodations: Shared accommodations at ADAC. No running water. Outhouse. 
  • Milage: 5 miles.

DAY 2: TO THE TRAILHEAD

Location: Wickersham Dome, Alaska, USA

After breakfast, the sled dogs are loaded for a short 30-minute drive to the trailhead, where gear is unloaded, teams are hooked up, and the adventure begins. The trail leads into the million-acre White Mountains National Recreation Area, a vast expanse of winter trails and log cabins. Stretching for hundreds of miles, the landscape includes ridge lines, a burn area of blackened spruce from a wildfire a decade ago, and open meadows rich in wildlife such as moose, grouse, ptarmigan, marten, and wolves.

The journey continues over small hills, through patches of crooked black spruce, and across tundra meadows before reaching the cabin. Located on a bluff overlooking Moose Creek, the cabin offers a welcome retreat after a day on the trail. These rustic yet cozy structures are heated by wood stoves and equipped with bunks, lanterns, tables, and benches, providing plenty of space to relax and enjoy a hot meal after a day in the Alaskan wilderness.

  • Meals: Breakfast at Arctic Dog Adventure lodge, lunch on the trail, dinner at cabin.
  • Accommodations: Bunk in shared cabin.
  • Mileage: 16 miles

DAY 3: WINTER WONDERLAND

After breakfast for both humans and dogs, the journey continues deeper into the White Mountains. The trail winds through gently rolling hills of forest and muskeg, revealing panoramic views of the ancient mountains at key points. Traveling along ridgelines of boreal forest and burn, the growing peaks and the winding Beaver Creek, a National Wild & Scenic River, create a stunning backdrop.

The day ends at Crowberry Cabin, perched atop an exposed ridge with 360-degree views of the horizon. With mountains to the northeast and east, the open northern sky provides an ideal vantage point for spotting low-lying auroras.

  • Meals: Breakfast in cabin, lunch on the trail, dinner at Crowberry Cabin.
  • Accommodations: Cabin.
  • Milage: 9 miles.

DAY 4: BLACK SPRUCE HORIZONS

Location: White Mountains National Recreation Area, Central, AK, USA

Each morning, after coffee and breakfast, the team gears up and sets off with the huskies. The trail leads further into the White Mountains, offering panoramic views of the ancient peaks at various turns. The route winds through the unique landscapes of Interior Alaska, featuring frosted forests, snow-covered muskeg, and rolling ridgelines of boreal forest and burn, with the mountains gradually drawing nearer.

  • Meals: Breakfast in cabin, lunch on the trail, dinner at camp.
  • Accommodations: Cabin.
  • Milage: 10-20 miles.

DAY 5: RETURN TO FAIRBANKS

The final day on the trail takes us through alpine terrain, transitioning between black spruce forest and burn areas. On clear days, the Alaska Range may be visible in the distance. By late afternoon, the team approaches the trailhead, and the dogs, sensing the journey's end, pick up their pace.

The last stretch winds through a dense, old alpine spruce forest unique to the Wickersham Dome region, with a downhill and slightly bumpy finish. Suddenly, the parking lot comes into view. After loading the dogs and sleds, the group returns to the kennel to sort gear before heading back to accommodations in town.

  • Meals: Breakfast at cabin, lunch on the trail, dinner on your own.
  • Accommodations: You will need to arrange your own accommodations for this night.
  • Mileage: 10-20 miles.

** Please note that this Itinerary is subject to change. Due to the nature of Arctic Dog Co.'s permitting process with BLM, there is no guarantee they will be able to secure the cabins mentioned here. Rest assured, every cabin in the Whites is a scenic delight!

Images from the Hut to Hut Trip

Tolovana Hot Springs

4 Days | Basecamp at a Hot Springs Cabin

Few experiences rival soaking in a steaming hot tub under the northern stars and shimmering aurora in the remote Alaskan wilderness. The Tolovana Hot Springs Trip combines scenic winter travel with the relaxation of backcountry hot springs, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and hidden gems of Interior Alaska.

The adventure begins with an orientation and gear check at Arctic Dog Adventure Co. The itinerary includes one day of travel to the hot springs, three days exploring the springs and surrounding wilderness, and one day mushing back to the trailhead. Guests enjoy an orientation night at the homestead and four nights in private cabins, fully immersed in the rustic charm of Tolovana Hot Springs.

Difficulty Level

This trip is rated Moderate to Difficult due to two 1,000-foot climbs where participants assist the dogs by pushing the sled uphill and need good balance to manage the sled brake on the descent. Challenging trail conditions, such as deep snow and wind drifts, are common.

No prior mushing experience is required—everything needed to feel confident on the trail will be taught. However, dog mushing is physically demanding, involving tasks like harnessing dogs and standing on the sled for extended periods. Participants should be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the experience. The journey ventures deep into remote wilderness, with sections of the trail requiring technical skill.

The Tolovana Experience

"A trip to Tolovana Hot Springs is a wilderness adventure to bathe in natural hot springs and to enjoy the outdoors. The cabins are rustic, simple and comfortable. Burning wood, hauling drinking water and using outhouses are part of the experience. It makes you feel good. You are clean, warm and relaxed. It is quiet. The hot tubs are outdoors, exposed to the weather, the stars, and the raging northern lights. Getting out of the hot tub on a cold night is part of the experience.

The operators of Tolovana Hot Springs are dedicated to preserving the natural, rustic, and simple qualities that Tolovana currently possesses. Their goal is to provide visitors low impact access and accommodations so current visitors may enjoy the natural hot springs and surrounding wilderness area while preserving these resources for future generations."

Cabin Accomodations

Tolovana Hot Springs features three cozy cabins, each equipped with a wood stove, picture window, kitchen stove, and outhouse.

The Cedar Cabin, the main gathering spot for meals, measures 18' x 24' and includes a large frame window, galley kitchen with a full-size stove, large dining table, wood stove, and solar-powered LED lights.

The Frame Cabin, a charming green cabin near the hot springs, and the Log Cabin, built from logs harvested on-site, provide private accommodations for couples or groups. A cold freshwater spring near the cabins, fitted with an insulated spring box, supplies drinking and cooking water year-round. Hot spring water is often used for washing dishes to save time and propane.

Will I drive my own dog team?

Yes. Participants will drive and care for their own small team of 4-6 sled dogs. On orientation day, a professional guide introduces the team, provides a lesson on sled handling, and leads a short practice run to develop mushing skills. Key techniques, including harnessing dogs and controlling the sled, are covered. Throughout the trip, the guide drives ahead, monitoring the dogs, the trail, and each participant’s progress. You will drive your own dog sled all four days. 

The Hot Tubs

The hot springs feature three hot tubs, each with a deck, situated along the creek about 200 feet apart for privacy. The tubs are shared among all cabins, with water constantly flowing in and out to maintain their natural state. The use of soap or chemicals is strictly prohibited to preserve the springs' purity.

  • Upper Tub: A round, 8-foot diameter plastic tub located at the base of the hillside just below the steaming springs. Approximately 4 feet deep.
  • Middle Tub: A rectangular, 8-foot wooden tub on the hillside near the creek, accessed by a footbridge. Approximately 2 feet deep.
  • Lower Tub: A round, 8-foot diameter plastic tub nestled in a secluded wooded area by the creek. Approximately 4 feet deep.

The Trail

Watch this video to learn more!

A once-in-a-lifetime journey under the aurora

Itinerary

DAY 1: ORIENTATION

Location: 2218 Hattie Creek Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA

After breakfast at your accommodations, you'll be brought to the homestead to meet your guides and your sled dog team. The day includes a gear overview, a brief mushing lesson, a practice sled ride through the boreal forest, and preparations for the next day's departure. Lunch is provided during the day, followed by a relaxing dinner at Arctic Dog Adventure Co. Overnight accommodations are at the off-grid ADAC Lodge, where you’ll have the chance to test your sleeping system (pad, bag, and liner) in comfort before heading out on the trail.

  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner at Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
  • Accommodations: Shared accommodations at Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
  • Milage: 5-8 miles

DAY 2: NORTHERN HORIZONS

Location: 2270 Hattie Creek Road, Fairbanks, AK, USA

After breakfast at the kennel, the sled dogs are loaded for a two-hour drive to the trailhead. Upon arrival, sleds and dogs are unloaded, mushing gear is donned, and teams are hooked up to begin the journey. The trailhead opens to unspoiled wilderness, surrounded by mountains and stretching forests and tundra as far as the eye can see.

The route begins along ridge lines and high points marked by windblown tundra and sastrugi. The trail descends 1,000 feet over two miles into the Brooks Creek valley—an exhilarating start requiring firm sled control. After crossing three miles of swamp under the vast Interior sky, the trail rises steeply, marking the start of the climb up Tolovana Dome.

The moderate ascent passes through an old burn area, dotted with blackened tree trunks and new vegetation, creating a haven for wildlife like moose, grouse, and wolves. The sparse trees provide glimpses of the distant Minto Flats. At Windy Gap, the trail levels off, with strong winds shaping snow into hardened waves (sastrugi) that make sledding technical. Beyond the tree line, the climb continues, revealing sweeping views of the Ray Mountains to the north. On clear days, Denali is visible to the southwest.

The summit of Tolovana Dome offers a perfect spot for a hot drink and snack if weather permits. From there, the trail traverses exposed alpine terrain before descending through old wildfire burns into a creek valley that cradles the hot springs and cabins. The final mile is steep, with a 1,000-foot descent, sharp switchbacks, and technical braking to ensure safety.

At the end of the trail, teams cross a steaming creek, marking arrival at Tolovana Hot Springs. Dogs are cared for first, with unharnessing and staking near the cabins. Once settled, it’s time to relax and explore this rustic oasis in the heart of Alaska's Interior.

  • Meals: Breakfast at the homestead, lunch in the car, dinner at camp.
  • Accommodations: Bunk in shared cabin.
  • Milage: 10 miles.

DAY 3: RELAX & REJUVENATE

Location: Tolovana Hot Springs, Alaska, USA

Spend the day enjoying the three hot tubs nestled in the ravine around the hot springs, reading logbooks, playing games, and exploring nearby trails. Take time to visit the sled dogs, who are also resting before the challenging climb out of the hot springs.

The cabins provide comfort and convenience, with amenities like lights and stoves for morning coffee and hearty meals prepared by the guides to celebrate your stay in this Alaskan paradise. Stay up late to make the most of your chances to witness the northern lights.

  • Meals: At Cedar Cabin.
  • Accommodations: Bunk in shared cabin.
  • Mileage: The walk to the hot springs and back. Repeat.

DAY 4: RETURNING HOME VIA TOLOVANA DOME 

Location: Tolovana Hot Springs Dome, Alaska, USA

After an early morning soak, we’ll bid farewell to the cozy cabin and begin the trek back to the Tolovana trailhead. The first two miles out are steep and challenging, with switchbacks that may be drifted with snow. This stretch requires walking and assisting the dogs by pushing the sleds uphill.

Reaching the top of the dome is a well-earned reward, offering sweeping views of the Minto Flats, Alaska Range, and Ray Mountains. From there, the trail descends into the lowlands. About a mile from the summit, we’ll pass through Windy Gap, likely filled with hard-packed wind drifts that demand focus to navigate—a great chance to put new sledding skills to the test. After Windy Gap, the trail gently descends into the valley. If the weather cooperates, we may stop for lunch and a bonfire in the old burn area.

The journey continues across the valley floor before the final climb to the trailhead. While this two-mile ascent is more gradual, it still includes steep sections that require pushing and pedaling. The sight of alpine birch trees signals the approach to the ridge, and soon after, the parking lot appears around a bend.

Upon arrival, we’ll unpack the sleds, secure the dogs in their boxes, shed a few layers, and settle into the truck for the two-hour drive back to town, weather and road conditions permitting.

  • Meals: Breakfast in cabin, lunch on the trail, dinner on your own.
  • Accommodations: You will need to arrange your own accommodations for this night.
  • Mileage: 10 miles

About Arctic Dog Adventure Co. and why I am partnered with them

Arctic Dog Adventure Co. embodies the principles of ecotourism, offering small-scale, sustainable, and educational experiences that celebrate the unique landscapes of northern Alaska. As the first dog sledding company in Alaska certified by Adventure Green Alaska as a Sustainable Tourism Business, they prioritize environmental, economic, social, and cultural sustainability. Their mission is not just to provide unforgettable dog sledding tours, but also to inspire a deep appreciation for Alaska’s remarkable nature and history through responsible travel.

What sets Arctic Dog Adventure Co. apart is its dedication to preserving the environment while operating the Fairbanks branch of Alaskan Kennels, home to the world's oldest Siberian Husky kennel and the renowned Anadyr Siberian Huskies. They honor the Dena people, on whose traditional lands they operate, respecting their past, present, and future stewardship of Interior Alaska’s lands and waters. Their tours, led by AKC-registered Siberian Huskies, are a blend of adventure, cultural respect, and environmental consciousness.

My partnership with Arctic Dog Adventure Co. is rooted in their alignment with my mission to provide travelers with meaningful and reliable aurora experiences. Their commitment to excellence and sustainability reflects the values I strive to promote on my platform. With their expertise and passion for Alaska's wilderness, Arctic Dog Adventure Co. ensures guests not only enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure but also leave with a deeper connection to the land and its heritage. I confidently recommend their tours to those seeking an authentic and eco-conscious Alaskan experience.

Learn more about Arctic Dog Adventure Co.Learn more about my mission!