Chase Auroras with UTV Dog Mushing!

Photo Gallery by Whitney McLaren

As we bid farewell to the waning days of summer, the gradual transition into autumn gently steals the precious daylight from our grasp, replacing it with the magical embrace of the enchanting Northern Lights. Nestled on the outskirts of the bustling city of Fairbanks, our sanctuary awaits, shielded from the intrusive glow of urbanization, offering an unimpeded vista of the Northern sky!

  • Experience the Magic of Dog Mushing Under the Northern Lights!

    Join us for an unforgettable 2-hour dog mushing adventure on our comfortable UTV! Mush through the breathtaking fall landscape and chase the Northern Lights. Our intimate tours are designed for small groups, ensuring a personal experience filled with wonder and discovery.

    As you embark on this journey, you’ll learn about the rich tradition of dog mushing in Alaska and witness the fall training process that conditions our dogs for the winter adventures that lie ahead. Feel the excitement of the Huskies as they eagerly prepare to hit the trails. Listen to the pitter-patter of paws and jingling tags as we motor down the dark trails, eagerly awaiting the spectacle of the Northern Lights.

    • Unmatched Northern Views: Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy unparalleled views of the starry expanse, free from light pollution, as we wait in anticipation of the elusive Northern Lights.

    • Comfortable and Cozy Adventure: Relax in our comfy side-by-side UTV, equipped with padded seats, seat belts, a roof and windshield for protection from the elements.

    • A Warm Added Touch: Enjoy complimentary hot drinks and warm blankets as you explore the great outdoors.

    Our knowledgeable guides will share captivating stories about the history of dog mushing and the vital role these incredible dogs play in Alaska’s heritage. We warmly invite you to join us for a magical experience that combines the thrill of dog mushing, the beauty of nature, and the wonder of the Northern Lights!

  • HOT DRINKS: Cocoa, Apple Cider & Tea.

    GEAR: Headlamps & Rain Ponchos; We do not offer warm weather gear or substantial rain gear. To ensure the utmost comfort and enhance your overall experience, we highly recommend bringing your own gear tailored to your preferences for varying weather conditions. By bringing your own gear, you can have peace of mind and be fully prepared to tackle any climate challenges that may arise during your adventure with us.

    WARMING HUT: Cozy up in our enchanting Mongolian Yurt, complete with a toasty wood-burning stove, providing you with a comforting haven to thaw out and unwind after an exhilarating dog mushing adventure amidst the frost-kissed wilderness.

  • TRANSPORTATION: Guests are required to make arrangements for their own personal means of transportation. Transportation not provided.

    BOTTLED WATER: We take care of your hot beverage needs during your visit, however, we kindly request that you bring your own thermos of water as we do not provide bottled water.

  • SEASON: September - November
    CAPACITY PER UTV: 5 Guests
    CAPACITY PER TIME SLOT: 5 Guests; Please call to inquire about larger groups.
    TIME SLOT: 8 PM
    SCHEDULING: Availability is listed in real time. If you do not see availability online, this means it is either booked or not available for that date and/or time slot.

  • TOUR DURATION: 2 Hours
    TRAIL MILEAGE:  4-8 Miles; Temperature dependent and at the musher’s discretion
    TRAIL TIME: 1 - 1.5 Hours

  • ADULT: $200
    CHILD: $150; Ages 3 - 8
    LAP CHILDREN: Free of charge; Ages 0 - 2

    TRANSPORTATION NOT INCLUDED

    Curious About Our Tour Pricing? Here's a Breakdown:

    Offering high-quality mushing tours requires significant investment. Below is an overview of the key costs involved in caring for our Alaskan Huskies—dedicated canine athletes who are the heart of what we do.

    1. Nutrition
    Alaskan Huskies are hard-working, high-energy dogs that require a large amount of food to stay healthy and strong. Mushers typically purchase food by the ton—between 2 to 6 tons annually, depending on the size of the kennel.

    • Annual food cost per dog: ~ $800

    • Annual food cost per kennel: ~ $19,000 – $38,000

    2. Veterinary Care
    As elite endurance athletes, Alaskan Huskies require top-tier medical attention. This includes everything from routine vaccinations and deworming to chiropractic adjustments and cold laser therapy.

    • Annual veterinary care per dog: ~ $500

    • Annual veterinary care per kennel: ~ $12,000 – $24,000

    3. Limited Operating Season
    These northern-breed dogs are built for cold weather and cannot work safely during the hot summer months. In Fairbanks, summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, making winter the primary season for tours—and the only time mushers can earn most of their income to support their kennels year-round.

    4. Total Annual Kennel Costs
    Below are estimates of total annual costs based on kennel size. These figures include food and veterinary care but do not cover other major expenses such as dog yard maintenance, specialized gear, race entry fees, and more.

    • 24-dog recreational kennel: ~ $31,000

    • 36-dog small racing kennel: ~ $46,000

    • 48-dog large racing kennel: ~ $62,000

    1. What is a side-by-side? A side-by-side is a UTV (utility task vehicle) designed like a golf cart. Unlike an ATV, a side-by-side has car-like controls with pedals, a steering wheel and bench seats that sits 6 passengers. They're called ‘side-by-sides’ because they usually have two seats beside each other, with the addition of back seats.

    2. What are the trail conditions in the fall? Temperatures range from 55 degree Fahrenheit in September to 32 degrees or colder in November. September is typically wet, which can make the air feel colder so make sure to dress appropriately for both wet and cold conditions.

    3. Why does the trail mileage vary? Trail mileage is based on two factors:

      • Temperature: Remember, Alaskan Huskies are a Northern Breed and risk overheating in temperatures most humans would find cold. Therefore we must monitor their health & well-being on the trail based on the temperature and adjust the mileage accordingly;

      • Training: Additionally, we adapt the dogs trail mileage based on their conditioning. We begin training in the early fall running 1-2 miles at a time, then slowly increase their mileage based on the dogs’ abilities. By the end of the fall training season, our canine athletes are conditioned to run anywhere from 20 to 30 miles!

    4. Do dogs accompany us on the fall tours? Yes, even though we are operating on side-by-sides, the dogs still pull us down the trail. This is part of their fall training to condition them for the upcoming winter mushing season.

    5. When do we convert to sleds? We convert to sleds when we have a sufficient snow base to safely control a dog team. This requires at least 2 to 4 inches of compacted snow for the brakes and snow hooks on a dog sled to work properly.

    6. Can you see the Northern Lights from the tour location? Yes, if the sky is clear and the Auroras are out, they will be visible from the yurt, as well as certain vantage points on the trail.

    7. When are the best months to see the Northern Lights? Aurora season is between August 21st through April 21st.

    8. How can I increase my chances of witnessing the Northern Lights? 1. Book your lodging outside of the city lights which causes light pollution. 2. Book your stay for at least 3-days (we recommend 5-days)

    9. Why is Fairbanks the best place to see the Northern Lights? Fairbanks is located under the “Auroral Oval”—An elliptical shaped zone where aurora activity is concentrated. Additionally, our low precipitation and distance from large bodies of water provide consistently clear nights.

    10. Are the Northern Lights visible every night? The Northern Lights are incredibly hard to predict and therefore we can not guarantee that we will witness them on our tour (we wish we could make this promise). If you follow our guidelines outlined above and research the links below, this will increase your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

    University of Alaska

    Aurora Hunter

    Explore Fairbanks

  • A full refund will be issued if the cancellation is received before 7 days of the tour. A 20% cancellation fee will be charged to cancellations inside 7 days.

    No refunds will be issued if the cancellation is less than 24 hours prior to the tour. Day of booking cancellations will not be refunded. No shows will be charged in full.

    Covid Cancellations: A positive covid test result with the date is required to issue a full refund. If no contact is made prior to the tour start time, no refunds will be issued.

    Emergency Cancellations: If guests have an emergent case, please notify us immediately to explain the situation. Proof may be requested to receive a full refund.

    Overdue Arrivals: Guests arriving 15-29 minutes late are subject to an altered tour to ensure guides remain on the schedule (this could result in a shorter trail time or less interaction with the dogs). Guests arriving in excess of 30 minutes late for a day tour will forfeit their tour and be charged in full. Guests arriving late for an aurora tour will still adhere to the time allotment of the original tour schedule and will not exceed the tour conclusion of midnight.


Influencer Discovers the Last Frontier Mushing Co-op…

In a world captivated by social media influencers and their adventurous escapades, Last Frontier Mushing Co-op, nestled in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, has become an unexpected hotspot for those seeking a dose of authentic and unique experiences. Recently, we welcomed a renowned influencer who immersed themselves in the world of dog mushing, uncovering the beauty and thrill of this age-old tradition.

 

Explore the Last Frontier Year Round!