Dog Sledding With Kids in Mammoth Lakes

When most people picture a weekend getaway with kids to Mammoth Lakes during the winter, they probably think skiing, snowboarding – maybe even snowshoeing. But not us.

The friends who invited us along for the weekend have known us a long time. That’s probably why they asked if we’d like to try dog sledding. Of course we said yes.

And we weren’t disappointed.

For one thing, the dogs from outfitter Mammoth Dog Teams are beyond kid-friendly. No nudging up against the little ones or near knockdowns here. Not even an attempted lick. Nope, these dogs warmly accept affection without getting overwhelmed with excitement.

They save their energy for the sledding.

Each team of some 10 sled dogs consists of a mix of Siberian huskies, Alaskan huskies, Malamutes – even homegrown Mammoth huskies. They’re trained locally, some even former pets. (And no, none are bound for the Iditarod.)

Each sled has room for four, with each person sitting directly in front of the person behind. That meant I spent much of the 50-minute ride trying to break up fights between the big and little explorer, who seemed to find one way after another to annoy each other.

But it was nearly impossible to break the mood. The 3-mile ride takes visitors through a picturesque area of the Eastern Sierras featuring views of tall, snow-covered trees and mountains, plus wide-open expanses of untouched snow. It was beyond serene.

Except for the occasional barking, of course (the kids and the dogs). The dogs only get seriously riled up when they’re forced to take a break. They can’t sit still longer than a few minutes before egging each other on to get moving again. The dynamics of it all is entertainment enough.

The kids loved the speed and excitement of the dogs – and I loved that they weren’t going fast enough to make me worried we’d go flying out of the sled. The hubby and I also enjoyed listening to our musher, who provided an unending narrative of the inner workings of the team.

Dog sledding with kids in Mammoth Lakes is an expensive undertaking at $90 for adults and $50 for kids 3 through 12. But it’s also an unforgettable way to spend time connecting with each other and with nature.

Tips for Dog Sledding With Kids in Mammoth Lakes

• Dress for the weather. Dress in layers, including a hat and gloves. Don’t forget that you’ll be sitting most of the time – and catching some wind if the dogs really get moving. Better to wear more than less.

• Get friendly with the dogs. We arrived a little early for our ride and were able to meet and get comfortable with the dogs, key when little kids are along.

• Enjoy the surroundings. Our musher turned into an impromptu field guide as we rode along, sharing fun facts about the trees and geography of the area.

Planning Essentials

• Dog sledding in Mammoth Lakes is available through local outfitter Mammoth Dog Teams, which operates under a special permit from the Inyo National Forest
• Sledding is available every day – snow conditions, wind & weather permitting
• 50-minutes rides are $90 for adults, $50 for kids $12 & under; kids 3 & under are free
• Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance by telephone only at (760) 934-6270 (FYI: It took us three calls before we heard back from the outfitter, so keep calling!)
• Tours begin and end at the Smokey Bear Flats staging area, which is a large meadow along Highway 395
• Ample free, roadside parking
• No restroom or other facilities are available on site
• Cash, personal checks and traveler’s checks only, NO CREDIT CARDS accepted

This review is based on my family’s personal experience. We did not receive any incentive to visit (i.e. no free rides), nor any compensation for sharing my opinions. If you have any questions, read my full disclosure policy.