Fall dog mushing & Aurora chasing

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 serene embrace of the enchanting spectacle known as the 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 vast Northern sky!

  • Did you know fall is one of the opportune times to witness the breaking spectacle know as the Northern Lights? We warmly invite you to accompany us on an enthralling and unforgettable 2-hour journey aboard our cozy and comfortable side-by-side vehicle. Observe the captivating spectacle as our Alaskan Huskies embrace the frostiness of the crisp night air and propel themselves with unbridled enthusiasm down the dark enchanting trail. We venture along with bated breath and crossed fingers, that the magnificent Lady Aurora will bestow upon us her enchanting and ethereal display of dancing lights in the vast expanse of the night sky. As you revel in the serenity of the surroundings, sip on a complimentary hot beverage, perfect to add warmth and coziness to your experience. Our knowledgeable guides will regale you with captivating tales of the trail, ensuring that every moment of this adventure is etched in your memory.

  • SEASON: September - November
    CAPACITY: 5 Adults; Please call to inquire about larger groups.
    MOTORIZED VEHICLE: Side-by-side with seat cushions, seat belts, hand holds and roll bars.

  • TOUR DURATION: 2 Hours
    TRAIL MILEAGE:  4-8 Miles; *Temperature & training dependent
    TRAIL TIME: 1 - 1.5 Hours
    TIME SLOT: 8 PM - 10 PM

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

  • 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.

    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.

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

    1. 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;

    2. 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!

    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.

    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.

    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.

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

    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)

    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.

    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.

Aurora chasing dog mushing tour fairbanks alaska

What to expect

EDUCATIONAL: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the captivating realm of dog mushing, encompassing aspects ranging from racing strategies and effective training methodologies to the extraordinary and self-sustaining off-grid way of life that is cherished by a multitude of Alaska residents.

PRIME AURORA VIEWING: Come and experience the breathtaking beauty of our remote location as you witness the captivating Aurora. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the magnificence of the Northern sky without any distractions from the distant city lights of Fairbanks.

GIFT SHOP: Once you have completed the tour, we invite you to take a stroll through our locally sourced gift shop, where you will find an impressive selection of authentic souvenirs that are sure to capture the essence of your unique Alaskan experience.

Dog Mushing Fairbanks Alaska

Included

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.

Fall Dog Mushing Fairbanks Alaska Scenery

Not Included

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.

HELMETS: The UTV, also known as Utility Terrain Vehicle, is equipped with seat belts for the safety of passengers. It is operated by a licensed CDL (Commercial Driver's License) guide who ensures slow speeds for a secure and enjoyable experience. Although helmets are not mandatory or provided, if you feel more comfortable with your child wearing one, you are welcome to bring it along for their safety.


 

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.

 

Photo Gallery by Whitney McLaren


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