monarch dog sled rides

Just went dog sledding on Feb 14th, 2015. What a great time sledding, but what i really liked was the wonderful team of Monarch Dog Sled Rides, both human and canine. We were introduced to each dog and there were 30 of them and told about their nature, behavior, likes etc. We could touch and pet each dog. They truly enjoy sledding and so did we. Would do again in a heartbeat.!of course the human team was great as well. we could see how much they cared for their dogs and how much care and love they give to their animals. The hot chocolate or cider with cookies at the and of the ride was a nice touch!

Since we are not skiers, my daughter and I were looking for a winter activity that would allow us to experience the beauty of the Rockies. Mt Princeton Hot Springs Resort provided this great recommendation. We had no idea that dog sledding would be such a ZEN experience; we felt like we blended into the beautiful, serene environment with very happy dogs and a terrific guide.If you are in the Monarch area, we would highly recommend this activity.

Coming from sea level, we don't like to ski on the first day we are at 10,000 feet. This was a great activity that got us up into the snow, but didn't wear us out from lack of oxygen. It was part play in the snow, and part educational field trip, as the couple running the program spent quite a bit of time teaching us about dog sledding, how and where its done, and how the dogs are picked for the team. The kids absolutely loved getting to meet each dog, and helping to put on the harnesses. The riding itself was not all that long, but from my perspective that is just fine. (my old bones just don't do sitting on a flat surface all that well...) The area they ran the tour in was a campground in the summer near Monarch Ski Area. Very pretty, lots of good snow. Great to have hot chocolate and hot cider at the end. Very relaxed and informal. They take only one group at a time, so there are absolutely no crowds, and the interaction is very personal. This is clearly not a big business, just a couple that love dogs and sledding, and making a living doing it. For some, the lack of a "headquarters" building with a bathroom might be a down side, but for me it was just an authentic winter mountain experience. Loved it!

We're glad you enjoyed meeting the dogs! As a guide, I'd have to say that's my favorite part of the tour =) Thanks for posting great photos and a detailed review!

Thanks for the review, Peter. We're glad your family had a nice time!

Thanks for the review! We (the people and our dogs) had a fun time with your family. Great photos!

We're glad you enjoyed your ride and our dogs!

Thanks for the detailed review! We're glad you came out for the ride, and we agree, Ryobi is definitely a special girl!

Yes, warm gear always makes it a little more fun and comfortable. We appreciate your review and we're glad you learned a lot!

Thanks for your review! We're glad you enjoyed your time with the dogs, had an adventure, and got to learn some new things!

Thanks for your detailed review! (We're a little delayed in responding as we didn't know we could ;) The photos are great too! We're glad you enjoyed your time with the dogs and we always love return guests. There's always something more to learn, and if you do decide to come again, let us know it's your second time, and we'll try to work in something new for you!

This was a terrific family activity. we loved the dogs, Chad and Caleb were friendly and full of great information. I love an activity where we learn something new and have a great time. The setting is amazing. I recommend that you try this.

I went out with Monarch Dog Sled Rides today and had a better than expected time which is always a plus. The trip is very informative with alot of information at the beginning about the history of dog sledding. Then they take you out with some beautiful scenery and a unique perspective while being pulled by the dogs in the toboggan. They will also let you hop in the mushing position which is a blast. At the end of the ride they Caleb and Chad(our guides) had hot chocolate out wich was a treat and a great way to end the experience. All in all it is a great time and definately worth doing. To Paws UP!

Did snowmobiling in addition to boarding last year and this year decided to give the dog sledding bit a try. It was lovely. The mountain had just received a foot of fresh snow and the trail couldn't have been more like a post card. The dogs were gorgeous and not what I expected at all. They were friendly and so excited to run. Our guides were friendly and explained to us all about the nature of sledding, the dogs, and their training. It was very quiet and mellow. My boyfriend was expecting it to be more crazy and wild...but for me it was perfect. A fantastic way to spend some winter hours traveling around wonderland.

What a delightful way to spend a morning in the high-mountain Colorado Sunshinie: in a dog sled, being joyfully pulled across pristine snow-covered high mountain meadows and trails, surrounded by the tall evergreens on Monarch Mountain. Personable Caleb (proprietor, guide and lead musher) and his friendly, most social and eager-to-please team of dogs were just delightful. Don't know which was more fun; the dog sled ride across picture perfect snow-covered mountains with views of the surrounding peaks, or getting to know the dogs! Before you take off you can help harness the dogs, spend time with each, and afterward you are encouraged to thank each dog individually. (I respected that especially). The dogs, for their part, make it clear they LOVE your attention, LOVE to pull, and seem well-cared for and treated. They are off on Tuesday and when the weather is warm, so consider that in your planning. Personally, I recommend going late in the season when the snowmobilers are not around, but I'm sure doing this anytime during the winter would be fun. Snow and temperatures permitting, Caleb said they might have another couple of good weeks yet to ride, so there is still time this year to enjoy your own dogsled ride during fantastic weather. It took us only 2.5hrs to get there from Denver metro. Great for any and all ages! Note: bring cash. Credit cards not accepted.