If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to glide across a snow-covered trail, surrounded by eager, howling huskies, the answer is closer than you might think. High in the mountains of Wasatch and Summit Counties, two family-owned businesses are keeping the tradition of dog sledding alive, inviting visitors to experience not just the thrill of the ride, but an opportunity to connect with incredible animals and the people who dedicate their lives to them. Rancho Luna Lobos in Peoa and Bear Ridge Adventures in Coalville aren’t just businesses—they are lifestyles, passions, and communities built around love, trust, and teamwork.
Two Families, One Dream
Rancho Luna Lobos began in 2010, fulfilling a dream Fernando Ramirez had carried since he was eight years old. Inspired by a cartoon about dog-sledding, he trained his first sled dog—a yellow lab named Yellow—using a homemade sled built from a plastic table and a pair of skis. Soon after, his family began rescuing huskies, planting the seeds of a lifelong passion. “We always said he had to rescue,” recalls his wife, Dana. “That’s a principle we’ve kept.”
Their vision of combining rescued dogs with a love of mushing became a reality when they decided to turn the dream into a business, a decision Dana remembers fondly. “Within a week, he had a team rescued and ready to go. He has a gift with dogs; I am very lucky to be his wife and watch how special he truly is.” What started as a modest dream has grown into a full-scale kennel and training center, where dozens of rescued huskies now live, train, and thrive under the care of the Ramirez family.
Bear Ridge Adventures was founded in 2015, when brothers Dallin and Wade Donaldson set out to pursue a dream they’d long shared. Outdoor enthusiasts their whole lives, they were drawn to dog sledding for its challenge and uniqueness. “It didn’t take much convincing to go all in,” said Kayla Donaldson, Dallin’s wife and the company’s secretary. By winter, they had acquired dogs, equipment, and a location. Starting with just two teams of dogs running three times a day, they have since expanded to five teams running four times daily, building both a thriving business and a way of life rooted deeply in the mountains and snow.
The Spirit of the Trail
Dog sledding has deep roots in history, long before it became an adventure sport. Originating as a lifeline of survival in the Arctic, sled dogs were once the only reliable means to travel across frozen landscapes, delivering mail, supplies, and even life-saving medicine. One of the most famous moments came in 1925, when mushers and their dogs carried diphtheria serum through blizzards to Nome, Alaska. The heroic dogs, Togo and Balto, became legends, and their Seppala Siberian bloodline continues to inspire mushers today.
At Rancho Luna Lobos, that legacy is more than history—it’s part of their story. Some of the dogs there trace their lineage back to the Seppala Siberians, connecting the family’s modern teams to those early heroes of the trail. “It’s amazing to think these dogs come from such a historic line,” Dana said. “It’s a reminder that what we do is part of something much bigger.”
Life with the Pack
For both families, mushing isn’t just a job. It’s a rhythm of life defined by the dogs. Days start before sunrise and end long after dark, filled with feeding, training, and caring for each animal. “It’s magical,” Dana said. “It gets into your soul and becomes a part of you.”
Fernando and Dana run a year-round program, offering kennel tours, sled rides, and even summer camps to teach kids and adults about teamwork, discipline, and connection. Guests can experience everything from snowshoe adventures to “Lobo by Night,” a haunted kennel tour that combines local lore with the excitement of meeting the dogs after dark.
At Bear Ridge Adventures, the Donaldsons have created a similar environment, offering one-hour, two-hour, and half-day tours, as well as interactive experiences where guests help harness and unharness the dogs. For Kayla and Dallin, the goal is always connection. “We want people to understand what goes into it—the care, the bond, the trust,” Kayla explained. “It’s so much more than a ride.”
Trust on the Trail
That trust is what defines every team. Dallin recalls a particularly intense training run during a blizzard across a mountain range. “The blizzard was so bad I couldn’t even see my lead dogs,” he said. “I realized they weren’t worried at all. In fact, the blizzard seemed to make things even more fun! I put my trust in my dogs, and they got me home. That day, I learned the weakest member of a dog team is the guy standing on the back.”
At Rancho Luna Lobos, the teamwork between musher and dog is built on respect. Every dog has a job to do and a personality to match—and it’s understanding both that keeps the team running in perfect rhythm. “Working with your team is such a huge reward,” Dana said. “When you build those bonds and relationships, it’s almost as though you are one body moving down the trail together.”
Behind the Scenes
The life of a sled dog is one of care and structure. Both businesses prioritize their dogs’ physical and emotional well-being. Fernando and Dana work closely with veterinarians, maintain specialized diets, and provide massages, stretching, and even “doggy Gatorade” to keep their athletes hydrated and strong. “Our dogs are dogs first, always,” Dana said. “We make sure they finish a run with energy to spare.”
Bear Ridge follows a similar philosophy. Training begins when the dogs are puppies, with gentle harness work, play, and gradual endurance building. “These dogs have endless energy,” Kayla said. “The more training and structure we give them, the happier and healthier they are.”
Training doesn’t just build muscle—it builds purpose. At Luna Lobos, surrendered or rescued dogs receive a second chance. They are trained, loved, and guided into new lives as sled dogs, ranch companions, or beloved family pets. At Bear Ridge, young dogs are carefully conditioned to handle the terrain and cold. Every program, every run, centers on giving the dogs a meaningful, fulfilling life.
A Community on the Move
Dog sledding may seem like a quiet niche, but both families have found themselves part of a vibrant community of mushers, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts. Rancho Luna Lobos has represented Utah at international competitions, including the World Championships in Sweden, a dream come true for Fernando. Bear Ridge has built a loyal following of returning guests, some of whom have visited every winter for nearly a decade.
For both families, the greatest reward comes from sharing their world with others. “Our favorite part is the connection,” Dana said. “They make us better humans. We hope our guests witness that and take something home with them.” Kayla agrees, “It’s incredible to watch someone experience dog sledding for the first time. There’s this look of pure joy when they realize how much the dogs love what they do.”
More Than a Ride
Visiting either business is more than an adventure; it’s an experience that lingers. It’s the sound of paws crunching through snow, the sight of breath rising in cold air, and the feeling of gliding through Utah’s winter wilderness with a team that moves as one. The dogs’ excitement is contagious, their howls echoing against the quiet forest as they wait to run.
Both Rancho Luna Lobos and Bear Ridge Adventures offer guests a window into a world built on trust, care, and connection. They remind us that sometimes the best adventures aren’t about speed or distance but about partnership and heart. For those looking to try something extraordinary, dog sledding in Utah’s mountains offers a rare chance to see what happens when humans and animals truly move together. It’s not just about sledding—it’s about love, teamwork, and a way of life that runs deeper than snow.
Rancho Luna Lobos lunalobos.com
Bear Ridge Adventures bearridgeadventures.com
