Article and photos by Annemarie Eveland 

and a few from the Huskies

“Mushing” is a cultural tradition. The word “mushing” refers to the act of traveling through snow with the help of dogs; commonly known as “dog sledding”. In Alaska, its historical use has gone back thousands of years. 

Using Alaskan Huskies provides the rangers of the Denali National Park Service an excellent way to patrol the vast areas of the wilderness in winter. The rangers preserve the natural resources of the park while educating and inspiring enjoyment for future generations. 

Breeders carefully breed these dogs for their long legs to help them move efficiently in deep winter snow. They must endure or “break trail” through deep snow. Their paws need to be very compact so that ice won’t collect between their toes. Their fur coats must be solidly covering them, and they need to have fluffy tails to keep them warm. (The winters are subarctic degree weather. As for their personality, it should encompass a firm tenacity, willingness to work as part of the team together, a steadfast “love to pull” along with an added feature — to be okay with the many thousands of visitors that come to the kennels during the summer to see these famous Alaskan Husky Sled Dogs. 

      The historic Denali Sled Dog Kennels are an adventure unto themselves. I enjoyed strolling around the main yard area, being greeted by the dogs who were energetically barking when visitors came around. You can sense they are eager to put on demonstrations of their proud devotion. I could see they were also gentle with visitors who stood in awe of their beauty and tolerated the frequent petting they got from visitors. I saw each dog had its own “log cabin” with its name on it. Many of them enjoyed lying on their flat rooftops, resting comfortably. I imagined they would instantly be up and running at any voice command from a Ranger. 

      I learned that when the dogs are on patrol in the deep snow, they must average five to six miles-per-hour and cover 20 miles per day. If the conditions were ideal, I was told they could have a day’s run of 60 miles! Of course, for the summer demonstrations, they can run as fast as 20 mph.

       A feature of visiting the sled dogs was the Ranger’s presentation. I learned they are the only freight-hauling sled team run by the US National Park Service. During the winter, they patrol millions of acres in the wilderness of Alaska. And in summer, visitors can come to visit, and they put on several complimentary demonstrations daily with dog teams pulling a heavy sled (on wheels) around on gravel for the visitors as a demonstration. I had seen these dogs’ photos and posters around town as well. People respect and love them. 

Visitors attended the early afternoon Ranger talk in large numbers, filling all the bleachers. It drew visitors of all ages- babies to seniors. 

Then someone brought out the harness lines and began hitching up the dogs. The dogs definitely showed their excitement by being frantic, woofing, and dancing around. 

Hitched up, they were eager “to run.” But they obediently waited for the musher’s precise vocal commands. At the precise moment it came, they rushed off down the road, barking gaily. Circling around to precise commands such as “Gee” (left) and Haw (right). When they returned to the stage area, the dogs eagerly chowed down on some tasty morsels, and the crowd clapped and whistled with pleasure. 

      Upon leaving, I noticed a full fledge dog team pulling a sled — but it was a permanent wooden fixture displayed on the park’s land, and near it there was a huge dog statue. The dog statue had a big tongue, and when you pulled on its tongue, you could deposit your donation into its open mouth! Cute and clever! 

      We stayed at the Denali Lodge, which is owned by Princess Cruises. Denali Park houses every bird and animal species native to Alaska within its boundaries. Walking tours and bus tours are available to explore this over one-million-acre park. 



It was a serene feeling to see the mountains nestled under punchy clouds, the beauty in the scenery all around, and my sweet husband reaching for my hand and smiling. Life is good. The sunset added to the 

magical day.