Sled Dog Racing Is Coming To The Grand Mesa

Colorado has a rich sled dog racing history.

The Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Club was created 60 years ago. The club was started by a group of passionate Siberian Husky and Samoyed owners who wanted to celebrate the working aspect and history of the breeds.

Founding members, Jack Liebe, Anne Schaefer and Marion Burns organized the first race at the Winter Park cross country ski area. Their first event was small will only 3 teams. The next next year the club added a second race in Breckenridge. The club and races continued to grow in popularity and as they say "the rest is history." That history and tradition are coming to the Grand Mesa this weekend, January 26 and 27.

You don't need to be a sled race fan to appreciate this weekend's 14th annual Grand Mesa Summit Challenge Sled Dog Race. If you love dogs and the thrill of competition, you'll want to take this in. The races are four, six, and eight miles in length. The teams consist of four, six, or eight dogs pulling sleds and cross country skiers pulled by one to three dogs. There are pro and recreational level events.

This race also has the unique distinction of being the highest dog sled race in North America, being held at over 11,000 feet of elevation. The event takes place at the Mesa Trail on highway 65 near the intersection of 65 and Land's End Road. Just watch for the signs.