Skijoring and Dog-Sledding
Most of us are familiar with dog sledding, the sport where a dog or team of dogs pulls a person on a sled. Skijoring is similar, except the person is on cross-country skis.
If you have a dog with some pent-up winter energy, bring them to Three Rivers parks for fun exercise where we have designated trails for skijoring and dog sledding.
Where To Find It
Legend
Trails and Roads
Amenities
Recreation Areas
Natural Areas
Boundaries
Watch a Video About Skijoring at Three Rivers
Miles of Trails
- Baker Park Reserve, 5.2 miles
- Carver Park Reserve, 1.45 miles
- Cleary Lake Regional Park, 1.5 miles
- Crow-Hassan Park Reserve, 2.5 miles
- Eagle Lake Regional Park, 1.6 miles
- Elm Creek Park Reserve, 4.3 miles
- Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, 1.75 miles
- Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, 5.7 miles
Programs & Events
Rules & Guidelines
- Designated Cross-Country Ski Trails
Designated cross-country ski trails at Cleary Lake and Eagle Lake regional parks allow skijoring. These trails are groomed frequently. If a ski race is scheduled at either park, the trail will be closed to skijoring.
A daily or annual cross-country ski pass is required to use these trails.
- Multi-Use Trails
Multi-use trails generally will allow skijoring, dog sledding, leashed dog walking, hiking and snowshoeing. Trails are open during daylight hours only.
Multi-use trails at Baker, Carver, Crow-Hassan, Elm Creek and Murphy-Hanrehan park reserves do not require a pass or permit.
- Snowmobile Trails
Dog sleds with rubber wheels are allowed on snowmobile trails only at Murphy-Hanrehan and Crow-Hassan park reserves during the fall/winter season until the trails are snow-covered.
A special use permit is required; call Guest Services at 763-559-9000.
Other Things To Do
Three Rivers features 80 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails at various locations. Trails are available for skiers of all skill levels. Don't forget to check trail conditions before you head out.
When trails are open, cross-country ski equipment rentals are available online and are encouraged before arriving at the park.
Off-leash areas are designated sites where dogs are given the freedom to run and interact with other dogs. Parks at Three Rivers have both fenced and unfenced off-leash areas where you can let your dog run while you enjoy the scenic surroundings and meet other owners.
Three Rivers offers abundant scenery for you and your dog to enjoy year round, with paved, turf, regional and skijoring/dog sledding trails that are dog-friendly. Dogs must be on a six-foot non-retractable leash unless in a designated dog off-leash area. Owners must pick-up after their dogs.
Hyland Hills Ski Area and the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek offer downhill ski areas for all skill levels, from training hills to Olympic-level training jumps. The downhill ski areas feature snowmaking and well-groomed hills for unbeatable winter fun.
Snowboarding is just one more way you can enjoy the wintry Minnesota outdoors. From group or private lessons to equipment rental to impeccably groomed hills for every skill level, the Hyland Hills Ski Area and the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek have everything you need to carve up the slopes.
Three Rivers offers trails of varying difficulty for snowshoers of all skill levels. It’s a great way for the entire family to take in the scenes of a Minnesota winter.
When open, snowshoe rentals are available online and are encouraged before arriving at the park.
Please note: Snowshoeing is not permitted on cross-country ski trails unless otherwise noted.
