The Iditarod

Address:Anchorage, Alaska

Picture yourself racing through light and darkness over 1,150 miles of jagged mountain ranges, frozen rivers, thick forests, uninhabited tundra and miles of windswept coast at temperatures far below zero with winds that can cause total visibility loss. This race, known as the Iditarod, is what you can see and even take part in when you visit Alaska. The race starts annually on the first Saturday in March and lasts for 10-17 days. The ceremonial start takes place in downtown Anchorage, but the official start takes place the following day 40 miles north in Wasilla. The race ends in the city of Nome. If you join the Iditarod tour, you have the opportunity to attend the Iditarod race and volunteer to help with the dogs. But it isn't cheap: prices are over $2,000 for the all-inclusive six-day tour.

If you don 't have that kind of cash, you can do what many people do and only watch the first part of the race in Anchorage in person. Mushers each take a sponsored passenger for the several-mile run to Eagle Creek. If you're the adventurous type, catch the rest of the race via snowmobile and travel from checkpoint to checkpoint as the mushers blow through. Experience with a snowmobile is crucial so seek proper training. It's highly advisable to bring a friend with you in the snowmobile. Don't forget to pack all necessary equipment like food and extra clothing. Don't worry, if you aren't the snowmobile type you can still have a great experience on the Iditarod Trail.

Now a National Historic Trail, you can hike it in the summer, although summer hiking is limited since the Iditarod is primarily a winter trail. However, the first several miles of the trail, north of Seward, can be hiked during the summer. Depending on the part of the trail and the season, you can expect to see moose, caribou, brown bear, bison, wolf, Dall sheep and many varieties of birds and smaller mammals. Near the Bering Sea coast you may see seals, walrus and occasionally a polar bear. Be aware that all of these are wild animals and may become hostile if they feel threatened. One of the best places to view the Iditarod Historic Trail is at the start in Seward, where the first couple of miles of the trail are paved as a bike path near the small boat harbor. The Seward Museum also maintains displays and material on the early days of Seward and the trail.

The Iditarod Trail started as a mail and supply route from the coastal towns of Seward and Knik to the interior mining camps at Flat, Ophir, Ruby and beyond to the west coast communities of Unalakleet, Elim, Golovin, White Mountain and Nome. Mail and supplies went in, and gold came out - all via dog sled. In 1925, part of the Iditarod Trail became a life-saving highway for epidemic-stricken Nome. Diphtheria threatened the population and serum had to be brought in; again by intrepid dog mushers and their faithful hard-driving dogs. The Iditarod race is a tribute to those early years.

A very interesting display on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is maintained at the Iditarod Trail Committee Headquarters in Wasilla. You will see trophies, displays and photos and watch a video of past races. Best of all, you can take dog sled rides with an exhilarating trip down the trail. Meet the dogs that make the Iditarod so unique. Sled rides are only offered in the summer and only if the weather permits. Many mushers offer learn-to-mush programs. Become an expert at dog mushing, Alaska's official sport, and have something to brag about to your friends back home.