Dee Dee Jonrow

9 Day Iditarod Race Start and McGrath Checkpoint Tour

Our 2025 Iditarod Race Start and McGrath Checkpoint Tour Package combines our 6 Day Race Start Tour with an exciting flight to the Rainy Pass Checkpoint and two days in the McGrath checkpoit, a favorite place for many teams to take their 24 hour layover. Once we leave Anchorage and fly over the spectacular Alaska Range to the village of McGrath, you will be in an area steeped in Alaskan mining history and Athabaskan Indian culture. Your guide Rich Montagna lived in McGrath for 20 years and will make sure your tour is richly rewarding with his knowledge of this are, and the interaction you will have with the Iditarod racers and the local residents.

9 Day Iditarod Race Start and McGrath Checkpoint Tour Package Highlights

  • Attending the Iditarod Race Starts in Anchorage and Willow.
  • Learn about dog mushing and ride the runners on a 6 mile trail at the Alaska Mushing School
  • Attend the Musher's Meet and Greet followed by the Musher's Banquet
  • Visit to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art
  • Visit to the Iditarod Museum
  • Scenic flight over the Alaska Range to the Rainy Pass checkpoint.
  • Two days in the McGrath checkpoint meeting mushers and watching them care for their dog teams
  • Cost and Details

    Feb 26- March 6, 2025. $6600 pp. shared accommodation, single supplement $900 depending on availability. Price includes all local taxes.

    Booking button

    Tour Includes

  • 6 Nights Accommodation at the Hilton Hotel in Anchorage, right near the ceremonial start line
  • Iditarod Banquet admission tickets
  • Dog Mushing at the Alaska School of Mushing kennel
  • Group meals in Anchorage as indicated on the itinerary
  • Admission to the Anchorage Museum of History and Art
  • Transportation to the Willow Restart and Iditarod Museum
  • Flight to the Rainy Pass checkpoint
  • 2 Nights Accommodation at the Hotel McGrath
  • Flights between Anchorage and McGrath
  • Continental breakfast, lunches and dinners in McGrath
  • Tour Information Packet
    Coming into Nikolai

    Coming into the checkpoint

    Dog in Box

    John Baker

    Resting Dog

    coming under the burl arch

    John Baker Champ

    musher

    Pat HallFive Time returning client Pat Hall at the Safety Checkpoint

    "Next year, 2016, will be my fifth visit to the Iditarod Sled Dog Race travelling with Alaska Iditarod Tours. My experiences with Richard's tours have always been exactly what I wanted. This includes booking the entire race (start to finish), accommodation, meals, side trips, extra activities and great company. Many friends are made as there are several return visits which gives us an opportunity to meet new friends and renew friendships. Richard's tours are very relaxed, flexible and because he has been travelling to the Iditarod for many years, he has a great understanding of the needs of his clients and has connections with the Iditarod family. I would absolutely recommend Alaska Iditarod Tours as a complete Iditarod experience one never forgets." Pat