Updated for the 2027 Iditarod Sled Dog Race
Attending the Iditarod in person is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Alaska—but it can also be surprisingly difficult to plan.
Events are spread out, logistics aren’t always obvious, and once the race begins, access becomes limited very quickly.
This guide walks through what to expect, where to go, and how to make the most of your trip.
And one quick note before we begin: come prepared for winter conditions. Dress warmly, plan for time outdoors, and bring a camera—you’ll want it.
The Key Events (Anchorage + Willow)
The Iditarod begins with a series of events over several days, starting in Anchorage and then moving north to Willow for the official restart.
The Starting Banquet – Thursday March 4 @ 6:00 pm
The race officially kicks off with the Iditarod Starting Banquet, held at the Dena’ina Center in downtown Anchorage.
This is where mushers draw their starting positions for the race, and it’s one of the few chances to see all competitors in one place before things begin.
Tickets are $180 and can be purchased through Iditarod Headquarters or online. It’s a formal event, that now includes a meet and greet starting at 4:00pm but still very much part of the race atmosphere.
Friday: A Quiet Day in Anchorage
Friday is generally a transition day.
There are no major official events, but you may find mushers doing meet-and-greets around Anchorage or preparing their teams and gear for the weekend.
If you’re visiting, this is a good day to explore Alaska.
The Ceremonial Start – Saturday March 6 at 10:00am
The ceremonial start takes place in downtown Anchorage along 4th Avenue and D Street.
It’s one of the most accessible and festive parts of the race. If you arrive early, you can walk through the staging areas and see the dog teams up close as they prepare to leave.
Mushers are required to be there early in the morning, while the event itself begins around 10:00am.
The route runs through downtown and finishes at Campbell Airstrip. It’s possible to watch both the start and the finish if you plan your timing well, but expect crowds and limited parking.
There are usually vendors and food stands, but early morning coffee options can be surprisingly limited—plan accordingly.
Transition to Willow (Saturday Evening)
After the ceremonial start, the race shifts north.
The official restart takes place in Willow, about an hour from Anchorage. If you’re planning to attend, it’s worth staying closer to Willow for easier access the next day.
The Official Restart – Sunday March 6 at 2pm in Willow, AK
The real race begins in Willow.
Teams start at two-minute intervals beginning at 2:00pm, based on the positions drawn at the banquet. The atmosphere here is a mix of excitement and intensity—this is where everything becomes real for mushers.
Spectators can watch from designated areas, and it’s common for people to tailgate and spend the day outside.
Access to the dog truck areas is restricted, and it’s important to respect the space around the teams. This is a high-focus moment for mushers and dogs alike.
Once the Iditarod Race Begins
One of the most important things to understand is that after the restart, the race moves into remote Alaska.
There are no checkpoints you can drive to.
From this point forward, following the race in person becomes much more limited unless you plan to travel to one of the checkpoints or Nome for the finish.
Can You Visit Checkpoints Along the Trail?
One of the most common questions we get is whether you can travel out and visit checkpoints during the race.
The short answer is: not easily.
Once the race leaves Willow, it moves into remote Alaska. Most checkpoints are not accessible by road, and reaching them typically requires flying in by small aircraft or snowmachine with someone who knows the trail.
That said, there are a few checkpoints that people are often most interested in—and occasionally able to access with the right planning.
Finger Lake
Finger Lake is one of the early checkpoints and a favorite among mushers.
It’s known for its scenery and for being one of the first places where teams begin to settle into the rhythm of the race. For spectators, it offers a glimpse of the transition from the excitement of the start to the reality of being out on the trail.
Access is limited, but it is sometimes reached by ski plane.
Rainy Pass
Rainy Pass is one of the more iconic points on the trail.
This is where teams begin to move through the Alaska Range, and conditions can shift quickly. It’s a place where strategy starts to matter more, and where you begin to see how teams are handling the terrain.
Because of its location, access is typically by air only and highly weather-dependent.
Nikolai
Nikolai is the first major checkpoint on the western side of the Alaska Range.
By the time teams arrive here, they’ve already gone through some of the more demanding early sections of the trail. It’s often a place where teams regroup, rest, and reassess.
It’s a small village, and while access is possible by air, it requires coordination and flexibility.
McGrath
McGrath is one of the more commonly visited checkpoints for those flying in.
It’s larger than many other checkpoints and serves as a key hub in the race. Many teams take their 24-hour layover in this section of the trail, which makes it one of the best places to spend time observing how mushers manage rest, dog care, and race strategy.
Because of its size and infrastructure, it’s one of the more realistic options for visitors who want to experience a checkpoint firsthand.
A Quick Reality Check
While visiting a checkpoint can be an incredible experience, it’s important to go in with the right expectations.
Travel is weather-dependent, plans can change quickly, and logistics are not always straightforward. In most cases, attending the start in Anchorage and Willow, along with the finish in Nome, provides the most reliable and complete experience.
For those looking to go deeper, working with someone familiar with the race and the trail can make a significant difference.
Traveling to Nome for the Finish
If you want to see the finish line, you’ll need to fly to Nome from Anchorage—there are no roads connecting the two.
The first teams typically arrive around mid-March, with most racers finishing over the following days depending on race conditions.
For planning purposes, expect:
- Top teams to finish in about 8–10 days
- Mid-pack teams to finish in about 10–12 days
Lodging in Nome
Lodging in Nome during race week can be challenging.
Rooms fill up quickly, so it’s important to book early. The Nome Chamber of Commerce maintains a list of available accommodations, which is a good place to start:
http://www.visitnomealaska.com/places-to-stay/
What to Expect in Nome
Nome becomes the center of the race once teams begin arriving.
The checkpoint is open 24/7, and it’s one of the best places to watch teams come in, especially in the final stretch. Local groups often serve food and drinks as fundraisers, and there is typically Wi-Fi available to follow race standings.
There are also a few additional activities in town during race week, including small events, local tours, and excursions out onto the sea ice.
The Finishers Banquet
The race concludes with the Finishers Banquet, usually held about a week after the first teams arrive.
This event is less essential for visitors, but it’s a great way to close out the experience if you plan to stay in Nome.
Things to Do in Anchorage
If you’re spending extra time in Anchorage, there are several worthwhile stops nearby.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers a chance to see native wildlife up close and is located about an hour south of the city. Alyeska Resort, about 45 minutes south, provides skiing and winter activities with incredible views.
Within Anchorage, the Anchorage Museum is a standout, especially for its Alaska Native exhibits.
Following the Race from Home
If you can’t make it to Alaska—or want to stay connected throughout the race—the best way to follow along is through Iditarod Insider.
Subscriptions are available at:
www.Iditarod.com/subscriptions
The race tracker is particularly useful, providing near real-time updates on each musher’s location and progress. For a more immersive experience, the video package includes live finish line coverage and additional content from the trail.
Final Thought
The Iditarod is one of those events that’s difficult to fully understand until you experience it in person.
It’s not just a race—it’s a moving, statewide event that shifts quickly from city streets to remote wilderness.
With a bit of planning and the right expectations, it can be an incredibly memorable trip.
Interested in Joining Us At Iditarod?
For guests looking for a more intentional experience, we host a limited number of guided Iditarod trips each year. These are designed for people who want more than just attendance—they want context, access, and a deeper understanding of the race. Traveling alongside a competing musher offers a perspective that’s difficult to replicate on your own.
