9 Day Iditarod Race Start and McGrath Checkpoint Tour
Our 2026 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 Happy Trails Kennel
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
March 4- March 12, 2026. $6700 pp. shared accommodation, single supplement $900 depending on availability. Price includes all local taxes.
6 Nights Accommodation at the Hilton Hotel in Anchorage, right near the ceremonial start line
Iditarod Banquet and Meet and Greet admission tickets
Dog Mushing at Happy Trails Kennels
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
Coming into the checkpoint
Five 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
