Anchorage: Dog Sledding with Iditarod Musher & Race Track Ride

4.92

(145 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“You ever hear a dozen huskies bark at once?” That’s how Robert greeted us—grinning, hands in his pockets, like he’d heard this racket every day since birth (which, turns out, he pretty much has). The clubhouse smelled faintly of old coffee and wet fur, and someone had left their boots by the heater. We were just outside downtown Anchorage but it felt like a different world. I kept glancing out the window to see if the dogs were already lined up—nope, just one puppy chewing on a stick, tail going wild.

Robert started talking about his grandfather—Joe Redington Sr., “Father of the Iditarod”—and suddenly the whole thing felt bigger than just a quick dog sledding tour in Anchorage. He showed us how to harness the dogs (I fumbled with the straps; Li laughed when I tried to say “gee” in Mandarin—probably butchered it). The dogs went from sleepy to wild in seconds as soon as they realized we were heading for the trail. Their excitement was contagious; you could feel it vibrate through your shoes.

The actual ride? Fast, bumpy, louder than I expected. It’s dryland mushing so you’re not gliding over snow—more like skimming along packed dirt with wheels rattling under you. The wind picked up bits of dust and fur; I got a face full of both and didn’t even care. Our guide shouted something about “lean into the turn!” but honestly, I was too busy laughing and trying not to drop my phone. Afterward we took turns meeting more dogs (and puppies—tiny paws everywhere), all while Robert answered questions about racing in winter versus summer. There’s something raw and genuine about seeing these athletes up close—you get why Alaskans are so proud of this tradition.