Bundle up and join the excitement of the iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Gather with locals and visitors on March 1, 2025, for the Ceremonial Start. This year is also the 100th anniversary of the serum run that inspired the modern race, so celebrate Alaska’s adventurous spirit and cheer on your favorite mushers and dogs as seasoned veterans go head-to-head with enthusiastic rookies. Listen for the “Hike!” as mushers get their teams going. 

While the center of the action is in the Mushing District with the start line at Fourth Avenue and D Street in downtown Anchorage, there are many ways to see the start. From quiet, neighborhood scenes to tailgating excitement, there’s an up-close vantage spot to match. Here are the best views for the first 11 miles of Iditarod. 
 

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race 2024


Cordova and 16th 

Get a glimpse of the sled dog teams as they come down the steepest hill of the day. After leaving Fourth Avenue with a right turn (“Gee” is the command for the team to turn right) teams follow Cordova Street and head down Cordova Hill past Mulcahy Stadium. This is a great spot to wave at your favorite mushers as they ride by. The Sullivan Arena is a good spot to park for this stop. Enjoy tailgating, hot chocolate, and warm eats with fellow race supporters. 

Eastchester Park 

Mushers then follow Chester Creek Greenbelt for miles. The route is studded with city parks, each with its own style. Woodside Park draws the most people outside of the starting line, with a party atmosphere, costumes, and lots of spectators. The smaller, quieter Hillstrand Pond and Davenport Ballfields dial down the festival atmosphere to allows well-wishers to cheer and lend words of encouragement to mushers as they pass. 
 

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race 2024


Goose Lake Park 

A favorite spot for families and groups who want to enjoy the race in a festive outdoor atmosphere, Goose Lake has a fair amount of parking just a short walk from the course, and a dynamic angle as mushers come over the footbridge at northern lights and take a left (“Haw”) into the U-Med neighborhood. 

For a quieter experience and a different backdrop for photos, head to University Lake near the University of Alaska Anchorage campus to watch teams slide along the scenic shoreline. University Lake is a community dog park; only fitting that the Iditarod passes by. 

Tudor Road & Tozier Track 

At Tozier Track, home to the Alaskan Sled Dog and Racing Association, fans stage to watch teams cross over the Tudor Road overpass. Another prized vantage point is on either side of the bridge as the mushers start and end the crossing. 

On the south side, Chuck Albrecht Ball Fields and Campbell Park are popular areas to watch the sled dogs traverse along Elmore Road with picturesque views of the Chugach Mountains in the background. Far North Bicentennial Park is a beautiful place to see the teams wind through snowy, wooded trails. 
 

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race     Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
 

11 Miles Down, 1038 To Go

For the final mile of the day, teams finish up at Campbell Airstrip as they complete the Anchorage portion of the race. Both the Campbell Creek Science Center and the BLM field office are good spots to park, if you don’t mind a brief walk on the trails in Far North Bicentennial Park. 

The first day of Iditarod ends here, with the adventure continuing the following day, with the restart in Willow at 2 p.m. 

Don’t miss the chance to experience the energy, tradition, and community pride that make this winter tradition unforgettable. 

There are many flightseeing tours, lodges, and other spots further along the Iditarod trail. If you can't view the race in person, follow along with free and paid options for the Iditarod Insider

Be sure to check for street closures and parking details on the Official Iditarod Trail Race site. Be sure to give teams and sleds right of way on the trails, and it's best to leave your pet at home on race day.