Flightseeing – Iditarod “Chase the Race” Day Tour

Departure: ~ 10:00 am
Return: ~ 5 – 6 pm

It is truly a race like no other, and it all begins with the Anchorage ceremonial start the first Saturday in March.  The following day, mushers and their dog teams depart the Mat-Su Valley on their 1,150-mile quest to Nome, Alaska, through some of Alaska's most rough and wild terrain.

Join Rust’s Flying Service to “Chase the Race” up the Iditarod Trail to the 7th checkpoint at Rainy Pass Lodge. You will depart Anchorage, following the Willow re-start and pick up the trail near the Skwentna checkpoint and follow it as it climbs to Finger Lake, then up the Happy River Steps to the Rainy Pass Check Point at Puntilla Lake.

View the spectacular and rugged scenery and spot teams making their way up the trail to the checkpoint. This unique look at the race will put you in the middle of the action as mushers and their teams arrive and prepare to cross the Alaska Range through Rainy Pass then exit down through the treacherous Dalzell Gorge. Ample time is allotted to take in the sights and enjoy a home style meal at Rainy Pass Lodge. Though not running in the race, you will have to endure the elements during your stay on the ground, making appropriate winter gear a requirement. Dress warmly and in multiple layers; hat and gloves, jacket and warm boots suitable for standing outside in freezing temperatures.

Departing the checkpoint at around 4:00pm, you will head back to Anchorage, once again enjoying from above the view of the Iditarod Trail and what has been called “The Last Great Race on Earth.”

Leaving Anchorage approximately 10:00am and returning to Anchorage approximately 5-6pm.

Your Iditarod Trail Flightseeing Tour includes: a window seat and 2-way headset, animal viewing: dog teams and moose, In-depth knowledge (and personality) of an Alaska bush pilot.