2025 Viator Experience Award Winner - Top 1% Nationwide
907-917-8687
Free Anchorage Hotel Pickup and Photos
Guided Dog Sledding Tour
From Anchorage
Approximately 7-hour tour from 9 AM to 4–4:30 PM, including transfer time
About 7 hours
9 a.m. to 4–4:30 p.m., including transfer
From $297
per person, small group
2 hours
at the kennel, about 30 minutes on the sled
October–April
small group; private tours year round
- 850+ reviewsAcross Google, Tripadvisor, and Viator
Guided Dog Sledding from Anchorage
Leave Anchorage with a local Alaskan guide for a working sled dog kennel in Willow. At camp, meet the dogs and mushers, hear how a team trains, and head onto the trail. You spend about two hours at the kennel, including roughly 30 minutes on the sled - ride in the basket or take the reins yourself.
Most days the kennel is Matthew Failor's; when his team is full, we work with Snowhook instead and let you know which kennel you'll visit when you book. Hotel pickup and winter gear are included, so the focus stays on the dogs and the day outdoors.
From Anchorage to Willow
- Anchorage hotel pickupStart from your lodging with a local Alaskan guide.
- The scenic Glenn HighwayWatch the landscape open up on the drive north, with scenic stops along the way.
- Gateway Visitors CenterPause for coffee before continuing to the kennel.
- A working sled dog kennelVisit Matthew Failor's kennel or Snowhook, depending on availability; you'll know which one when you book.
At the kennel & on the trail
- Meet the dogs and mushersSpend time with the working dogs and hear Iditarod stories at camp.
- About 30 minutes on the sledRide in the basket or take the reins during your two hours at the kennel.
- Winter gear providedGear and safety equipment are included for your time outside.
Tour Highlights & Itinerary
- 01
Anchorage Pickup
Pickup from your Anchorage hotel or lodging.
No car, no parking, no maps. We come to you, and the tour starts the moment you step in.
More about this stopShow less
In winter we pick up anywhere in Anchorage. Your pickup time comes with your confirmation.
- 02
Scenic Glenn Highway and Scenic Stops
Enjoy the scenic mountain and wilderness views on one of the most scenic highways in Alaska, with stops at scenic spots along the way.
The Glenn Highway is a National Scenic Byway, and the drive north is part of the show, not just the way there.
More about this stopShow less
Past Palmer the road climbs along the Matanuska River, with the Chugach Mountains on one side and the Talkeetna Mountains on the other.
The regular stop on the way north is the Mat-Su overlook, where the valley opens up below the Talkeetna Mountains.
- 03
Gateway Visitors Center
Coffee stop at the Gateway Visitors Center.
A warm stop for coffee, restrooms and a quick look at the Mat-Su Valley's seasons and wildlife.
More about this stopShow less
A 20- to 30-minute stop. Restrooms, a look at the Mat-Su Valley's seasons and wildlife, and free coffee and hot chocolate.
- 04
2-Hour Guided Dog Sledding Experience
Once you reach the camp we outfit you in warm winter gear and gather at the fire for Iditarod stories from the mushers.
The moment the dogs start barking to go, you understand why mushers love this sport.
More about this stopShow less
You'll meet the dogs - many of them race veterans - and then head out on the trail. About 30 minutes on the sled. Ride comfortably in a custom-built sled, or take the reins and help drive the team. Your choice, and you can change your mind at the camp.
Sled dogs are athletes bred to pull and run. Expect excited dogs, lots of noise, then sudden quiet once the team is moving.
- 05
Return to Anchorage
Relax and appreciate Alaskan scenery during the return drive to conclude your adventure.
Sit back on the drive home. Your guide shares dinner recommendations and what else to see in Anchorage.
Who you're mushing with
Most days you're at Matthew Failor's kennel in Willow. He's an Iditarod musher and these are his working dogs, not a petting operation - you're at a real kennel on a real training trail.
We say his name because most companies won't say theirs. We think you should know who's taking you out.
Honest caveat: Matthew's team books up. When they're full we run the day with Snowhook instead, another Willow kennel we trust. We'll tell you which one when you book, not when you arrive.
What's Included in the Tour?
Pickup & Return
Pickup and return from your lodging.
2 Hours at the Camp
Two hours at the kennel, with about 30 minutes of it out on the sled.
Winter Gear Provided
Winter gear and safety equipment provided.
Hot Drinks and Snacks
Hot drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Alaskan Local Guides
Welcome Anchorage Tours employs knowledgeable, local Alaskan tour guides.
Questions people ask
How long is the tour, and when does it start?
Approximately 7 hours including transfer time, from 9 a.m. to 4-4:30 p.m. For other times, call 907-917-8687 to arrange a private tour.
How much does it cost?
Small-group tours are $297 per person. Private tours are $1,347 for up to 4 guests, and each additional guest is $197.
When does this tour run?
Small-group tours run October to April. Private tours run year round.
What if there isn't snow yet?
Snow cover varies through the fall. Until the trails have enough snow - usually by November - the dogs run on wheels with the same rigs they train on all summer, so the kennel visit and the ride go ahead either way.
How much time do we spend with the dogs?
About two hours at the kennel, including roughly 30 minutes on the sled. Ride in the basket or take the reins yourself.
Show all 11 questions Show fewer
Which kennel will we visit?
Most days it's Matthew Failor's kennel in Willow. When his team is full we work with Snowhook instead, and we'll tell you which kennel you'll visit when you book.
Do I need my own winter gear?
No. Winter gear and safety equipment are included for your time outside. Dress in warm layers underneath.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. We pick you up at your Anchorage hotel or lodging.
What is the ride to the kennel like?
New, clean, comfortable vans with up to 11 guests. Enjoy great views through large windows and a smooth, well-maintained ride from start to finish.
What if the weather is bad?
Tours run rain or shine, and the vans are warm and dry. Alaska is worth seeing in every kind of weather. If conditions close a stop, your guide will swap in something else worth your time. In genuinely extreme conditions we'll contact you to adjust timing or offer options.
How do I book directly?
Right here on this page, or by calling or texting 907-917-8687. Booking direct puts you in touch with the people who actually run the tour.
Our Promise
Our promise is to always deliver, to the best of our ability, excellent service and memorable experiences, and to put people first over profit. We are a local, Alaskan-owned family business. We are in this business because we love Alaska and hospitality. We desire to share the joy of this beautiful place whenever we can! Best, James and Jen
