Alaska is one of the best places in the world for dog sledding. Every winter, mushers—dog sled drivers—gather at basecamps all across the state. These camps help mushers care for their dogs, plan safe routes, and give visitors like you a chance to ride along snowy trails, see wild animals, and watch the northern lights dance in the sky.
Use our Plan Your Visit guide to pick the best basecamp for your adventure.. It covers four big parts of Alaska: the Interior, Southcentral, Western Arctic, and Southeast. Each place is special in its own way. You will learn about the weather, what each basecamp is best for, and how to plan your own sled dog trip.
Interior Alaska: Home of Deep Snow and Long Trails
Interior Alaska is the heart of the state. It has long, cold winters and lots of open space. Many famous sled dog races and training trips happen here. If you want a true wilderness sledding trip, the Interior is a great place to start.
Coldfoot Basecamp: Where the North Opens Wide
Coldfoot is one of the northernmost basecamps you can reach by road. It sits along the Dalton Highway, which is the only road that goes so far north in Alaska. This camp is close to the Brooks Range. Mushers start here when they want to ride for many days into the deep wild.
At Coldfoot, you can ride under the stars and maybe see the aurora borealis. The aurora borealis is another name for the northern lights. This basecamp has warm cabins, gear helpers, and local guides who know how to handle deep cold and snowy weather.
- Best for: Long sled trips and northern lights watching
- Open season: November to March
- How to get there: 250 miles north of Fairbanks
- More info: Coldfoot Basecamp
Next, let’s look at another place not far from Coldfoot.
White Mountains Basecamp: Loops and Quiet Trails
Just north of Fairbanks, the White Mountains National Recreation Area has many trails that loop through snowy hills and frozen creeks. Some trails are easy, while others take you deep into the backcountry.
Many mushers and visitors stay in simple cabins here. There is no motor traffic on most trails, which means you hear only the dogs’ feet on the snow and the sled gliding along. People often see foxes, moose, and snowshoe hares while riding here.
- Best for: Quiet backcountry trips and wildlife spotting
- Open season: December to April
Denali Sled Dog HQ: Learn the History
Denali National Park is the only U.S. national park that keeps its own working sled dog team. Rangers use the dogs to patrol the park in winter. This helps protect nature in places snowmobiles and cars can’t reach.
At the Denali Sled Dog HQ, you can meet the dogs, see how the kennels operate, and ride a short trail into the park. This is a great choice for families or anyone who wants to learn about Alaska’s sled dog past and present, and you can go even deeper through our Meet the Mushers guide, which highlights the people who care for and train these amazing dogs.
- Best for: Families, short rides, and learning about mushing
- Where: Mile 3.4 on Denali Park Road
- More info: Denali Kennels
Want to try it yourself? Explore our Winter Dog Sled Tours to ride historic trails with real mushers.
Southcentral Alaska: Easy to Reach, Big on Views
Next, we head south to a place called Southcentral Alaska. This area covers Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains, and parts of the Matanuska Valley. It is easy to get here by car or plane. Many tours here are made for beginners or people with little time.
Willow Basecamp: Train Like a Racer
Willow is a small town north of Anchorage. It is famous because the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race starts here every March. The Iditarod is a very long race that goes all the way to Nome on the west coast.
Many professional mushers keep their dogs in Willow. You can visit kennels, meet the mushers, and even try driving a sled team yourself. Some people come here just to watch teams train for the big race.
- Best for: Learning to mush, riding real race trails
- How far: 90 minutes by car from Anchorage
- More info: Mushing School | Willow Sled Tours
Matanuska Glacier Basecamp: Sled on a Sea of Ice
One of the coolest things about Southcentral Alaska is the chance to sled on a glacier. A glacier is like a giant frozen river. The Matanuska Glacier is one of the easiest to reach by car. Some tours let you mush right onto the ice.
You can combine dog sledding with glacier hikes and photo safaris. Guides here keep you safe because glacier ice can be tricky. This basecamp is great for short or medium trips.
- Best for: Glacier mushing and pictures
- When to go: November to March
- More info: Glacier Tours
Chugach Foothills Basecamps: Close to Town
Not far from downtown Anchorage, the Chugach Foothills touch the edge of Chugach State Park. A few small basecamps here run day trips for visitors who want to mush but don’t have time to go far.
These trails pass through spruce forests and up gentle ridges. Sometimes you see moose or lynx tracks in the snow. On clear nights, you may catch a glimpse of the aurora.
- Best for: Quick day tours close to hotels
- How far: 20–45 minutes from Anchorage
- More info: Anchorage Dog Tours
Why Southcentral is a Great Pick
Southcentral Alaska gives you the chance to mush without going far from the city. Many tours here are half-day or full-day trips. This means you can enjoy the snow in the morning and be back in your hotel by dinner. If you want to see a glacier, watch the northern lights, or try dog mushing for the first time, this area makes it easy.
Western and Arctic Alaska: Remote Trails and Old Traditions
Western Alaska and the far Arctic are some of the wildest parts of the state. Here, many local families still use sled dogs to carry food, mail, and supplies between small villages. In these areas, sledding is not just for fun — it’s a way of life.
Many mushers here run tours for visitors during race season or by special booking. Because these places are so remote, you usually need a small plane to get there.
Nome Basecamp: The End of the Iditarod
Nome is one of the most famous sled dog towns in the world. It was in the news in 1925 when mushers carried medicine by sled to save children from a disease outbreak. This big effort is called the serum run. Today, the Iditarod race still ends in Nome every March.
When you visit Nome, you can see historic race trails and learn how sled dogs helped the town survive in harsh winters. Many tours are run by mushers who once raced in the Iditarod.
- Best for: Learning history and meeting local mushers
- Peak season: March, when the race ends
- How to get there: Fly from Anchorage or Fairbanks
Kotzebue Basecamp: Above the Arctic Circle
Kotzebue is a small town even farther north. It sits above the Arctic Circle, which means winter here is very cold and dark. Many Native Alaskan families here keep sled dogs. They use them to travel over frozen rivers and tundra.
Visitors can ride with local guides and see how dogs help people hunt, fish, and move goods. These trips feel like real expeditions because you travel through deep snow and wide-open Arctic land.
- Best for: True Arctic sledding and cultural trips
- Best time: Late December to early April
Bethel Basecamp: River Trails and Village Loops
Bethel sits in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in southwest Alaska. Many trails here follow frozen rivers that connect small villages. Some tours let you help carry food or join in local festivals. This means you get to see how sled dogs still help people every winter.
Some basecamps here also run youth mushing programs to teach kids how to care for sled dogs and drive sleds.
- Best for: River travel and helping local communities
- When to go: January to March
Why Choose the Arctic or Western Alaska?
These places are for travelers who want more than just a ride. Here, you see how mushing is part of daily life. You may camp in simple shelters, ride for days with local mushers, and hear stories about life in the far north.
Because of this, trips here need more planning. It is smart to book a local guide who knows the weather, trails, and villages.
Southeast Alaska: Sledding on Glaciers in Summer
Now, let’s move far south to Alaska’s coastal panhandle. This area has thick rainforests and big fjords. A fjord is a deep, narrow ocean inlet with steep sides. Southeast Alaska does not have much snow in winter, but you can still sled here — on a glacier in summer!
Juneau Icefield Basecamp: Ride on a Summer Glacier
Juneau is the capital of Alaska. It is surrounded by mountains and icefields. In summer, visitors can ride a helicopter up to a glacier and take a short sled ride with real sled dogs. These tours are short but very pretty.
Because it is warm, you do not need heavy winter gear. The dogs stay at special summer camps on the glacier, where they rest and train.
- Best for: Cruise guests and first-timers
- When to go: May to September
Skagway Sled Camp: History and Short Rides
Skagway is another small port town in Southeast Alaska. Long ago, people rushed here to search for gold. Many mushers helped carry gear for gold miners. Today, you can visit sled dog camps near old wagon trails and mountain passes.
Some tours let you ride a sled on snow if there is enough, or a wheeled cart when there is not. You can also watch mushers train their dogs and learn about the gold rush.
- Best for: Short family tours with local history
- Peak time: June to August
Glacier Bay Basecamp: Remote and Wild
Glacier Bay is a huge park with fjords and icefields. Some small companies set up sled dog basecamps inland from the coast. These trips often mix sledding with kayaking, hiking, or taking photos of whales and bears.
You can only reach these basecamps by small plane or boat. Because of this, trips here need to be booked ahead.
- Best for: Photo safaris and combo adventures
- When to go: Summer
How Southeast Alaska is Different
In Southeast Alaska, sledding is part of other summer fun. Many people visit by cruise ship. They stop for a few hours to ride sleds, see the glacier, and take pictures with happy sled dogs. It is less wild than the Interior or Arctic but very good for first-timers.
Start Comparing Basecamps
Next, you will need to compare all these basecamps side by side. The best basecamp depends on what you want to see, how far you want to travel, and when you are coming.
In the next chunk, we’ll break it all down in a simple table, share top picks for different travel styles, and give you step-by-step planning tips so you feel ready to book.
Compare Alaska’s Basecamps at a Glance
When you plan a dog sled trip in Alaska, it helps to see all your choices in one clear view. Some people want to mush close to town and sleep in a cozy cabin. Others dream of long trails, old stories, and nights under the northern lights. This table will help you pick the best match for your dream ride.
| Region | Key Basecamps | Best For | Season | Access |
| Interior Alaska | Coldfoot, White Mountains, Denali HQ | Long wilderness rides, mushing history, aurora | Nov–Apr | Road or small plane to Fairbanks |
| Southcentral Alaska | Willow, Matanuska Glacier, Chugach Foothills | Easy day trips, glacier sledding, family rides | Nov–Mar | Drive from Anchorage |
| Western & Arctic Alaska | Nome, Kotzebue, Bethel | Cultural trips, village routes, true Arctic | Dec–Apr | Charter plane |
| Southeast Alaska | Juneau Icefield, Skagway, Glacier Bay | Summer glacier rides, cruise stops | May–Sep | Cruise or fly |
Top Picks for Every Type of Explorer
Every basecamp has its own story and style. Here are some quick suggestions to help you find your best fit.
If It’s Your First Time on a Sled
Start simple. Pick Willow or Skagway. Both places have friendly mushers, safe trails, and warm spots to gear up. These rides are short — just right if you want to see what dog sledding feels like without a big risk.
Tip: Many families book a half-day tour. Kids can meet the dogs, help hook up harnesses, and even stand on the sled runners for a short ride.
If You Want to See the Northern Lights
Go north! Coldfoot and the White Mountains have clear skies, dark nights, and wide-open snowfields. The aurora — those dancing green and purple lights — needs dark skies to shine. On a clear night, you might watch the lights swirl overhead while your dog team trots below.
Did You Know? The aurora happens when particles from the sun hit Earth’s magnetic field. They glow when they touch gases high in the sky.
If You Love History
The Iditarod is one of Alaska’s biggest stories. Nome is the end of that race — and Denali National Park has the only sled dog kennel inside a U.S. national park. Visiting these basecamps teaches you how sled dogs helped people survive harsh winters long before snowmobiles and cars.
Try This: Visit a local museum, like the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum in Nome, to see old sleds and race photos.
If You Want Amazing Pictures
Southeast Alaska is perfect for photographers. The Juneau Icefield, Skagway trails, and Glacier Bay’s icy fjords look like postcards. In summer, you can ride a sled on top of a bright blue glacier while wearing a light jacket instead of a parka.
Photo Tip: Bring sunglasses! Sunlight bouncing off snow and ice is bright. Many mushers also share extra snow goggles if needed.
If You Want a Real Adventure
Head to the Arctic — Kotzebue and Bethel are far from cities and roads. Here, local mushers still use dogs for real jobs like hauling fish or carrying mail to nearby villages. These trips are more than tours — they feel like stepping back in time.
Be Ready: Arctic trips are cold and remote. Good guides will share gear, food, and safety tips. Listen well, help care for the dogs, and follow your guide’s lead.
Your 5-Step Plan to Make It Happen
Dog sledding is fun — but a little planning helps you stay warm, safe, and ready for adventure.
1. Pick Your Region
Start with the basics: Will you fly into Anchorage, Fairbanks, or a cruise port like Juneau? Many people pick basecamps near their first stop.
2. Pick the Right Season
Winter sledding runs from November to March (or April in colder spots). You’ll wear big parkas, thick boots, and furry hats.
Summer glacier sledding is only in Southeast Alaska, from May to September. You’ll ride on snow on top of a glacier, even if it’s sunny in town!
3. Decide How Wild You Want to Go
If you want a short taste of mushing, pick a day tour near Anchorage or Juneau. If you want a deep adventure, look at Coldfoot or Kotzebue.
Ask Yourself: Do you want warm cabins or cold tents? A short loop trail or an overnight run? Guides can help match the trip to your comfort level.
4. Get Your Gear Ready
Wear layers: base layers close to your skin, a middle layer for warmth, and a waterproof outer layer. Bring warm mittens, a wool hat, and thick socks. Good basecamps will have extra gear to borrow — but it helps to pack what you can.
Packing Tip: Don’t forget sunscreen and lip balm! Cold wind and snow glare can burn skin even in winter.
5. Book Early
Popular basecamps sell out fast — especially around the Iditarod in March or during peak cruise season in summer. Some Arctic tours need time to plan transport and food drops.
Smart Tip: Book 3–6 months ahead if you want to see a big race, chase the aurora, or ride a glacier in summer.
Ready to lock in your trip? Book Now to reserve your sled adventure.
Extra Tips from Real Mushers
- Help Out: Many mushers love when guests help hook up harnesses, feed the dogs, or brush them after a ride. It’s part of the fun!
- Watch and Listen: Sled dogs bark and howl before a run because they are excited to GO. Once they run, they go quiet. Listen for the soft sound of paws on snow.
- Stay Flexible: Alaska weather changes fast. Trails can close if it’s too windy or icy. Good guides will keep you safe and happy — even if they change the plan.
How Basecamps Keep the Tradition Alive
Basecamps are more than just parking lots for sleds. They are busy hubs where mushers, dogs, and guests share stories. They help teach young mushers new skills. Some even adopt retired sled dogs to families when the dogs grow too old to race.
When you visit a basecamp, you help keep mushing alive for the next generation. Many tours donate part of your ticket or offer ways to Support the Kennel and help teach kids how to mush.