What an absolute joy this past weekend has been! Once again, we were able to experience the Yukon Quest Alaska, and this was our second time doing so while living here in Fairbanks. This yearly event has become a highlight of winter for us (and I’m sure many others), as it breaks up those long winter days and offers up excitement in our little town. The 2025 Yukon Quest Alaska was no exception. While the 2024 Yukon Quest was marked with severe temperatures – seriously, it’s was -47F last year – this year was mild, snowy, and honestly magical. This will be one to remember.
Experiencing the 2025 Yukon Quest Alaska
If you’re new here, let me give you a little background. Yukon Quest Alaska is one the premier dog mushing races held annually right here in, well, you guessed it – Alaska. Once upon a time pre-Covid, it was known simply as the “Yukon Quest.” However, due to border restrictions during the pandemic, the race split in two with Yukon Quest Alaska evolving into a proper race in its own right.
Each year, the main race is a 550-mile course that starts in downtown Fairbanks. Other races include a 200-mile race, which is an Iditarod qualifier, as well as an 80-mile fun run where a lot of junior mushers cut their teeth. It’s one of those local events that brings crowds to experience the beauty (and a different sort of spectacle) here in the Golden Heart City.
Where to Watch the Yukon Quest in Fairbanks, Alaska
I think one of the absolute coolest parts of being stationed at Fort Wainwright is that we can watch the Yukon Quest right in our backyard – literally. Just like last year, we walked about 100 yards from our house down to the Chena River and were able to watch the mushers go by throughout the day. I mean, it really doesn’t get much better than that!
Most people watch along the river as it travels through post and town, but the race actually starts at the Morris Thompson Center in downtown Fairbanks where the ceremonial and actual race start/chute is held. From there, spectators can follow the mushers and their standings with the Yukon Quest Alaska race tracker, which is hosted on the event’s website each year.
What to Know About the Yukon Quest Alaska
- It’s a free event and the bold individuals like to follow the mushers all the way up, traveling through Circle and Central, Alaska to the varying checkpoints.
- There are veterinarians along the course and each stop to ensure the health and wellness of all the dogs.
- Mushers carry all the gear for the whole trip from the start of the race.
- Mushers always have the right-of-way on the river, so while you can watch down on the river, give them space!
- You can high-five the mushers as you go by! We stayed back until the first mushers told us to step up, and it was so cool.
We filmed a little video of our experience watching the 2025 Yukon Quest Alaska in our own backyard to sort of immortalize our experience and show others what it’s like seeing it from right here on Fort Wainwright, so feel free to check it out!
Tell me – would you want to see the Yukon Quest or a dog sled race?