Riding a horse through the Alaskan tundra while gazing out at stunning mountain views: This magical experience is almost like traveling back through time, to a simpler era. And it’s super-easy when you go with Alaska By Air.
Starts with a Scenic Flight
Perfect for all age groups, this plane-to-horse trip begins at Alaska By Air’s cabin on Lake Hood. Sitting just outside are floatplanes designed specifically for flightseeing, which is how you’ll begin this trip. On board will be the pilot and just 5-6 passengers, and everyone gets a window seat. Those windows—bubble windows—are constructed so you can look straight down, and the high wing of the airplane means it won’t be in the way when you want to take photos.
Plus, you’ll be with an experienced pilot well-versed in all things Alaska—from the terrain to the history and wildlife—who loves to entertain guests. You’ll get plenty of narration along the way, with fascinating facts that deepen your understanding of the area and increase your appreciation of the beauty around you.
And if someone in your group doesn’t want to ride horses, they’ll have other options: Going for a hike, paddling a kayak, or just kicking back and taking in the great view.
Horseback Riding from a Remote Alaska Lodge
Take off from Lake Hood and you’ll fly over the dramatic Hayes Glacier—a long river of blue ice that stretches its way through the mountainous terrain. Keep an eye out for wildlife here—the potential is high! Your destination, 100 miles from Anchorage, is the historic Rainy Pass Lodge, where you’ll land and take in the beautiful setting around you. The oldest hunting lodge in Alaska, Rainy Pass sits on a lush, manicured five acres, and includes a fascinating pioneer museum.
Then it’s time to ride! The lodge has 18 great horses in a variety of sizes, and you’ll saddle up and set off. Along the way, you’ll cross a portion of the Iditarod Trail; in fact, riders on early-season tours usually come across dog booties from the race. Then steer your horse along the base of the dramatic Puntilla Ridge and up to the top of a mountain, where you’ll have a spectacular 100-mile view on a clear day, including the famous craggy peaks of Bear Tooth and Moose’s Tooth. After taking it all in, you’ll ride back down to the lodge, where you’ll enjoy a delicious included lunch before flying back to Anchorage.
