America’s Last Great Gold Rush Trail
The Iditarod National Historic Trail commemorates a 2,300-mile system of winter trails that first connected ancient Native Alaskan villages, opened up Alaska for the last great American gold rush, and now plays a vital role for travel and recreation in modern day Alaska.
Over 1,500 miles of the historic winter trail system are open today for public use across state and federal lands. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), under the National Trails Act, is the designated Trail Administrator, and works to coordinate efforts by federal and state agencies on behalf of the entire Trail. BLM maintains about 150 miles of the Trail, including four public shelter cabins. The remainder is managed primarily by the State of Alaska, or crosses private Native lands on public easements.
BLM and Partners Celebrate Iditarod Trail CentennialJanuary 2008 marked the 100th anniversary of efforts to open the now famous overland route from Seward to Nome. To commemorate this epic achievement, January 2008 to October 2012 was designated the official Iditarod National Historic Trail Centennial. More…
Governor's Proclamation of the Iditarod Centennial
Governor Sarah Palin proclaimed 2008-2012 the official centennial of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. You can read the entire Proclamation here.