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Yukon Alone: The World's Toughest Adventure Race
In the tradition of Into the Wild, a story of daring and determination in one of nature's harshest, loneliest, and most beautiful places.
The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race is among the most challenging and dangerous of all the organized sporting events in the world. Every February, a handful of hardy souls sps over two weeks racing sleds pulled by fourteen dogs over 1,023 miles of frozen rivers, icy mountain passes, and spruce forests as big as entire states. It's not unusual for the temperature to drop to 40-below or for the night to be seventeen hours long.
Why would anyone want to run this race? To find out, John Balzar moved to Alaska months before The Quest began and he spent time in the homes of many of the mushers. Balzar then spent many days and nights on the trail, and the result is a book that not only treats us to a vivid day-by-day account of the grueling race itself but also offers an insightful look at the men and women who have moved to this rugged and beautiful place, often leaving behind comfortable houses and jobs in the lower forty-eight states for the sense of exhilaration they find in their new lives. Readers will also be fascinated by Balzar's account of what goes into the training and care of the majestic dogs who pull the sleds and whose courage, strength, and devotion make them the true heroes of this story. For anyone captivated by the wild north country, this riveting tale of courage and adventure will inspire and entertain.
The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race is among the most challenging and dangerous of all the organized sporting events in the world. Every February, a handful of hardy souls sps over two weeks racing sleds pulled by fourteen dogs over 1,023 miles of frozen rivers, icy mountain passes, and spruce forests as big as entire states. It's not unusual for the temperature to drop to 40-below or for the night to be seventeen hours long.
Why would anyone want to run this race? To find out, John Balzar moved to Alaska months before The Quest began and he spent time in the homes of many of the mushers. Balzar then spent many days and nights on the trail, and the result is a book that not only treats us to a vivid day-by-day account of the grueling race itself but also offers an insightful look at the men and women who have moved to this rugged and beautiful place, often leaving behind comfortable houses and jobs in the lower forty-eight states for the sense of exhilaration they find in their new lives. Readers will also be fascinated by Balzar's account of what goes into the training and care of the majestic dogs who pull the sleds and whose courage, strength, and devotion make them the true heroes of this story. For anyone captivated by the wild north country, this riveting tale of courage and adventure will inspire and entertain.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 22, 2018
John is a reporter who spent many months researching the 1998 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. He became acquainted with the mushers and their dogs, race officials, veterinarians, folks at the checkpoints, and many others.
The 1998 race included 34 men, 4 women, and 530 dogs. John mushed 100 miles/160 km of the Quest trail, during the race, with a borrowed dog team.
The trail follows the old Gold Rush routes, from Fairbanks, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon, or vice versa, depending on the year. It is 1025 miles/1650 km long, and passes through the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. It is held in February, and has been doing so each year since 1984.
This race was created as an alternative to the Iditarod. Some thought the Iditarod was too fancy, and too famous. They wanted a race that was closer to the old traditions of dog mushing. The Yukon Quest is a tougher race than the Iditarod. It is a month earlier and, therefore, the temperatures are colder (-40 C/F). The nights are longer (17 hours). It crosses 4 mountain ranges, whereas, the Iditarod has only one. Iditarod mushers can use more than one sled, but YQ mushers cannot replace their sled without penalty. Because it is in such remote country, the YQ has less than half the number of checkpoints as the Iditarod, and some are more than 200 miles/320 km apart. So, they have longer runs between resupply, which forces them to carry more weight.
Just so you know, the Lure of the Quest, and Yukon Alone, both by John Balzar, are actually the same book. The only difference is that Yukon Alone has an Afterword.
If you enjoy nonfiction books about life in the Far North, or dog mushing, you'll probably enjoy this book.
3 Stars = I liked the book. I enjoyed it. I'm glad I read it.
The 1998 race included 34 men, 4 women, and 530 dogs. John mushed 100 miles/160 km of the Quest trail, during the race, with a borrowed dog team.
The trail follows the old Gold Rush routes, from Fairbanks, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon, or vice versa, depending on the year. It is 1025 miles/1650 km long, and passes through the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. It is held in February, and has been doing so each year since 1984.
This race was created as an alternative to the Iditarod. Some thought the Iditarod was too fancy, and too famous. They wanted a race that was closer to the old traditions of dog mushing. The Yukon Quest is a tougher race than the Iditarod. It is a month earlier and, therefore, the temperatures are colder (-40 C/F). The nights are longer (17 hours). It crosses 4 mountain ranges, whereas, the Iditarod has only one. Iditarod mushers can use more than one sled, but YQ mushers cannot replace their sled without penalty. Because it is in such remote country, the YQ has less than half the number of checkpoints as the Iditarod, and some are more than 200 miles/320 km apart. So, they have longer runs between resupply, which forces them to carry more weight.
Just so you know, the Lure of the Quest, and Yukon Alone, both by John Balzar, are actually the same book. The only difference is that Yukon Alone has an Afterword.
If you enjoy nonfiction books about life in the Far North, or dog mushing, you'll probably enjoy this book.
3 Stars = I liked the book. I enjoyed it. I'm glad I read it.
January 20, 2010
Wow! Balzar's skillful story weaving gives an intimate look at the passionate people and amazing dogs of the Yukon Quest. What an adventure!
May 24, 2010
I have always been fascinated by the Iditarod and the Quest. This book was an interesting look into the Quest and all the work that goes into preparing for the race; both as mushers and as trail busters, dog handlers, etc. As usual, a book about this topic ends up really being about Alaska and what it means to be Alaskan. Worth a read for sure...but glad I read it in the summer, I got cold just reading about it!
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March 17, 2025exciting tale of the race
February 1, 2025
I bought this book on a whim at my local used bookstore and thank god I did. I have no background on the Quest, a grueling dog race spanning over 1,000 miles in the Great North, but John Balzar paints a detailed picture of his account as a columnist for the LA times. While providing some background and historical events leading up to the race, you not only follow over a dozen racers and their dog team through the 1998 Quest, but also get an in-depth look at the locals and their communities where it feels balmy at 20 degrees below zero. John spares no detail explaining the significance whenever a musher passes through a small town or village and the impact on the locals. Usually, that means pass the rum or whiskey bottle. John also highlights the intimate relationship between man and man's best friend and the amount of work that is involved veterinarians, handlers, and race officials to make sure these furry friends are well taken care of. There's laughter, tragedy, and excitement, all the while cracking another beer. I may never ride a dog sled or visit Alaska, but thanks to this book, I have become aware of a completely different culture and for that, I have more admiration and respect to our friends in the North.
October 9, 2020
Not sure how I stumbled across this book, probably some dank used book store in the middle of nowhere. I am very glad I did. This was a pleasant diversionary read. No politics (or at least very little), not much to argue with. An interesting tale woven with insightful comments and some of the best descriptions of why some of us seek "authentic" adventure experiences versus those that are done "to say we did it". A few solid discussions about what is the difference between the two that rang true for me at least.
This isn't going to be everyone's bag, I can see some people reading it and wondering what the point is. But if you are one of those who has experienced the far North or perhaps just climbed a few sheer rock faces because "it was the thing to do" you'll like it. It's kind of like "Into the Wild" without the pointless self-immolation.
This isn't going to be everyone's bag, I can see some people reading it and wondering what the point is. But if you are one of those who has experienced the far North or perhaps just climbed a few sheer rock faces because "it was the thing to do" you'll like it. It's kind of like "Into the Wild" without the pointless self-immolation.
April 24, 2024
What a magnificent story. The gruelling Yukon Quest told in firsthand account as author John Balzar lived, breathed and survived it - as much as an Outsider could anyway. We meet the runners and hear through John’s canny way (inveigling himself as dog handler aka - shit shoveler) of the heroic, stoic and woodsy types it takes to run this quest through arctic conditions against all the odds. True grit, real people, triumph in the face of adversity of the toughest kind.
Will be looking for more of this author’s books. Loved every page!
Will be looking for more of this author’s books. Loved every page!
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July 28, 2024Daunting recapsuled reading of the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race from Yukon Territory to Fairbanks Alaska. Made me appreciate man and dog's working connections and their ability to go on in spite of temperatures, snow, wind, mountains, ice and rivers. I'd read of the Idirod Sled Dog race and thought, OMG, that was tough. The Yukon Quest is tougher by far for man and dogs. I enjoyed the read. John Balzar has an eye for a good story and he told this one well. Not for me...the race, but appreciated the cast of characters he introduced to us as the race progressed.
July 25, 2020
I don't know why I so enjoy books about cold places, but this one is a great addition to my list. For a dog lover, the detailed discussion of the dogs will be fascinating, and for some, the backstories of the mushers will be captivating. Every one of those people seems to have quite a life story. I loved the lyrical descriptions of the climate, the topography, and the people who are drawn to it. Well worth your time.
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October 7, 2020As a born-and-bred Canuck I believe the
Yukon Quest dogsledding race is superior
in every way to the Alaskan Iditarod. This
compelling account by journalist John
Balzar takes you into the kennels of the
huskies and the huts of the dogsledders
with their pancakes, cast-iron frying pans,
and cozy farts. You will almost feel you
have run the race yourself after reading
this amazing tale (but you will be far
warmer).
Yukon Quest dogsledding race is superior
in every way to the Alaskan Iditarod. This
compelling account by journalist John
Balzar takes you into the kennels of the
huskies and the huts of the dogsledders
with their pancakes, cast-iron frying pans,
and cozy farts. You will almost feel you
have run the race yourself after reading
this amazing tale (but you will be far
warmer).
November 27, 2019
Loved this book. A great peek into the world of dog mushing. I would not have guessed this would be an interesting book but the author did a great job of portraying the types of people drawn to this sport and lifestyle. Very informative and well written.
May 4, 2020
I found this book interesting because all of the other books I have read on sled dogs races was written by the musher, and this is written by a journalist who lived, traveled, and shared the hardships of the Yukon Quest race. It was well written, and fascinating to me, the old ex-musher!
April 22, 2024
Great adventure book very well told. The reader gets follows along in the dark, cold and snow while getting to know the competitors and their dogs. A very enjoyable book for anyone who likes true adventure from their favorite reading chair!
May 27, 2019
If you hair raising adventure with animals this book is for you.
January 10, 2020
Awesome amazing writing. Putting you on the sled on the freezing trail from the Yukon to Alaska. 🖤
June 25, 2021
Not as good as other race stories but interesting. Mushers travel 1000 miles in 11 days at an average speed of 9 miles per hour.
December 29, 2021
Terrible. Very Slow.
February 19, 2024
Pretty cool story, I read because I attended the start of this year’s Yukon Quest and wanted to research. Interesting piece of journalism did not need to be a full book though
April 21, 2008
recommended: anyone into adventure stories, the great white north, the wilderness, and the intersection of all of this with modern times...not as in 'oh, we're killing the wildlife', though balzar does touch on that. the far north is still the far north, with all it's majesty.
i actually started reading this over jan term (when all other college students are off, but i get the joys of winter training), to keep my brain working. i lied, i've actually read it before. but seriously: good book. honest, funny, and down-to-earth.
he does it right, in my opinion. the people are there, but so are the dogs and the all-powerful terrain. people in that area don't get to play God. they have to deal with whatever God throws at them, that exact minute. waiting is death.
but it's not a depressing text! it just acknowledges the dangers and the lunacy of what these mushers do. and yet it makes them happy. and yet it makes them happy. read this, and you'll be happy too. it's very strange.
i actually started reading this over jan term (when all other college students are off, but i get the joys of winter training), to keep my brain working. i lied, i've actually read it before. but seriously: good book. honest, funny, and down-to-earth.
he does it right, in my opinion. the people are there, but so are the dogs and the all-powerful terrain. people in that area don't get to play God. they have to deal with whatever God throws at them, that exact minute. waiting is death.
but it's not a depressing text! it just acknowledges the dangers and the lunacy of what these mushers do. and yet it makes them happy. and yet it makes them happy. read this, and you'll be happy too. it's very strange.
August 1, 2010
Beautifully rendered, this book was a page-turner that I tore through in two days. Skipping smoothly from the race front-runners to middle-of-the-pack rookies, to the author's own arctic travels following the action, to interesting historical anecdotes about the now-empty landscape of the gold rush era, the descriptions of the north, the people, the cold and running dogs were spot on. Captivating and powerful, this one is worth picking up even if you don't spend all summer waiting impatiently for snow.
It was a personal delight that I have either met or encountered several of the highlighted characters (Mark May is our Vet! Pete talked to Aliy Zirkle in his waiting room!) Thanks, Janis, for this - I can't believe it took me so long ...
It was a personal delight that I have either met or encountered several of the highlighted characters (Mark May is our Vet! Pete talked to Aliy Zirkle in his waiting room!) Thanks, Janis, for this - I can't believe it took me so long ...
August 13, 2007
Wow, absolutely amazing. Beautiful story told of a less known, though just of challenging if not more, sled dog race from the Yukon to Alaska; 1000 miles. Balzar really pulls you into each one of the characters as you follow them along the race. Within the first pages you are already rooting for the racers. By the end you feel a loss as you no longer get to enjoy the awesome scenery, and amazing animals. This book really makes you want to drop everything and go up to the foreboding cold just to get another taste.
April 7, 2008
This is a great book on the seldom recognized Yukon Quest. The book is non-fiction and written from the perspective of an onlooker or outsider, given the fact that the race is not as popular as the Iditarod it is not surprising. The book deals not only with the aspects of the race but also with the unique lives of the "backwoods Alaskan". It has some mature content and is not for teenagers or children.
September 17, 2012
Absolutely stunning book. I immediately fell in love with the mushers and their dogs and felt the need to travel to Yukon and see this race with my own eyes (note that I hate winter above all). I recommmend it to anyone who enjoys the wonders of wilderness, friendship, and the bond between peope and animals.
June 2, 2015
I didn't finish this book. I was excited about the dog sledding, but the presentation of the story didn't stick for me and the language had too many flourishes for my taste. Mushing is an amazing sport and a musher recommended the book to me, but I think you really have to be in love with the sport for this book.
March 10, 2014
I checked this book out of the library because I thought I'd feel warmer if I read about a place that was way colder and snowier. It didn't help but my trip to Florida did. Couldn't really get into it in Florida, so took me a bit longer to finish it. The descriptions of the race and the different mushers were very interesting. The lead up and the chapter after the finish were less so.
July 29, 2014
The book did succeed in making me desperate to go to Alaska, but as tales of adventure go, he does a mediocre job. I wasn't reading to find out about the author's experience watching the race, but rather the mushers' experience running it. To the overall detriment of the narrative, there's much more of the former than the latter.
July 7, 2011
Great book. I picked it up at a friends of the library surplus sale, and it was the best surprise. Full of wonder and humor. It was filled with a pragmatic romanticism of the North that made me long to get a sled dog team together. I definitely recommend it.
February 22, 2008
Good book if you like Alaska stuff. This is a true documentation of the annual Yukon Quest race which is suppose to be tougher than the Iditarod.
August 20, 2008
eh. writing not so good. really unfocused.
March 17, 2011
A pretty slow starter, but it did have some fun and interesting facts. Got about half way through and the pace really picked up. Glad I finished.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews