| Duration: | 4 Day(s) - 3 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Seasonal Events Tours |
4 Day Denali Rail Explorer
Style: Independent Touring
Day 1: Anchorage - Talkeetna with Alaska Railroad
Anchorage is headquarters to the Alaska Railroad and the journey to Fairbanks begins here. Several miles into the trip, the heavy birch forests of Eagle River and Chugiak lead to the Knik and Matanuska Rivers. The expansive watershed harbors wildlife like moose, bears, the occasional wolf, and abundant waterfowl.
About 40 miles from Anchorage comes the Matanuska Valley, Alaska's agricultural center and home to the towns of Palmer and Wasilla. Just south of Talkeetna, 70 miles further, the first view emerges of Mt. McKinley, North America's highest peak. The train takes its first stop in Talkeetna, a small town with a mining history and now, a popular takeoff point for climbers to Mt. McKinley.
Day 2: Talkeetna - Denali with Alaska Railroad
From Talkeetna, the track follows the serpentine banks of the Susitna River. On clear days, more views of Mt. McKinley emerge across the river presenting many chances for photos. Black and brown bears frequent the sandbars and scuttle into the brush as the train approaches. Next, the Indian River Canyon is home to many beavers, and beaver lodges can be seen in the ponds along the way.
The track climbs toward the tree line, first crossing Hurricane Gulch, the longest bridge on the railroad just over 914 feet and 296 feet above Hurricane Creek. The train moves into Broad Pass, at 2,363 feet it's the highest point on the railroad, and where caribou migrate through during the fall. Thousands of travelers visit Denali National Park and Preserve to see wildlife like wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, moose and bear, and, of course, Mt. McKinley
Day 3: Denali National Park Sightseeing
Today's tour to view the abundant wildlife that thrives in Denali will be a trip highlight. You'll enjoy sight-ings of moose, black and grizzly bear, caribou, Dall's sheep, coyotes, foxes, and possibly wolves, while bald and golden eagles soar overhead. In the afternoon, choose from one of many complimentary park-sponsored activities and optional Denali tours including guided hikes plus white-water rafting, fixed-wing flightseeing, and horseback riding.
Day 4: Denali - Fairbanks with Alaska Railroad
The coal-mining town of Healy follows after a 10-mile jaunt through Healy canyon, where the surging waters of the Nenana River cut through the steep-sided cliffs.
As the track levels out, Nenana comes into view. It is home to one of the remaining original Alaska Railroad Depots, now a museum and gift shop. The track cuts through the northern boreal forests of interior Alaska. Birch, aspen, and willow fill this landscape where gold miners first came to seek their fortunes. Fifty-eight miles from Nenana, Fairbanks, the "Golden Heart City" signals the end of the line - but just the beginning for more adventure, culture, and history in the Last Frontier
Package Includes:
3 nights of accommodation, all transfers, sightseeing, and attractions as listed above.
Highlights:
Alaska Railroad from Anchorage – Talkeetna – Denali – Fairbanks in gold class
Full day Denali wildlife tour including lunch
Denali river rafting experience
Pricing is per person (does not include applicable taxes)
