Explore Alaska’s Denali National Park by Train: A Breathtaking Rail Journey through Untamed Wilderness (2024)

Denali National Park, nestled in the heart of Alaska, is the state’s crown jewel. It is a captivating destination filled with big bears, big moose, and even bigger mountains—one you won’t soon forget. Home to North America’s highest peak, Mount Denali, which stands proud at 20,310 feet, it is a vast wilderness area that never feels crowded.

A visit to this land of the midnight sun that they called the Last Frontier had been on my bucket list for years, and when I finally got the chance to visit in June, just before the summer solstice, the place stole a little piece of my heart and kept it. Maybe it was the endless hours of sunlight, but I felt lighter, happier, and freer in Alaska than usual.

To truly explore Alaska in-depth, you’d need months, if not years. Many destinations are only accessible by small planes, and costs can be prohibitive. But if this is your first sojourn in the 49th State, then a good way to get a taste of Alaska is to book a week-long rail journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks and back, with stops in Talkeetna and Denali National Park. This trip is best in summer when temperatures are warmer, all businesses are open, and the sun never really sets.

Alaska Railroad: Your Gateway to Denali National Park

The Alaska Railroad offers an easy and accessible way to see some of Alaska’s top tourist attractions, including Denali National Park. The Denali Star Train, which connects Anchorage and Fairbanks in summer, is the railroad’s flagship route and the one most popular with travelers.

The Denali Star Train operates daily in both directions between the first week of May and the third week of September. If you visit any other time of year, you must book the Aurora Winter Train. It runs the same route, but service is more limited – except for February and March, when there are midweek services, it only operates on weekends. You can check the schedule here. Winter journeys are much colder and darker, and many lodges and attractions close. However, traveling in winter gives the best opportunity to witness the Northern Lights.

The scenic 356-mile journey showcases Alaska’s diverse landscapes, from glaciers and rugged mountain peaks to dense forests and salmon-filled streams. Wildlife sightings are common; if you're fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Denali. Because its massive height creates its own weather system, it is often shrouded by clouds, and only about 30% of visitors are lucky enough to see the mountain.

Denali National Park: A Jewel of Alaska

Denali National Park is a highlight of this journey. Unlike many national parks, Denali is accessible without a car. With only one road and limited vehicle access, the park encourages exploration via shuttle buses, hiking, and guided tours.

Book two nights at Denali Cabins, about 15 minutes outside the park entrance and accessible by a shuttle service. These cozy, self-contained wood cabins offer a comfortable base for your adventures. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, Prey, two outdoor hot tubs, and a wooden sauna. Activities such as ATV tours and flying trips can be easily arranged.

You’ll also want to explore the park itself. Begin at the Denali Visitor Center, where you can get information on hiking trails and safety tips. Denali offers both marked trails and off-trail hiking opportunities. Be prepared for encounters with wildlife, and always carry bear spray.

Discover Fairbanks: The Golden Heart City

Continuing north on the train, Fairbanks lies just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Known for its midnight sun during summer, Fairbanks offers unique experiences like the Arctic Circle Air Adventure, which provides scenic flights over the Arctic Circle, and the Arctic Circle Drive Adventure, a day-long coach tour exploring the tundra and Yukon River.

Situated along the scenic Chena River, Pike's Waterfront Lodge offers comfortable accommodations with Alaskan charm. Enjoy amenities like an aromatherapy steam room, a riverside deck, and complimentary airport shuttle service. The lodge's location is ideal for exploring Fairbanks and its natural surroundings.

You can grab a bite at the Pump House Restaurant & Saloon. It cooks a unique blend of Alaskan history and fine dining with fresh seafood, steaks, and Alaskan specialties. Set on the banks of the Chena River, the restaurant has a charming atmosphere with a touch of Gold Rush nostalgia.

Talkeetna: Gateway to Mount Denali

On your way back to Anchorage, stop in the quirky town of Talkeetna for a night or two. Known for its stunning views of Mount Denali and its feline mayor, Talkeetna offers a charming small-town experience with local restaurants, bars, and shops.

Stay at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. On a ridge above town, the Alaska Range views, including Mt. Denali, are stunning. The onsite restaurant, Foraker, serves a fine dining menu with tasty Alaskan seafood and game selections. A range of activities can be booked from the lodge. Flightseeing tours are a popular option, and some even include glacier landings.

Be sure to wander around Talkeetna town. It has just two streets and supposedly inspired the 90s TV show Northern Exposure. In summer, it is a super lively place, home to dozens of restaurants, bars, and even a cannabis dispensary. The town is also famous for its honorary mayor, a cat named Aurora. She lives at Nagley’s General Store and is the third feline to run this town without a human mayor equivalent.