Alaska Wilderness Tour

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city and a gorgeous destination at the cusp of the Knik and Turnagain Arms, welcomes you to America's Last Frontier. As you arrive, transfer on your own to your hotel, and then take the day to get accustomed to your new surroundings. If you arrive early, you may wish to take a sightseeing trolley around the city or visit the Anchorage Museum, the state's largest museum. With natural surroundings that include the Chugach Mountains, glaciers, and beautiful waterways, there are also many ways to explore Anchorage's backcountry, including flightseeing or a helicopter tour. If one night isn't enough time to accomplish all your travel goals in Anchorage, you may opt to add additional nights. Overnight Anchorage.

Make your way to Anchorage's rail station this morning to board the Denali Star to Talkeetna in the beautiful Mat-Su Valley. Picturesque views of the Knik Arm and the Chugach Mountains surround the tracks as you begin your journey, and as the train nears Talkeetna, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Denali. The Denali Star arrives in Talkeetna after a three-hour route through remote Alaska.

Take some time to settle into your hotel, then this afternoon, enjoy a thrilling jetboat excursion on two of the three local rivers. Look upon mountain scenes framed by lush evergreen forests as you wind along the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers. Continue your day in Talkeetna at leisure, perhaps on an optional flightseeing excursion highlighting Mount Denali and the surrounding glaciers. Overnight Talkeetna.

Enjoy a leisurely morning to soak in the splendors of this wilderness town. Much of Talkeetna's original charm remains from its days as a mining boomtown in the late 1800s. Venture downtown to see its wooden buildings, grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants, or shop at the local galleries and stores. Before reboarding the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star, you could also head into nature for a quick hike.

Take in the views of Mt. Denali and the Susitna River as the train sets underway for the next leg of your journey to Denali National Park. This stretch of the track is markedly wild, weaving into the deep Alaskan wilderness after departing Talkeetna. Enjoy glimpses at the Indian River, Hurricane Gulch, and the Alaska Range as the route unfolds. Majestic views of Healy Canyon and the Nenana River below offer a glorious conclusion to your day's travels. You will arrive at Denali National Park late this afternoon with profound scenery at every angle. Overnight Denali.

A day of marvelous panoramas, wildlife, and outback adventures lies ahead as you set into Denali National Park on a narrated bus tour. This excursion takes to the park's singular road, built atop a rock glacier. Breathtaking views of Mt. Denali, the Alaska Range, lakes, and expansive valleys mark the byway with beauty. Enjoy included photo stops at scenic overlooks throughout the route and plenty of animal-spotting opportunities. Alaska's "Big 5" - bear, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep - call these protected lands home and roam freely, so keep your camera ready. Overnight Denali. 

See what makes Denali National Park such an incredible destination as you explore the park independently today. You may wish to set out on foot, hiking the park's trails alone or alongside a park ranger, or see the peaks and valleys from above on a flightseeing experience. Denali offers year-round dogsledding and thrilling seasonal adventures, such as off-roading and whitewater rafting on the Nenana River. Of course, you could always keep your adventures low-key, exploring the park's Visitors Center, picnicking, or choosing a location to post up and spot wildlife.

Late this afternoon, head to the train station once more to board the Denali Star to Fairbanks. The short train ride takes you deeper into the heart of the state, crossing through tundra and remote stretches en route. Overnight Fairbanks.

Enjoy a memorable introduction to Fairbanks this morning as you board the sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery to cruise the Chena and Tanana Rivers. This excursion unveils fantastic scenery at a leisurely pace, allowing you to spot wildlife along the shores and admire the rugged mountain scenery. Expert narration provides insight into Alaska's history, landmarks, and ecology during the cruise. Watch floatplanes land and take off from the surrounding water, and enjoy the opportunity to visit a traditional Chena Indian Village to learn about their heritage and connection to the Alaskan wilderness. Before the cruise concludes, you will also stop at a dogsledding facility for a demonstration. The day is yours to visit the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, or the Museum of the North once back in Fairbanks. You could also venture out on an excursion to Chena Hot Springs. Do not forget to get the iconic photo under Fairbank's antler arch! Overnight Fairbanks.

Your Alaskan adventure concludes this morning, and you are welcome to depart for home at leisure. If you are not ready for your journey to end, speak to a Rail Specialist about extending your stay in Fairbanks with additional nights or activities.