Take a deep dive into the heart of Alaska aboard the Denali Star, one of the crowning jewels of the Alaska Railroad. Following the rail line's flagship route, this train traverses approximately 356 miles daily, traveling between Anchorage in the south and Fairbanks in the center of the state. The train departs at 8:20 a.m. daily between May and September and embarks on a memorable route through Alaska's backcountry that takes approximately 12 hours to complete.
Towering mountain ranges and lush foothills form the backdrop of this journey. Enjoy vistas of downtown Anchorage as the train weaves its way out of the city and into the great wilderness of America's Last Frontier. The northerly journey includes several dedicated stops, including Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali, as well as a number of flagstop destinations. Because the Alaska Railroad is a true lifeline for rural Alaskans, these "flagstops" allow passengers to embark or disembark the train in select locations with the wave of a flag.
After passing over Healy Canyon and watching the Alaskan Range come into view, the train stops in Denali. Those wishing to explore Denali National Park are delighted to discover the Denali Star stations near the park entrance. After Denali, the terrain tames a bit, and the Nenana River Gorge comes into view before the train arrives at its final destination, Fairbanks. Due to the secluded nature of much of this route, it is ideal for wildlife spotting. Moose, caribou, brown and black bears, Dall sheep, and eagles are all commonly spotted while traversing the great wilderness of Alaska aboard this essential rail line.
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