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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Denali National Park Express with Alaska Railroad Southbound

Independent Alaska Railroad trip from Fairbanks through Denali to Anchorage

Illustration of Denali National Park Express with Alaska Railroad Southbound

Railbookers runs this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation from Fairbanks to Anchorage, with two nights in Denali National Park along the way. After two days exploring Fairbanks, including the story of the Fairbanks Gold Rush and the option to pan for gold, the Alaska Railroad carries travelers south to Denali National Park, home to North America's highest peak. A guided tour then goes 92 miles into the park, stopping at the Polychrome Overlook, known for its kaleidoscope of volcanic-rock colors, with the option to visit Kantishna for gold panning or a nature hike. A further optional hike is available on Denali's trails before the train continues south to Anchorage for a one-hour guided city tour taking in Lake Hood and Earthquake Park. With two nights at each of the three stops, the pace is unhurried. This suits independent travelers drawn to Denali's wildlife and optional hiking as much as guided sightseeing.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers offers 16 accommodation options across Fairbanks, Denali, and Anchorage, so the final hotel at each stop depends on the tier chosen at booking rather than being fixed in advance.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Fairbanks

    Your Journey Begins in Fairbanks

    With over 20 hours of sunlight during the summer months, you'll have plenty of time to begin exploring Fairbanks today.

  2. Day 2overnight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks, AK

    Continue discovering Fairbanks at your leisure. Learn about the Fairbanks Gold Rush, considered to be the last American Goldrush. Perhaps you want to try your luck panning for gold.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Denali

    Denali National Park, AK

    Depart Fairbanks this morning and enjoy a scenic ride on Alaska Railroad as you travel to Denali National Park. The name Denali comes from the native Athabaskan languages, and can mean "the tall one" or "mountain-big." As North America's highest peak, it's appropriately named.

  4. Day 4overnight: Denali

    Denali National Park, AK

    Adventure 92 miles into the heart of Denali National Park today on a guided tour. Stop at the Polychrome Overlook which is known for its gorgeous kaleidoscope of colors formed by volcanic rock. With 39 species of mammals and 169 species of birds in Denali, you'll be sure to spot some wildlife so keep your camera ready. Visit Kantishna and try panning for gold or enjoy a nature hike.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Anchorage

    Anchorage, AK

    Spend the morning exploring Denali at your leisure, perhaps take a hike along one of the many trails or relax by the hotel soaking in the Alaskan landscapes. Later, board Alaska Railroad as you travel south to Anchorage.

  6. Day 6overnight: Anchorage

    Anchorage, AK

    Spend the day exploring Anchorage! Enjoy a one hour guided tour and discover Lake Hood, Earthquake Park and more of what makes the city so unique.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Anchorage

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2In Fairbanks, travelers learn about the Fairbanks Gold Rush, considered the last American gold rush, with the option to try panning for gold.
  • Day 3The Alaska Railroad carries travelers south from Fairbanks to Denali National Park, home to Denali, North America's highest peak, whose Athabaskan name means 'the tall one'.
  • Day 4A guided tour goes 92 miles into Denali National Park, stopping at the Polychrome Overlook, known for its kaleidoscope of colors formed by volcanic rock, with the option to visit Kantishna for gold panning or a nature hike.
  • Day 6A one-hour guided tour of Anchorage takes in Lake Hood and Earthquake Park.

Included

  • One-way Alaska Railroad® in Adventure Class accommodations from Fairbanks to Denali; Denali to Anchorage
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 1 meal included (1 lunch)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. One-way Alaska Railroad in Adventure Class from Fairbanks to Denali and Denali to Anchorage.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation, with guided tours included in Denali National Park and Anchorage.
How much walking or hiking is involved?
Optional nature hikes are available at Kantishna on day 4 and on Denali's trails on day 5; otherwise the tour is guided sightseeing.
What hotels are included?
Six nights of hotel accommodations, chosen from 16 options across Fairbanks, Denali, and Anchorage.
What wildlife or scenery might you see?
Denali National Park is home to 39 species of mammals and 169 species of birds, plus the Polychrome Overlook's volcanic-rock formations.
How much does this trip cost?
From $2,019 per person (USD).

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