The Denali Star from Anchorage to Fairbanks depots is 356 miles and takes  11 hours and 40 minutes (plus stops).  Hubby and I opted to break up the trip into two segments. Day 1, we rode the train from Anchorage to Denali on the GoldStar service car.  We were joined by friends from North Carolina who extended their stay in Denali, but made the ride even more special!

Our trip started at the Alaska Railroad’s hub in Anchorage. This is a beautiful old depot and proved to be the perfect backdrop for setting the tone of the trip.  Our first stop – the ticket office. To receive your tickets, we needed to show our government-issued ID (Driver’s License or Passport) and received the tickets with a helpful booklet.  We were also given some brief instructions on how to drop off any luggage and the shuttle service that would be awaiting us at the Denali Depot, our first overnight stop.  GoldStar passengers also received a cute pin.  A nice souvenir!

I was happy we arrived with enough time to grab a quick cup of coffee at the depot and take a look in their gift shop. Yes, I made a purchase before the clock struck 8 a.m.!  A cute Denali Star t-shirt and a book for our new grandbaby! 

Next, we listened for boarding announcements. All in all, the process was orderly. However, hubby has a hearing loss, and understanding the directions was a bit problematic given the background noise within the depot.   We managed, but if you are Deaf / Hard of hearing, you may want to stand close to the doors where there may be signage to help guide you. 

Upon entering the train, we quickly found our seats. There was a tray table and an area to hold my electronics and books.  Huge windows and a dome window made every angle of the railcar like watching a movie!  Shortly after we lleft the station the GoldStar passengers were divided into two groups.  This was due to two seatings for the meals.  Our day included being served both breakfast and lunch – and it was fancy with real linens and china!  The menu was limited, but there was enough variety to please all in our party.  I tried the reindeer sausage – and I liked it! 

Once we settled back in our seats, we were treated to the ever-changing vistas!  Spruce, birch, and many other varieties of trees adorn the landscape, juxtaposed with mountains, streams, and rock formations.  I toggled between our seats and the viewing car at the back of our train car.  This was an outdoor section that let us feel as if we were immersed in nature!  We were told to be on the lookout for any wildlife- including eagles, moose, caribou, and bears!  Passengers were encouraged to “shout out” if they spotted anything extraordinary – like a moose!  During our trip, we spotted some birds (eagles) and some smaller animals. Sadly, the moose and bears were either too far away or hiding!  

Throughout the eight hours, the docents demonstrated their knowledge and entertained us with facts, figures, trivia, and even a bit of folklore!

What makes this trip extra special is that the Denali Star is renowned for its breathtaking journey through the majestic Talkeetna Mountains, traversing alongside and over picturesque waterways like the Indian River, Chulitna River, and the Nenana River. As you embark on this scenic ride, keep an eye out for the iconic “Denali“, the name derived from the Tanana Indian word for “HIGH ONE” or “GREAT ONE.” On very clear days, you can catch a glimpse of this majestic mountain starting at rail mile marker 233. From vantage points, you’ll be able to admire the highest peak in North America, standing tall on the south side of the national forest. (It’s worth noting that the Denali National Park spans an expansive area of 6 million acres, surpassing even the state of Massachusetts in size!) Weather conditions play a significant role in determining whether this magnificent mountain is visible. 

After 8+ hours, we arrived at the Denali Train Depot. There we were met by a driver for the Princess Wilderness Lodge who took our luggage and made sure we were easily transferred from point A to point B.  It is remarkable how seamlessly the railroad and hospitality companies work in perfect tandem.  Truly – a well “oiled” machine!

For information about Denali hotels and tours, go here.