Denali Star (North of Anchorage)

If youre looking for a relaxing trip to Denali National Park, consider riding the Denali Star. The route in its entirety from Anchorage all the way to Fairbanks is spectacular, passing through four different zones of climate and vegetation. The tracks do not run exactly parallel to the Parks Highway, so you actually get to see scenery only visible from the train. And theres a good chance that youll see wildlife, too. Anchorage ~ Talkeetna ~ Denali As you begin this section of the route, youll see more deciduous treesleafy green, not as mountainous. When the Alaska Range comes into view, youll (hopefully) have a cloud-free look at McKinley. Watch for dramatic colors in the valley, created by mineral deposits. Denali ~ Fairbanks Between these two destinations, the terrain flattens and is more sub-arctic. The open space allows for better viewing of caribou and other wildlife. The train follows the edge of a cliff along the Nenana River canyon, and you may see kayakers or rafters floating by.