Compare Denali: The Great One by MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)

Day 1: Arrive in Fairbanks

Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska, “The Golden Heart City,” and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free to spend exploring the historic downtown river walk, visiting the highly acclaimed Museum of the North, or taking a river cruise to learn about the original highways of Alaska: an amazing 4,000 miles of river systems that connected native and mining communities.

Day 2: Alaska Railroad and the Denali Road

Meals: Lunch

Accommodation: Camp Denali

All aboard the Alaska Railroad, bound for the roof of the continent! Take in epic beauty as you ride the rails for half a day on your way to Denali. After reaching the outskirts of these incredibly expansive parklands, you’ll connect with the Denali tour bus. Over the course of six hours, you’ll travel along breathtaking wilderness with the narration of an expert naturalist, who will explain the unique features of Denali National Park along the way. Frequent stops along this scenic drive allow us to view the wildlife of the tundra, including moose, caribou, dall sheep, and grizzly bears. And if weather permits, you’ll have the chance to see the mighty peak of Denali rising above the landscape. Photographers swoon for opportunities like these, so have your camera poised and ready! Only 5% of Denali’s visitors actually have a chance to stay in the park, and you’ll end your long travel day in one of the park’s lodges for a deluxe wilderness experience.

Days 3-4: Hiking and Exploring Denali National Park

Accommodation: Camp Denali

Just outside your tranquil lodge, deep within Denali National Park, an assortment of activities will be available to you each day, such as guided hikes, wildlife and nature photography, sightseeing and aerial tours—some of which come at an added expense. Don’t be shy about interacting with the resident park rangers and naturalists, who are there to answer your questions and introduce you to the splendor that is Denali. Spend the next two days reveling in the park’s exquisite beauty, comforted by delicious meals and quiet accommodations at your lodge.

Day 5: Last Day in Denali and Alaska Railroad to Anchorage

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Copper Whale Inn

You’ll spend the morning on board the Denali Road bus looking for wildlife and taking in the scenery as you return to the Denali Depot. Take in the beautiful Alaskan landscape from the upper-level dome or outdoor viewing deck as the train snakes its way over the Continental Divide and four mountain passes, while following enormous rivers down to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Each ride is unique, and the wildlife you’ll see will likely depend on the weather. Both the bus and the train naturalists will explain the captivating landscape you’ll be traversing.  Lunch and dinner will be served on the train. This evening, you’ll arrive in the bustling city of Anchorage, where restaurant options abound.

Day 6: Depart Anchorage

Meals: Breakfast

While you can schedule your departure flight home at any time, we highly recommend that you plan to take some time to explore the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Tony Knowles Coastal Train, or begin an exploration of the Kenai Peninsula. You may even elect to extend your trip and fly to Juneau, where you’ll have the chance to experience the magnificent fjords of Glacier Bay National Park.