J_Joel

Will be in Anchorage area beginning of August and will have a car. Should we drive to Denali and stay overnight nearby? Or take the train with an overnight? Was told you can't really see much from the train because of shrubbery blocking views.

Thanks!

Bill_H

Car is faster and cheaper, and you have transportation for driving around once you get there, plus you can stop in Talkeetna on the way up or back ... not sure why you'd seriously consider taking the train if you have a car.

J_Joel

Thanks for the info. What's in Talkeetna?

Bill_H

What's in Talkeetna?

Not a whole lot, it's a small somewhat funky town ... if you remember the TV show "Northern Exposure", supposedly Talkeetna was the model for it (though none of the local women looked anything like Janine Turner to me).

Can skip it or use it as a lunch stop to break up the drive to Denali.

atravelynn

If you like trains and want a scenic ride, the Anchorage-Seward or reverse is better.

sunbum1944

I recently took the train from Anchorage to Denali - part of a package tour. The train was pleasant but our cruise line had their own car with a nice dining room and observation dome. There really was not much to see from the train, just lots of trees- did not see any animals. We spent one night in Talkeetna which we enjoyed- its a very cute little town but we happened to be there on the 4th of July so lots of people in town.

We went on a river float trip there - it was pleasant but rather tame- would suggest something a little more exciting. The town only has a couple of main streets so there is not a lot to do- there are a couple of good restaurants there.

I think if I was doing it on my own, I would rent a car and drive rather than the train.

BudgetQueen

There is no point in getting to Denali Park- either by road or rail, unless you are going to get INTO it. Which means at least 2 days there, and a shuttle bus to at least Eielson. My opinion only, but if you want a scenic drive, the Glenn Highway, with a detour to Hatcher Pass far superior.

You have to read descriptions of the river tours, they run from float to white water.

J_Joel

Hello All -

Thanks for all your help and responses. We had a FANTASTIC trip to Alaska. Great weather - Yes!!! And with your help, the itinerary we planned went perfectly.

Hoping to get back to Alaska in the springtime to Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights. We think we saw them briefly one night while on the ferry at 2AM as it left Wrangell, but it was just a glimpse. Who has been to Chena Hot Springs for that?

Thanks again.

Jeff & Judy Joel

P.S. Denali will have to wait - next summer??