Denali National Park and Preserve is home to six million acres of wild lands, an abundance of wildlife and the tallest mountain in North America: Denali. In the summer season (mid-May to mid-September) the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train stops twice daily, connecting Denali to Anchorage, Talkeetna and Fairbanks.
Denali National Park was established in 1917, just six years before the completion of the Alaska Railroad in 1923. For many years, the railroad served as the only way to reach Denali; the Parks Highway wasn’t completed until 1971. An Alaska Railroad passenger today arrives to Denali in much the same fashion as a traveler from the early 20th century – albeit with a few more onboard amenities.
Given the long history of the Alaska Railroad and Denali National Park, it’s no wonder that Denali is so accessible for train travelers. Upon arrival to the Denali Depot, passengers are met by shuttle busses from Denali hotels and lodges (see our recommendations below). The many activities on offer to explore the Park – Denali flightseeing, river rafting, tundra golf and more – also provide complimentary shuttle services.
Visitors can choose from a wide variety of options to explore Denali. Watch for the mountain, grizzlies, moose and more on a bus tour of the famed Park Road, tour an Iditarod champion’s sled dog kennel, or embark on a guided geocaching adventure.
A visit to Denali National Park is included in almost every Alaska Railroad summer adventure package; these multi-day rail vacation itineraries showcase the best of Alaska and include train travel, accommodations and activities along the way. The Alaska Railroad also offers customizable one- or two-night Denali Getaways from Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Served by: Denali Star Train
Our reservations agents are happy to assist you in booking any of the below hotels. Call Alaska Railroad reservations at 800.544.0552.
Grande Denali Lodge
Address: George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
Phone: 907.683.5100
A newer Alaska lodge overlooking the Nenana canyon. Hotel Amenities include transportation to and from area facilities, will hold luggage for guests at front desk, guest laundry service available, and gift shop on site.
Amenities:
- Coffee Makers
- Satellite TV
- Hair Dryers
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Bed Type: 2 Queens or 1 King
- Cribs
- Rollaway Beds
- Hold Luggage
- Guest Laundry Service
- Gift Shop
- Restaurant
- Baggage Storage
Hotel information:
- Transfers to/from Depot: Included
- Transfers to/from Airport: No
- Check-in Time: 3:00 PM Check-out Time: 10:00 AM
- Activities Desk: Yes
- Distance to Depot: 2 miles
- ADA Accessible
Denali Park Village
Address: 231 George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
Phone: 907.683.8900
A modern lodge overlooking the Nenana River, featuring the Gold Rush Dining Room, Lucky Miss Saloon, gift shop, specialty coffee counter, on-site interpretive programs and nature path, park trails nearby.
Amenities:
- Coffee Maker
- TV
- Hair Dryers
- Bed Type: 2 Double or 1 King (on request)
- Cribs
- Rollaway Beds
- Baggage Storage
Hotel information:
- Transfers to/from Depot: Included
- Transfers to/from Airport: No
- Restaurant on Premises: Yes
- Check-in Time: 3:00 PM Check-out Time: 10:00 AM
- Distance to Depot: 8 miles
- Activities Desk: Yes
- ADA Accessible
Denali Backcountry Lodge
Address: Denali, Healy, AK 99743
Phone: 877.376.1992
A modern lodge located at the end of the 95-mile park road in Kantishna. Enjoy guided hiking, naturalist programs, botany walks, gold panning, shuttle back and forth to Wonder Lake, and mountain bike check-out.
Amenities:
- Secluded cedar log cabins with their own private bath
- Bed Type: 2 Double Beds
- Baggage Storage
- Restaurant (All meals included)
Hotel information:
- Transfers to/from Depot: Included
- Transfers to/from Airport: Included
- Check-in Time: 7:00 PM Check-out Time: 6:00 AM
- Activities Desk: Yes
- Distance to Depot: 95 miles
- 2 NIGHT STAY RECOMMENDED
Denali Cabins
Address: 229 George Parks Highway, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
Phone: 907.683.2643
Independent cedar cabins in a partially wooded area. Close to Nenana River.
Amenities:
- TV
- Private Bath
- Bed Type: 2 Doubles or 1 Double
- Outdoor Hot Tubs
- Shuttle Service: 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM (can call ahead to schedule earlier pickups)
- Restaurant
Hotel information:
- Transfers to/from Depot: Included
- Transfers to/from Airport: No
- Restaurant on Premises: Yes
- Check-in Time: 3:00 PM Check-out Time: 11:00 AM
- Activities Desk: Yes
- Distance to Depot: 8 miles
- ADA Accessible: Yes. (Note: courtesy van is NOT wheelchair accessible.)
Denali Bluffs Hotel
Address: 238 George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
Phone: 866.683.8500
The Denali Bluffs Hotel is tucked into the spruce and birch of Sugarloaf Mountain. The main lodge features Alaskan art, a sitting area with a large stone fireplace and terrific viewing platform for the expansive Denali Landscape. There are 112 cozy and comfortable guest rooms that are situated in 12 buildings that are dispersed among the trees on the hillside. Excellent view of Nenana River and Alaska Mountain Range.
Amenities:
- Coffee Maker
- Satellite TV
- Hair Dryers
- Bed Type: 2 Double Beds or 1 King (on request)
- Cribs
- Rollaway Beds
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Gift Shop
- Restaurant
- Baggage Storage
Hotel Information:
- Transfers to/from Depot: Included
- Transfers to/from Airport: No
- Check-in Time: 3:00 PM Check-out Time: 10:00 AM
- Activities Desk: Yes
- ADA Accessible
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
Address: 238.5 Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
Phone: 800.544.0970
Located one mile from the entrance to Denali National Park on the banks of the Nenana River, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge offers activities and modern comforts on the edge of the wilderness, with easy access to the park. With an expansive deck overlooking the Nenana River, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is an ideal spot to relax, visit with friends, and savor the exquisite landscape.
Amenities:
- Available WiFi
- Coffee/Tea Maker
- Cribs and Rollaway Beds
- Laundry Facilities
- Courtesy Van
- Outdoor Hot Tubs
- Fitness Center
- Business Center
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Baggage Storage
Hotel Information:
- Transfers to/from Depot: Complimentary
- Transfers to/from Airport: No
- Check-in Time: 3:00 PM Check-out Time: 10:00 AM
- Activities Desk: Yes
- ADA Accessible
McKinley Chalet
Address: 238.9 George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
Phone: 800.544.0970
McKinley Chalet Resort is situated in the heart of the Denali Canyon on the banks of the Nenana River, less than two miles from the entrance to Denali National Park. Featuring modern amenities, comfortable accommodations, and warm northern hospitality at the edge of the wilderness, the hotel has everything you need for an unforgettable Denali vacation.
Amenities:
- Coffee/Tea Maker
- Available WiFi
- Hair Dryers
- Cribs and Rollaway Beds
- Business Center
- Fitness Center
- Outdoor Hot Tubs
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Baggage Storage
Hotel Information:
- Transfers to/from Depot: Included
- Transfers to/from Airport: No
- Check-in Time: 3:00 PM Check-out Time: 10:00 AM
- Activities Desk: Yes
- ADA Accessible
Add any of the below excursions to your rail itinerary by calling Alaska Railroad reservations at 800.544.0552.
One of the most popular tours of Denali National Park! A narrated bus tour takes you across a spectacular slice of the Alaska Range with mountain views and lots of wildlife.
Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theater
This popular dinner theater highlights Alaska’s frontier past. A family-style, all-you-can-eat dinner of fresh Alaska salmon, BBQ ribs and dessert is served.
Soar over and through the trees and tundra of the north on this guided zipline adventure.
Horse Drawn Covered Wagon Ride
Enjoy a relaxing and entertaining expedition into Alaska's scenic backcountry via horse drawn covered wagon. Includes hearty, family-style meal.
Raft the mighty Nenana River! Choose from a gentle, family-friendly float to a full-day whitewater adventure.
> Available as a rail day trip from Fairbanks.
Stunning panoramas, frequent wildlife sightings and the chance to see spectacular views of Denali make this guided, 4-hour Denali Highway excursion an unforgettable drive.
Challenge your senses on an interpretive hike in Denali National Park. Trek through forests with spectacular views of crystal clear lakes and alpine peaks.
