Denali National Park And Talkeetna Self Drive Explorer

Welcome to Fairbanks! Upon arrival at the Fairbanks International Airport, pick up your rental vehicle and drive approximately 5 to 15 minutes to your Fairbanks hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Check out of your Fairbanks hotel and drive approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to Denali National Park. The northernmost section of the George Parks Highway takes you through small towns and stretches of wilderness, winding along the Tanana and Nenana Rivers. The Nenana River marks the eastern border of Denali National Park and is Alaska's most popular rafting destination. Be sure to stop in Nenana at Mile 411, the terminus of the Alaska Railroad in 1923, where President Harding drove in the "Golden Spike." Along the route, you'll also pass through Healy, known as the Coal Capital of Alaska.

The incomparably beautiful Denali National Park is the highlight of many travelers' Alaskan adventures. Spanning six million acres, the park encompasses spruce forests, glaciers, lakes, peaks, tundra, and a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves. Dominating the landscape is North America's highest peak, the 20,310-foot Denali. You can explore the park with a walking tour or opt for more adventurous activities like river rafting or sightseeing by plane. The possibilities are endless, from backpacking, biking, and hiking to mountaineering and wildlife viewing.

Check out of your Denali hotel and embark on a 3-hour drive to Talkeetna. Along the way, you'll travel through Broad Pass, the highest point on the George Parks Highway at 2,116 feet, and cross the Hurricane Bridge, an engineering marvel constructed nearly 100 years ago. For nature lovers, be sure to stop at Byers Lake in Denali State Park, where you can enjoy a kayak tour or stroll along the scenic shoreline trail.

Enjoy your day in Talkeetna, one of Alaska's most charming and eclectic towns, shaped by its wild past of gold mining and trapping. This vibrant community of independent locals exudes an authentic pioneer spirit. Downtown Talkeetna features historic buildings and old miner cabins that remain in use today. The town's passion for art is evident with artisans showcasing their creations in Main Street shops, musicians playing in local pubs, and live theater productions. Adventure is woven into the fabric of Talkeetna, offering opportunities for world-class fishing, breathtaking flightseeing tours with glacier landings, jet boating, and river floats. It also serves as the staging ground for many Denali climbing expeditions.

Today, you'll drive approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Talkeetna to Anchorage. Along the way, you'll cross the Susitna River Bridge and pass through Willow, the official starting point of the Iditarod, and Wasilla, home to the Iditarod Museum. You might also consider a short detour to Happy Trails Kennels, Martin Buser's Iditarod Champions near Big Lake, or the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer. Once in Anchorage, consider an Alaska Wildlife and Glacier Cruise adventure, take an Anchorage city tour with chocolate factory samplings, or join a guided tour of the Matanuska Glacier with Alaska honey and wine tasting.

Check out of your hotel and drive approximately 20 minutes to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport where you will return your rental vehicle and check-in for your onward flight.