ALASKA railroad

A l a s k a R a i l r o a d . c o m • Va c a t i o n P l a n n e r

the best way to see

is on the

B e s t t r a i n i n t h e w o r l d • A l a s k a R a i l r o a d . c o m

The Best Way To See Alaska 1-2

The Alaska Railroad Route 3-4

First-Class GoldStar Service 5

Adventure Class 6

Denali Star Train 7

Coastal Classic Train 8

Glacier Discovery Train 9

Winter Train Travel 10

How To Plan An Alaska Railroad Vacation 11

Onboard Services 12

Alaska Railroad Route Highlights back cover

The Experience

Three Great Trains

General Information

the best way to see alaska

is on therailroad

B e s t t r a i n i n t h e w o r l d • A l a s k a R a i l r o a d . c o m

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Whether a hardcore outdoor enthusiast or someone who appreciates a more relaxed pace, the Alaska Railroad accommodates all.

The railroad opens up parts of the Last Frontier you can only get to by train.

Most people only associate the Alaska Railroad with trains. It’s easy to see why – with memorable tour guide commentary, spacious rail cars, panoramic windows, and superb dining service. But there’s a whole other side of us to explore.

From flightseeing tours to whale watching cruises, fishing charters to dog sled rides – with a variety of Alaska Railroad vacation packages and a host of scenic day tours, one thing is certain; the Alaska Railroad is the best way to see Alaska.

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Introducing ChugachWhistle Stop Service – see page 9 for all the details!

Connect to Alaska’s backcountry

The Alaska Railroad. Where will it take you today?

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The Alaska Railroad route spans more than 500 miles from the coastal community of Seward, to the wilderness of Denali National Park before reaching its terminus in the Interior city of Fairbanks.

Travelers on this journey pass through alpine forests, coastal regions, and traverse two major mountain ranges – in a land twice the size of Texas.

Turn to the back cover for a snapshot of route highlights.

The Alaska Railroad Route

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With first-class GoldStar Service aboard double-deck dome cars, luxury rail travel has never been better.

GoldStar Service features:

Reserved upper-level dome car seatingExclusive lower-level dining roomComplimentary non-alcoholic beveragesPriority check-inPrivate upper-level outdoor viewing deckSeasonal tour guide commentary

The upper-level dome enhances the traveler’s experience with forward-facing seats that rotate to accommodate families, a private bar, and an outdoor viewing deck – the only one of its kind in the world!

GoldStar guests also enjoy exclusive fine dining with panoramic views in the lower level. These Alaska Railroad double-deck dome cars are the newest in the state.

The upper deck provides exceptional views of Alaska.

Visit AlaskaRailroad.com for vacation packages featuring GoldStar Service.

Alaska RailroadGoldStar ServiceAlaska Railroad

GoldStar Service

Alaska RailroadAdventure Class

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The morning buzz surrounding the Alaska Railroad Depot sets the tone for a magnificent journey across the Last Frontier.

The scenery along the way is breathtaking, and during the summer season many guests find the narratives of young Alaskan tour guides inspiring – a nice touch to the casual dining, spacious seating, and breezy atmosphere.

Adventure Class travelers can melt into comfort-able, forward-facing seats in the rail car with lots of legroom.

Grand picture windows are perfect for viewing panoramic landscapes and wildlife.

Open-air vestibules between cars are excellent platforms for unobstructed photos of the Great Land, and to feel the crisp Alaska air.

Visit AlaskaRailroad.com for Adventure Package options.

Train runs mid-May through mid-September7

The Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, links Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali Park. On this route sparkling salmon streams and stands of birch and spruce come into view, while carpets of dazzling fireweed casually drift by.

Milepost 224, just south of Talkeetna, is the best photo opportunity of Mt. McKinley, North America’s tallest peak. Farther up the line, Hurricane Gulch trestle steals the show at 218 feet in length, and 296 feet above the clear-water creek.

Time flies and soon the Denali Star pulls into Denali National Park and Preserve, six million acres, rich in wildlife and scenery. Guests often stay at the park for several days, while others make tracks for Fairbanks, Alaska’s second largest city with solid ties to the Gold Rush.

Denali Star Train

TRAIN SCHEDuLENorthbound Southbound

AnchorageWasillaTalkeetnaDenaliFairbanks

8:15 AM9:35 AM11:20 AM3:55 PM8:00 PM

8:00 PM6:15 PM4:55 PM12:25 PM8:15 AM

Coastal ClassicTrain

Train runs mid-May through mid-September

Visit AlaskaRailroad.com for best day tours and overnight options in Seward.

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The Coastal Classic Train is a local favorite that winds through the stretch of wilderness between Anchorage and Seward. A string of massive glaciers visible from the track enriches the journey. This train travels to the shores of Resurrection Bay for convenient connection to Kenai Fjords National Park, whale watching, sea kayaking, tidewater glacier viewing, fishing, and dog sled rides.

Introducing first-class GoldStar Service in 2009.

TRAIN SCHEDuLESouthbound Northbound

AnchorageGirdwoodSeward

6:45 AM8:05 AM11:05 AM

10:15 PM8:55 PM6:00 PM

Glacier DiscoveryTrain

Train runs mid-May through mid-September9

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The Glacier Discovery Train travels from Anchorage south along Turnagain Arm. Passengers can visit Whittier for glacier cruises or head to Spencer Lake for canoe tours, rafting, and hiking. As an option, guests can choose to continue into the alpine regions of the Chugach Mountains for scenic tours of Grandview, the tunnel section, and the historic loop district.

The Alaska Railroad and the U.S. Forest Service announce new Chugach Whistle Stop Service! Passengers can hop off the train at the Spencer Whistle Stop for a narrated 1.5-mile hike with a u.S. Forest Service ranger. The trail leads to Spencer Lake for spectacular glacier viewing. This is only the tip of the iceberg. The u.S. Forest Service has plans to expand access and services to this back-country playground. TRAIN SCHEDuLE

Southbound Northbound

AnchorageGirdwoodPortageWhittierPortageSpencerGrandview

10:00 AM11:15 AM11:40 AM12:45 PM1:25 PM1:55 PM3:20 PM

9:15 PM7:35 PM7:20 PM6:45 PM5:15 PM4:40 PM3:30 PM

Aurora Winter Train

Train runs mid-September through mid-May

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Travel between Anchorage and Fairbanks aboard the Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train for an unforgettable journey into the land of the aurora borealis. Arctic blue skies provide the perfect setting for glimpses of Mt. McKinley.

A kaleidoscope of color ignites before your eyes.

Some fun winter options:

View the northern lightsTake a dog sled tourVisit the Aurora Ice MuseumGo cross-country skiingFlightsee the Arctic CircleSoak in mineral hot springs

Our winter train schedule starts with a run north from Anchorage to Fairbanks on Saturdays and returns to Anchorage on Sundays. We also run a variety of special event trains from September through May. Ask an agent for more details!

Ask about vacation packages such as Winter Escape, The Aurora, Arctic Circle Adventure, The Great One, or a host of other exciting winter vacation packages.

TRAIN SCHEDuLENorthbound Southbound

AnchorageWasillaTalkeetnaDenaliFairbanks

8:30 AM9:50 AM11:25 AM3:55 PM8:00 PM

8:00 PM6:25 PM4:50 PM12:30 PM8:30 AM

Planning Your Alaska Railroad Vacation

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First things first. Call your travel agent or visit us online at AlaskaRailroad.com and begin dreaming about your Alaska vacation.

Among others, the Alaska by Daylight Tour comes highly recommended – 10 days and 10 nights of superlatives – some of Alaska’s most popular tour attractions.

Travel all three of the Alaska Railroad’s exclusive routes aboard the Glacier Discovery, the Denali Star and the Coastal Classic trains. Experience more than 500 miles dotted with glaciers, river valleys, wildflowers, and a variety of wildlife few ever get the opportunity to see.

Here are a few things for your to-do list:

Cruise Resurrection Bay – see whales, glaciersFlightsee Denali Park and Mt. McKinleyTake a glacier rafting tour or canoe tripRide behind a team of huskiesPan for gold on the El Dorado Gold Mine TourCatch a world-class halibut, trout, or salmonHike Alaska’s backcountry

Ask about Alaska Indulgence, Arctic Circle to Glacier Bay, Deluxe Alaska Sampler, or a host of other exciting vacation packages.

Visit AlaskaRailroad.com for more information on tour options and vacation packages.

Alaska RailroadOnboard Services

Talk about a fun trip!My wife and I took your Denali and Spencer Glacier Adventure Tour in June, and it was the most wonderful vacation experience we have ever had. Your GoldStar Service is aptly named, because we were truly treated like celebrities.

It is refreshing in today’s travel environment to find a company that is efficient, convenient and friendly. The hospitality staff went out of their way to make our trip the best. The trip included just about everything I wanted to see and do: the train itself, a wildlife excur-sion into Denali, the flight around Denali, the jetboat trip and the glacier float trip. In short, I am a true fan and tell everyone I see about how wonderful your service is. Thank you all for a marvelous trip. I cannot think of a single aspect that needs improvement. Customer testimonial – Martin E. Cobern

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All Alaska Railroad trains feature:

• Large picture windows• Forward-facing reclining seats• Open-air vestibules• Onboard dining for additional cost• Assigned seats• Gift shop onboard Denali Star & Coastal Classic Trains• Non-smoking cars• Complimentary Panoramas magazine• Tour guide commentary (seasonal)

Tour GuidesThe Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Program has been in place for more than 25 years. When school is not in session these young Alaskans delight passengers with their in-depth knowl-edge of the state, its history, and points of interest along the way.

Dining ServiceAs far as fine dining in the Last Frontier goes, no restaurant in Alaska can match the views. The Alaska Railroad dining service operates in the tradition of old-time railroad-ing. To provide the best service to all of our guests, we will seat four to a dining room table on busy days. Visit us online at AlaskaRailroad.com/menus for more information.

For more information contact your travel agent or visit AlaskaRailroad.com

FIVE HuNDRED MILES AND EIGHTy-FIVE yEARS OF HISTORy

MP 1.6 SEWARD DEPOT – as a result of the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, the first 1.6 miles of track now rests at the bottom of Resurrection Bay.

MP 20 Kenai Lake, headwaters to the world-famous Kenai River. Lake trout, Dolly Varden, and every species of salmon grace these turquoise waters.

MP 29 Moose Pass, a former railroad construction camp, named by a mail carrier who had frequent run-ins with local moose.

MP 43 Trail Glacier, the glacier’s key feature is medial moraine (expansive river of soil and debris) which gives the illusion of a trail running through the ice.

MP 44 GRANDVIEW – the name comes naturally to this 1,063 foot summit pass in the Kenai Mountains.

MP 49 The Loop District. In the early days was a system of looping trestles that supported Alaska Railroad steam trains, which could only handle 1% grades.

MP 54 SPENCER GLACIER – one of the most spectacular glaciers along the route, named after railroader Bill Spencer, who mysteriously disappeared in 1914.

MP 64 Old Portage Station ceased to exist in 1964 as a result of the Good Friday earthquake (9.2 magnitude). Portage elevation dropped 12 feet.

MP 66 Turnagain Arm, this portion of Cook Inlet has one of North America’s fiercest tide swings, reaching almost 40 feet at times.

MP 72 Chugach National Forest, “Land of Many uses” with nearly 6 million acres, it is the second largest National Forest in the united States.

MP 74 GIRDWOOD – “The Glacier City” is one of Alaska’s few year-round resort communities and is home to Alyeska, Alaska’s premier ski resort.

MP 94 Beluga Point, historically a Chugach Eskimo lookout for beluga whales.

MP 100 Potter Section House, built in 1929, is now a State Historical Site.

MP 101 Potter Marsh, officially called the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, is “bird central” during spring and fall migrations.

MP 114 ANCHORAGE DEPOT – completed in 1942, the depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

MP 117 Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska’s largest Air Force base, home to 17,000 people and a few moose.

MP 120 Fort Richardson, headquarters for all u.S. armed forces in Alaska, 62,000 acres in area, the base houses over 5,300 people.

MP 153 Matanuska, the Mat-Su Valley is one of the most agriculturally rich places in America and currently is Alaska’s fastest growing region.

MP 159 WASILLA DEPOT – named after Dena’ina Indian Chief “Wasilla.” Once a railroad construction camp, Wasilla has a population approaching 10,000.

MP 185 Willow was born in 1897 when miners struck gold in the nearby Talkeetna Mountains. A railroad station house was constructed here in 1920.

MP 209 McKinley One, affords great views of Mt. McKinley on a clear day.

MP 224 McKinley Two, another great chance for views of the mountain. Left to right, Foraker(17,400'), Mt. Hunter(14,400'), McKinley (20,320').

MP 226 TALKEETNA DEPOT – a funky little town known as the “Gateway to Mt. McKinley.” Most climbing expeditions originate here.

MP 248 Curry, between 1920 and 1957 boasted the largest and most luxurious hotel in Alaska.

MP 264 Susitna River Bridge, built in 1921, the bridge spans 504 feet.

MP 266 Indian River, this is one of four times the train crosses this river.

MP 279 This vantage point affords the most spectacular views of Mt. McKinley on the entire railroad route.

MP 284 Hurricane Gulch is home to the longest bridge on the railroad – just over 914 feet. The bridge is poised 296 feet above Hurricane Creek.

MP 304 Broad Pass, 2,300 feet, the lowest pass across the Alaska Range and the entire Rocky Mountain chain.

MP 312 Summit, 2,363 feet, the highest point on the line, and summit of the Continental Divide.

MP 319 Cantwell, the western terminus of the Denali Highway.

MP 347 DENALI DEPOT – the Denali Park Station is the gateway for thousands of visitors to the Park and Mt. McKinley, North America’s tallest peak.

MP 353 Windy Bridge, part of the Parks Highway, at 215 feet. As the name implies, high winds are common.

MP 357 Healy Canyon lies between Healy and Denali Park. Passage through Healy Gorge requires travel through two tunnels.

MP 358 Healy, population 1,000. Healy has the highest per capita income in America. Most of the residents are employed by usibelli Coal Mine.

MP 411 Nenana, home to one of the remaining original Alaska Railroad Depots – now a gift shop and museum.

MP 469 FAIRBANKS DEPOT – end of the line.