Denali & Fairbanks | An Autumn Fairytale Beyond Imagination!

🐻❄️Hey everyone! Today I’m continuing my Alaska travel diary with Part 2 – Denali and Fairbanks. After an amazing start in Anchorage, I didn’t have high expectations for the rest of the trip… but wow, was I blown away! 😍 ♨️ Chena Hot Springs Tucked away in the wilderness, these natural sulfur springs are perfect for relaxing after days of adventure. The autumn colors surrounding the pools made it pure magic! ✔️ Water has strong mineral benefits ✔️ Ice Museum with appletinis in ice glasses 🍸 – kitsch but fun! ✔️ Stay overnight if you want unlimited soak sessions ⚠️ Accommodation is basic – manage expectations! 🍁 Denali National Park I’d read mixed reviews, but this ended up being the highlight! The tundra was blazing red like fire under the autumn sky – a truly otherworldly landscape. And we hit the jackpot: a wild bear put on a show right by the road – rolling, tumbling, and even peeing! 🐻😂 ✔️ Only 43 miles open – take the transit bus ($30, 5 hours) ✔️ Bring binoculars and cameras – wildlife is everywhere! 🚗 Arctic Circle Day Trip The only letdown of the trip… 10 hours in a cramped van just to take a photo at the Arctic Circle sign. ❌ Not worth the time or money ❌ Scenery along the way is mediocre ✅ Better alternative: Fly to Coldfoot or explore local trails 🚂 Alaska Railroad Back to Anchorage A perfect relaxing finale! The 12-hour train ride flew by with ever-changing views: tundra, forests, canyons, rivers, and snow-capped peaks. ✔️ Glass-dome cars offer stunning views ✔️ Comfortable and scenic – great way to reflect on the trip 💡 Pro Tips: Northern Lights DIY: Skip expensive tours! Go to: Morphy Dome Cleary Summit 2315 Skiland Rd We stayed at Aurora Villa and saw dancing greens on our second night! 🎇 Dog Sledding Warning: Avoid non-winter months – it becomes “dog mudding”! 🐕💦 Save it for snow season! Best Time for Autumn Colors: Late August to mid-September Gear: Warm layers + waterproof boots + bear spray Alaska’s autumn is wild, raw, and humbling. I already miss those vast landscapes and crazy wildlife encounters! Have you been to Denali in the fall? What was your experience? #US #Alaska #hard core #Juneau