If you’re joining a Princess Lodges Denali Rail Tour between Anchorage and Denali, get ready to cross the Hurricane Gulch Bridge — a striking steel-arch span that soars 296 feet above Hurricane Creek at mile 284.2 on the Alaska Railroad. At 918 feet long, it remains both the longest and tallest bridge on the line.

As you cross the bridge, Princess’s open‑air observation platform offers uninterrupted panoramas as you glide over one of Alaska’s most scenic landmarks.

About Hurricane Gulch Bridge

Construction on the Hurricane Gulch Bridge began in early 1921, with steel assembly starting in June. Remarkably, the first passenger train crossed just a few months later on August 15 of the same year!

The bridge was built from both ends at the same time, designed to meet in the middle using an aerial tram system. Building the bridge required nearly 1,000 tons of steel for the arch, along with an additional 530 tons for the approaches, a monumental engineering feat for its time. When it opened, it held the title of the tallest bridge in the country. It wouldn’t be dethroned for another eight years!

Travel in Style

Want to travel Hurricane Gulch Bridge in style? Princess Lodges offers several Denali Rail Tour itineraries.

One‑ to five‑night packages that make a trip out of it, starting and ending in Anchorage. These itineraries include overnight stays at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge or Denali-area lodges are perfect for train enthusiasts or anyone looking to explore Alaska by rail at a relaxed pace. Includes hotel, baggage transfers and private coach transport between depot and lodge.

Thoughtfully designed, the Ultra-Dome railcars feature glass-domed ceilings that give passengers panoramic views of the wilderness outside. Every seat offers an unobstructed view, making it easy to spot wildlife, rivers and expansive tundra.

Some cars also include open-air observation platforms, where passengers can step outside and breathe in the crisp Alaska air while the scenery unfolds.

What You’ll See

The journey between Anchorage and Denali National Park is a front-row seat to some of Alaska’s most captivating sights. From inside the train cars, iconic Alaska wildlife is often visible. Spot a moose grazing on willow or birch on the treeline, or look up to catch a distinctive glimpse of a bald eagle. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a bear wandering in the distance. The views from the train offer a varied and sweeping  view of Alaska’s landscape and just a taste of what you’ll get to experience when you disembark in Denali National Park.

Photo Credit: ©State of Alaska/Mark Kelley

As the train climbs into the Alaska Range, you’ll pass glacier-fed rivers, rugged mountain ridges and, on a clear day, catch a breathtaking glimpse of North America’s tallest peak. Known locally as Denali, the mountain dominates the horizon, offering a stunning highlight to an already scenic journey.

Let Princess Lodges take care of combining your train journey and overnight adventure into a smooth vacation you’ll remember forever.  Ready to step aboard? Book your rail adventure and lodge stay today at Princess Lodges, and leave the journey to us.