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Denali Aurora Quest - Northern Lights Tour

denali national park northern lights tour

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  • Things to know
  • Reviews (4)

Excursion Overview

Alaska is one of the best places in the world for aurora viewing.

Join this small group 3-hour guided tour to search the skies for the Aurora Borealis, also known as Northern Lights. One of the world's most spectacular natural phenomena is visible in Denali, Alaska and we'll try our best to help you experience them. Begin the tour from your Healy/Denali area accommodations via a climate-controlled van, and journey away from the lights of town to search for the Northern Lights. The Denali area is an ideal spot for stargazing and catching the elusive Aurora Borealis. Your local Alaskan guide will share the area's unique history, dynamic geography, and formidable climate, and separate scientific facts from fictional myths. Throughout the entire journey, be sure to keep your eyes on the skies for Mother Nature's fireworks display, sip a warm drink, and learn how the Lights are the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere. This bucket list experience lets you get off at select locations for photo taking. A comfortable ride will take you back to your hotel after the Aurora viewing. Please note: The Northern Lights are visible only during the winter months (late August to April) and sightings are not guaranteed. View all of our Alaska Northern Lights tours .

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

  • Pick-up and drop-off service to and from Healy/Denali area hotels
  • Local Alaskan guide

Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 5 years old
  • Guests aged 5-17 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult
  • Some walking is required on uneven and slippery ground
  • Important notes: - Be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time. - There is a possibility of cancellation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative tour or full refund.

Duration: 3 hours (Roundtrip transportation to and from your hotel)

  • 3 hours - narrated aurora searching and viewing

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at your hotel. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb in and out of vans and move around uneven slippery surfaces. There is limited space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. There is no storage for motorized scooters. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently pick-up/drop-off transportation service is available to and from these locations: - Aspen Haus Bed and Breakfast - Aurora Denali Lodge - Cabins at Denali - Carlo Creek Lodge - Crow's Nest Cabins - Denali Bluffs Hotel - Denali Cabins - Denali Dome Home Bed and Breakfast - Denali Faith Hill Lodge - Denali Grizzly Bear Resort - Denali Lake View Inn - Denali National Park Bus Depot (Wilderness Access Center) - Denali Park Hotel - Denali Park Village - Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge - Denali RV Park and Motel - Denali Touch of Wilderness B&B - Denali Tri-Valley Cabins - EarthSong Lodge - Grande Denali Lodge - McKinley Chalet Resort - Miners Market Gas Station - Nord Haven Motel - Stampede Excursions Boardwalk Office - Totem Inn - White Moose Lodge To request a pickup please contact the local contact number on your ticket voucher 48 hours prior to your departure.

This tour can accommodate up to 14 guests per departure.

Tour operates in all weather conditions.

We recommend wearing layers, a weatherproof outer coat, comfortable shoes and sunglasses.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On sep 2022.

The guide was very friendly and we were lucky that it was a very good night to view the aurora borealis.

On Sep 2019

Wow. Steve and Nate did a wonderful job making sure we all saw the lights, truly spectacular. this was the highlight of our trip to denali national park and would recommend to all who really want to see the amazing light show

Unfortunately the weather did not permit the viewing of the aurora quest. Our guide did everything possible to try to catch a glimpse but it was not to be.

We had a really good time on this excursion. At first we were concerned that we would not see the northern lights but they did show up around the last hour of our time. Our guide was great!...and funny. He entertained us with stories as we drank hot chocolate and waited on the lights. I would have given this 5 stars except I was unaware we had to download an app to take pictures. I may have missed the memo, but it would have been nice to have been able to take pictures. Fortunately another guest had the app and sent me a couple of her pictures the next day. Thanks for a great late-night adventure.

  • Reviews Showing: 4

denali national park northern lights tour

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Duration: 3 hours

Date Required

Time Required

# of Passengers Required

Minimum age: 5+

Passenger (5+): $ 144.00

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Denali Aurora Quest

denali national park northern lights tour

Description

Search the skies for the Northern Lights on a guided 3-hour tour in the Denali area. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomenons, and Alaska is one of the best places in the world for viewing.

Why take this tour?

Leave your Healy area accommodations via a climate-controlled van, and journey away from the lights of town to search for the Northern Lights. The area around Denali makes an ideal spot for stargazing and catching the sometimes elusive Aurora Borealis. Your Alaskan guide will provide commentary and conversation on the area’s unique history, formidable climate, dynamic geography, and separate scientific facts from fictional myths. Learn all about Mother Nature’s fireworks display from a local guide, sip a warm drink, and learn how the Lights are the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere. This bucket list experience lets you hop out at select locations with your camera in hand with pointers from your guide. The Northern Lights are visible only during the winter months (August to April) and sightings are not guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

What about the weather conditions, what if we don't see the northern lights, ask a question, check availability, more experiences .accent-svg{fill:#5e8b70;}.

denali national park northern lights tour

Denali Glacier Landing By Helicopter

Take a journey to the most remote regions of North America in this unparalleled helicopter flight. You'll be treated with an eye-catching landscape as you Soar over to millennia old glaciers and experience the wild beauty of our planet!

denali national park northern lights tour

Denali ATV Adventure

Experience the beauty of Alaska on a Classic ATV Adventure! This is your chance to explore the backcountry like an Alaskan with stops to take pictures or enjoy the view. With a guide to lead the way, you're have an exciting and unique experience. Don't miss out on this chance to see Alaska as it was meant to be - rough and wild!

denali national park northern lights tour

Denali ATV Adventure with Backcountry Dining

Looking for an adventure you'll never forget? Join us on a Classic ATV Adventure through the Alaskan wilderness! You'll have control of your own journey, so stop and take pictures whenever you want - this is one landscape you're going to want to remember. With towering mountains and pristine forests, Alaska is a nature lover's dream. With our experienced guides, you'll be able to explore it like never before. So come join us for the ride of a lifetime!

BACKCOUNTRY DINING While the menu may change daily, here is an example of the delicious meal that awaits you in the backcountry:

BREAKFAST Home Made Pastries and Muffins Fresh Cut Fruit and Whole Fruit Fresh Eggs Made to Order Buttermilk Pancakes Grandma’s Biscuits and Gravy Camp Style Breakfast Potatoes Alaskan Reindeer Sausage Thick Cut Ham and Bacon Assorted Cold Cereal

Mimosa, Fresh Hot Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Ice Cold Water, Orange Juice, and Apple Juice.

LUNCH AND DINNER Corn Bread Muffins Mixed Fresh Garden Salad Homemade Potato Salad Wrangler’s Cole Slaw Grilled Fresh Corn on the Cob House Made Alaskan Bison Chili Grilled Barbecued Chicken Grilled Fresh Alaskan Salmon House Marinated Barbecue Ribs Fresh Berry Dessert

Fresh Hot Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Ice Cold Water, Orange Juice, Apple Juice, White Wine, Red Wine.

denali national park northern lights tour

Denali Adventure by Air

Flight around Denali National Take a thrilling and inspiring flight around the highest point in North America. Soar amongst the jagged peaks of the Alaska Range on a stunning 200-mile flight through Denali National Park

denali national park northern lights tour

Denali Heli-Hiking Adventure

Set off on your adventure at our private helipad where you will fly with one of our experienced pilots along with a naturalist expert of the area with over twenty years of experience in the Denali National Park area.

denali national park northern lights tour

Draft Horse Drawn Covered Wagon

To get a real sense of old-time Alaska, travel like the original pioneers did-by horse-drawn wagon. Climb onto a covered wagon for an adventure and you’ll be in for a trip through time. While guides fill you in on the area’s history and natural treasurer, you’ll be pulled through the Alaskan tundra with the mountains of nearby Denali National Park hovering overhead. Join us for an exciting, yet relaxing, journey into the wilds of Alaska. Our custom-built Covered Wagon Ride is pulled by two beautiful Draft horses.

denali national park northern lights tour

Side By Side ATV Adventure

Hop on a Side by Side ATV with a friend and strap in for this exciting backcountry Adventure! This ATV is a two passenger machine and is great for couples or parents with children. The ATV is equipped with seat belts and a windshield.

We will pick you up at your hotel and drive you approximately 10-15 miles (depending on your hotel location) to the North Side of Denali National Park near Otto Lake.

denali national park northern lights tour

Taste of The Tundra By Helicopter

Enjoy this breathtaking helicopter ride through the peaks and valleys that make up the Alaska Range.

denali national park northern lights tour

Treasure Hunt ATV Adventure

Take a trip into the wilds of Alaska with your personal private guide. Experience a fantastic adventure back in the wilderness hunting Alaskan treasure!

denali national park northern lights tour

Tundra Golf

We'll pick you up at one of our scheduled times. Tee times are available all day. The course runs about 3.5 hours but if you want to take your time, no problem. We'll pick you up after and bring you home. All golfing essentials are provided such as round trip transportation to and from your hotel, unlimited greens fee, club rentals, a pull or power, a souvenir Logo Ball, tees, Scorecard, and 6 golf balls to play the course!

denali national park northern lights tour

Denali Scenic Raft Run

Enjoy a gorgeous tour along the natural boundary of Denali National Park. On the Wilderness Wave Raft Tour, you’ll glide through 11 miles of glacially carved valleys and amazing vistas with panoramic views of Mount Fellows and the Nenana Canyon. Although you’ll encounter the occasional rapid, this option is mellow enough for the whole family. The most scenic portion of the Nenana River gives you thrilling, and enjoyable rafting.

denali national park northern lights tour

Ultimate Denali Rafting Run

Enjoy the best of both worlds! After experiencing breathtaking views of the Scenic Run section, continue downstream and raft through action-packed rapids on the Canyon Run section, for a total of 22 miles. We recommend this trip for parties of 8 or more who want an all-day adventure.

denali national park northern lights tour

Canyon Whitewater Raft Run

Hang on! It’s whitewater ahead! On the Canyon Wave Raft Tour, you’ll journey through 11 miles of awesome rapids on the Nenana River with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems, like Mount Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain. Join the team as a Paddle Rafter or play it cool and be an Oar Boat Rider — whatever floats your boat. Get into real whitewater rafting as you hang on through thrilling rapids such as “Razorback”, “Coffee Grinder”, and “Ice Worm”!

denali national park northern lights tour

Denali Area Accommodations

Discover the beauty of Alaska's wilderness at our curated hotel collection near Denali National Park and Healy, Alaska. With breathtaking views and easy access to the park's iconic attractions, our hotel partners offer the perfect base for your Alaskan adventure.

Find spacious rooms designed for comfort and convenience, modern amenities, and stunning mountain views in select rooms. Start each day with a delicious breakfast before setting out to explore the park's untamed wilderness. Hike along scenic trails, catch a glimpse of wildlife, and experience the thrill of river rafting and flightseeing tours.

After a day of outdoor adventure, return to your area hotel to relax in the comfort of your room. Our friendly staff is always on hand to help with recommendations for local restaurants and attractions to help make the most of your time in the Denali area.

Book your stay at a hotel or cabin near Denali National Park today and experience the ultimate Alaska vacation. With unbeatable rates and a prime location, our hotels are the perfect choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable wilderness experience.

denali national park northern lights tour

Anchorage Area Accommodations

Discover the Ultimate Alaska Adventure at one of Anchorage's Premier Hotels!

Nestled in the heart of Alaska, Anchorage offers breathtaking natural beauty and endless outdoor activities for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, our hotels in Anchorage provide the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability.

Our hotel collection features spacious rooms equipped with all the modern amenities you need for a relaxing stay.

When you're ready to explore, you'll find plenty to see and do in Anchorage. Hike through Chugach State Park, witness the majesty of the Northern Lights, or go dog sledding through the Alaskan wilderness. And with the convenient location of our Anchorage hotels, you'll be just a short drive or walk away from all the best attractions and activities in the area.

So why wait? Book your room at one of Anchorage's premier hotels today and experience the adventure of a lifetime! With unbeatable prices, exceptional service, and a prime location, our hotels are the perfect choice for your next trip to Alaska. Contact us now to reserve your room and start your Alaskan adventure!

denali national park northern lights tour

Wilderness Jet Boat Adventure

Behold the splendor of Denali and the great Alaska Range from a spectacular vantage point on the Susitna River in a jet boat! The folklore, artifacts, and panoramic views make this unique 20-mile Alaska river adventure unforgettable.

denali national park northern lights tour

Talkeetna Canyon Jet Boat Adventure

Explore different rivers on this 3.5-hour, ~50-mile jet boat adventure, which features the Chulitna River Gorge and a unique braided river – one of few such extensive systems in the world! Travel in the comfort of our fully enclosed jet boats. This tour is an extension of our 2-hour wilderness excursion including a ¼-mile nature stroll to an authentic trapper’s cabin and Dena’ina Indian encampment.

denali national park northern lights tour

Arctic Dragonfly Inn - Accommodation

Alaskan Family Owned and Operated

Private Hotel Style Cabins just steps from adventure. Located just 13 miles north of the Denali National Park entrance in Healy.

Luxurious bedding with with Serta iComfort beds.

Fully equipped apartment-style kitchens.

Beautiful Bathrooms with stand-up showers and full amenities.

The rooms have a lot of space and are located in the Healy town proper close to The Alaskan Coffee Bean, Grocery Store, Post Office, Community Center and three gas stations.

Don't settle for rugged or crowded accommodations. Stay in Denali like a local with a private cabin.

FORGET ME NOT CABIN

The Forget Me Not Cabin is light and spacious with blue and purple touches and two Serta iComfort Queen beds. We provide down comforters for all the beds. This is a wonderfully clean and modern space with a fan for the warmer days and heater for the cooler and wet days. We have black out shades to block that Midnight Sun while sleeping. Wifi is available. Full bathroom with beautiful touch and amenities. We also provide an outdoor grill and picnic table for your enjoyment.

PRICKLY ROSE CABIN

The Prickly Rose Cabin is light and spacious with pink touches and One Serta iComfort Queen bed, one twin bed and a sleeper sofa. We provide down comforters for all the beds. This is a wonderfully clean and modern space with a fan for the warmer days and a heater for the cool and wet days. We have black out shades to block that Midnight Sun while sleeping. Wifi is available. Full bathroom with beautiful touch and amenities. We also provide an outdoor grill and picnic table for your enjoyment.

denali national park northern lights tour

Denali Self-Guided Jeep Adventure

Avoid busses and crowds by taking the wheel of a Jeep Renegade to explore Denali on your terms! It’s part Jeep rental, part personal tour, and 100% fun! You choose your destination, stop when and where you want, and never feel rushed. The Denali region has one of the most majestic landscapes on Earth—Lush valleys carved during the last Ice Age, tremendous mountains that reach for the sky, glacier-fed whitewater rivers, and world-renown wildlife viewing, creating a synergy that captivates and astonishes around every twist of the road!

denali national park northern lights tour

Arctic Circle Air Adventure From Denali

Travel north from Denali and wonder at the story of the vast and remote land below. Witness remnants of the gold mining that continues nearly 100 years after the yellow metal first brought newcomers rushing north.

denali national park northern lights tour

Denali Backcountry Safari

You and a small group of fellow adventurers will ride aboard a rugged 6-wheel drive army truck on a spectacular off-road journey into Denali’s backcountry. Your adventure begins near the entrance to Denali National Park where you meet your driver-guide and head deep into the Alaskan bush.

denali national park northern lights tour

Arctic Circle Adventure From Fairbanks

Fly north from Healy and wonder at the story of the vast and remote land below... the traditional peoples that continue to sustain their lifestyles and cultures in the expansive Yukon River Valley as they have for thousands of years... the gold mining activity that continues nearly 100 years after the yellow metal first brought newcomers rushing north... the Trans Alaska Pipeline symbolizing the immense changes brought to Alaska's Arctic by the discovery of oil just over 30 years ago.

denali national park northern lights tour

Ultimate Alaska Flightseeing Tour

This is the only flight tour we offer from October 1st – April 30th. This winter tour explores the Southside of the Alaska Range.

Your pilot will be your guide and customize your tour based on weather conditions for the day.

denali national park northern lights tour

Denali Air Adventure From Fairbanks

-Fly south from Fairbanks and wonder at the vast and remote land below. -Experience the majestic Alaska Mountain Range. -Thrill at the excitement of witnessing firsthand Denali, North America's tallest mountain, by air. -Departs 12:00 pm; returns between 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm -Tour Schedule (winter season): October - April. Minimum total of 4 required for a departure.

denali national park northern lights tour

Alaska Glacier Flightseeing Tour

A robust introduction to Denali and the Alaska Range. Follow the river systems of Talkeetna across the Susitna Valley into an incredible landscape of icefalls, glaciers, and snowy peaks.

See the Great Gorge of the Ruth Glacier, mile-high granite walls filled with a 4,000-foot thick river of ice, and the deepest canyon in North America View the Don Sheldon amphitheater Stunning snow-capped peaks Intense blue meltwater pools Cascading icefalls Scenic Highlights: Denali, Great Gorge of Ruth Glacier, Don Sheldon Amphitheater.

Child rate valid for children under age 10.

Offered year-round. After September 15th, there is a 2 passenger minimum. *There is an 8% tax on this flightseeing tour.

denali national park northern lights tour

Historic Denali Guided Adventure

Experience the wilderness and wildlife along the rugged route. Guides will ensure opportunities to view the area's best landmarks & introduce you to authentic Alaska activities!

denali national park northern lights tour

Devil's Canyon Jet Boat Adventure

Experience the unforgettable beauty of this vast and remote wilderness on this 5-hour river adventure. A 130-mile round trip river excursion through Denali State Park and into the nationally registered Wild River Park of “Devil’s Gorge” will offer a safe, dry and comfortable way to experience whitewater and you can venture where only few have gone.

Alaska Polar Bear & Northern Lights Tour with Denali Add-on

Alaska Polar Bear & Northern Lights Tour with Denali Add-on

  • Included in price
  • Testimonials

Alaska Polar Bear & Aurora Borealis Tour with Denali Add-on

Our Alaska Polar Bear & Aurora Borealis Tour with the Denali Add-on is the only tour package in Alaska that allows you to see Grizzly and Polar bears on the same tour! You will see Grizzly Bears and other wildlife like caribou and moose as well as experience the peak of the fall colors in Denali National Park, and stay at a small lodge in the heart of the park near Wonder Lake. Then you will travel to the Arctic Coast to observe Polar Bears in the best Polar Bear viewing area in Alaska as well as experience Northern Lights in one of the best aurora borealis viewing locations in North America.

Alaska Polar Bear & Aurora Borealis Tour with Denali Add-on

You will also experience the world famous Dalton Highway of ‘Ice Road Truckers’ fame, cross the Arctic Circle, stay in heart of the Brooks Range in a quaint Alaskan Bush village, explore one of Alaska’s most captivating landscapes, visit an Eskimo village, relax in natural hot springs, and much more.

Alaska Polar Bear & Aurora Borealis Tour with Denali Add-on with Wild Alaska Travel

‘The Alaska Polar Bear & Aurora Borealis Tour with the Denali Add-on is one of the best adventures I have ever taken!’

Miquel Correll, Texas

‘This was my second trip with Laurent, having been on the Aurora Photo Tour few years ago. My prior experience assured me that I was in good hands and rightly so, Laurent and his Wild Alaska Travel ensured we had a 5-star experience yet again. Laurent does not believe in taking tourists from point A to point B, but he really tries to give an authentic Alaskan experience to the group. His well thought out itinerary, chance to interact with locals and added buffer of plan B (and C) really goes a long way in making every trip a solid lifetime experience! We were also very lucky with the wildlife sightings and remarkably good weather in Denali, Wiseman and Kaktovik. We were constantly shaking our heads not believing what we were witnessing!! Laurent – Thank you so much for such good memories!’

Hemant Parmar, Michigan

We ask that you consider the following before requesting to be part of this adventure:

  • The itinerary stated is only a sample itinerary that highlights each trip. Each trip’s itinerary is fluid to adapt for changes in weather, wildlife and/or partnering subcontractor’s schedule changes. For instance, be flexible with possible flight delays due to poor aviation weather or mechanical issues that are out of our control.
  • Don’t expect five star accommodations in northern Alaska because they don’t exist.
  • Be prepared to use outhouses along the Dalton Highway.

If you are serious about joining this adventure, we will ask you to be available for a Zoom call. The purpose of this call is to ensure that everyone understands the nature of, and will be prepared for, this unique trip, and neither party should be surprised by what it entails.

If the above made you pause for thought, this perhaps isn’t the trip for you—we do have other tours that might be a better fit for you, and we’d be happy to help you choose. However, if the above caveats made you more excited, then we encourage you to contact us.

You may also consider our Alaska Polar Bear & Northern Lights Tour  (10 days/9 nights) which has the identical itinerary but without a visit to Denali National Park.

  • Experience Denali National Park at the peak of the fall colors
  • See caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears and moose along the park road
  • Stay in the heart of Denali National Park
  • See polar bears in the best polar bear viewing area in Alaska
  • Experience the Northern Lights from one of the best viewing locations in North America
  • Travel along the Dalton Highway, an almost mythic road that runs for over 400 miles through Arctic wilderness, and follow the famous Ice Road Truckers
  • Discover some of the most dramatic scenery in Alaska
  • Cross the Arctic Circle
  • Stay with local Alaskans in the Brooks Range wilderness
  • Visit one of the most remote native communities in Alaska
  • See Arctic Wildlife
  • Dip your toes in amazing hot springs
  • Visit an ice museum
  • Small group of maximum six guests provides for highly personalized experience
  • 13 days (12 nights) of lodging
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • All transportation during the tour incl. return flight from Deadhorse to Kaktovik
  • Full day boat excursion with native guide to view polar bears
  • All activities (ice museum, hot springs)
  • Professional guide
  • Permit fees

Day 1 – Fairbanks

Welcome to Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city. You will arrive on your scheduled flight, be picked up at the airport and transferred to our local hotel. You will share our Welcome Dinner in the evening in downtown Fairbanks. Fairbanks is called “The Golden Heart of Alaska,” a reference to the character of her people as much as to the location in Alaska’s interior, or to the discovery of gold in 1902. Its central location makes it the focal point for the tiny villages scattered throughout the surrounding wilderness, and Fairbanks is a staging point for North Slope villages such as Barrow and the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. Yet, unlike Anchorage, it still retains its down home “frontier” feel. It is contained within the North Star Borough, similar to a county, but roughly the size of New Jersey!

Day 2 – Fairbanks – Denali National Park (Kantishna)

Today, you are driving down to Denali National Park, the crown jewel of National Parks in Alaska. The park is one of the superlative places in the world: a land of gigantic mountains, plentiful wildlife, burly rivers and sublime wilderness. Autumn in Denali offers the chance to experience Alaska’s greatest park cloaked as comparatively few see it. During any season, the park offers some of the most striking vistas found in Alaska, but at no other time is the vast tundra more colorful than in early fall. A spectacular 90-mile drive across the park into the backcountry provides our group with a broad sampling of the epic landscapes this remarkable park has to offer. With clear weather the drive places us within easy photo access of the great mountain itself—Mt. McKinley or Denali – North America’s highest peak at 20,320 feet. In autumn the mountain tends to be less frequently eclipsed by clouds, and stunning images can be made featuring it in sweeping fall-colored landscapes or reflected in lakes and tundra ponds. You will stay in a small lodge in Kantishna at the end of the Denali Park road, far away from the crowds that can be overwhelming around the entrance of the park. The lodge serves as the base of operations for Kantishna Air Taxi, and their pilots stay there as well. In the evening, we will do an excursion to see and photograph the alpenglow on Mount McKinley reflected in Wonder Lake, where most of the iconic pictures of Mount McKinley have been taken.

Day 3 – Denali National Park (Kantishna)

Today, you will have many options, including a couple of short but very scenic hikes in the beautiful Kantishna Hills to capture some exceptional views of Mount McKinley and the vast tundra landscape in blazing fall color. The fall colors will be at the peak, and opportunities to capture this magical tapestry of colors abound, as the tundra provides an endless variety of colorful subjects: dwarf willows and birch trees only a few inches or feet in height will be in full golden hue, punctuated by the vibrant reds and magentas of wild blueberries and bearberries. You also have the option to go mountain biking on the Park road and old mining roads, fishing in Wonder Lake, or taking a flightseeing tour around Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. If you prefer, you may just relax in the lodge. You will get a first-hand view of the daily lives of Alaskan Bush pilots and crew.

Day 4 –Denali National Park – Fairbanks

You will backtrack the 90-mile Park road today as you return to the park entrance. Denali National Park is one of the greatest wildlife viewing areas in the world. It’s simply the best place in Alaska to see and photograph some of the large mammals like moose, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bears. We may spot these and other smaller animals that also inhabit the park such as foxes, arctic ground squirrels, hoary marmots, pikas, snowshoe hares, and beavers. We will continue our trip back to Fairbanks tonight, and embark on the journey up the Dalton Highway to Wiseman tomorrow.

Day 5 – Fairbanks – Wiseman

You head north along the James Dalton Highway, a 414 mile road connecting Deadhorse to the Elliot Highway near the town of Livengood, located approximately 80 miles north of Fairbanks. Made famous by the recent Ice Road Trucker series, it’s considered by many to be one of North America’s most scenic and beautiful wilderness roads. Also known as the Haul Road, the Dalton Highway is critical to the delivery of material, equipment and supplies to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. You will travel through the boreal forest and north of the Yukon River you will reach a milestone on our trip: the iconic Arctic Circle, an invisible line at the elegant latitude of 66º33′. North of the Arctic Circle is the land of the midnight sun, where the sun never sets during the summer. Soon after crossing the Arctic Circle you will reach the foothills of the Brooks Range, and a couple hours later you will arrive at our oasis in the wilderness in Wiseman, population 13, a historic gold mining community town located in the heart of the Brooks Range. During our nights in Wiseman we will keep a watchful eye for the northern lights. Wiseman is located closed to what scientists describe as the ‘maximum zone close to 67 degrees north’. This makes Wiseman one of the best places in Alaska (and in North America!) where you can see the northern lights most often and with greatest intensity.

Day 6 – Wiseman – Deadhorse

You will explore the surroundings of Wiseman today. Located on the middle fork of the Koyukuk River, much of Wiseman’s colorful gold rush history is preserved in its buildings. You will go for a hike in the alpine tundra near Atigun Pass (4643 ft.), the only pass in the Brooks Range that is crossed by a road. Atigun Pass also is the northernmost pass in the world that is kept open year-round and the highest year-round pass in Alaska. This area is one of the best for hiking along the Dalton Highway and a great place to look for Grizzly Bears, Moose and Dall Sheep. Beyond towering Atigun Pass, the Arctic Slope extends 170 miles, first through rolling tundra foothills, then over the broad, lake-dotted flatlands of the vast Coastal Plain that extends to the Arctic Ocean. We will keep our eyes peeled for Dall Sheep in the mountains and Caribou and Muskoxen on the North Slope. You will spend the night in Deadhorse. The town consists mainly of facilities for the workers and companies that operate at the nearby Prudhoe Bay oil fields.

Day 7 – Deadhorse – Kaktovik

You will spend the morning exploring Deadhorse and head back out along the Dalton Highway if weather permits. Around noon you will board a scheduled flight to Kaktovik. This flight will give you an incredible aerial impression of Alaska’s Arctic. The small Inupiaq Eskimo village of Kaktovik is located on Barter Island, population around 280. You are now only about 60 miles from the Canadian border, but still 1,400 miles from the North Pole! During a tour of the village, you will catch our first glimpse of Alaska Polar Bears at a place called the ‘bone pile’. Polar bears have historically used the barrier islands and sand spits around Barter Island as a resting place, a feeding place and a stopover until winter sea ice forms. However, the possibility of seeing large numbers of bears in one place can be linked to the local whaling. The greatest numbers of bears loafing in the area are typically found in September and October, just prior, during and after the time Kaktovik residents hunt bowhead whales. The Polar Bears feed on unused portions of whale carcasses that are deposited at a “bone pile” a few kilometers from the village during Kaktovik’s subsistence whale harvest season in September and October. The sea ice generally forms soonest again near Barter Island, which explains the bears’ presence in the area.

Day 8 – Kaktovik

Your Inupiaq guide, who is US Coast Guard licensed and vetted by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, will safely guide you by boat and on shore all day along the barrier reefs for rare Polar Bear encounters. Viewing Polar Bears in the wild is probably one of the most unique experiences in the world. Certainly the Polar Bears take center stage, but there are opportunities to see other wildlife. Wherever Polar Bears roam, it is highly likely that arctic fox will follow. The arctic tundra itself—stark and barren as it may at first appear—can be truly breathtaking under an ever-changing Arctic sky. There are very few places on Earth allows this kind of intense Arctic experience.

Day 9 – Kaktovik – Deadhorse – Wiseman

You will have all morning to explore Kaktovik and return once more to see the Polar Bears. By mid-day, you will fly back to Prudhoe Bay on a scheduled flight. You will then slowly work your way back across the Coastal Plain towards the Brooks Range. The snowline will have been creeping down to lower elevations, and it is not unlikely to have snow on the ground at the end of September, which will add another dimension to the already stark landscape. After crossing over Atiugn Pass, you will reach treeline again. Your accommodation in Wiseman will be a welcome sight to relax in. You will keep your eyes peeled again at night for aurora activity. Many factors do affect our ability to see the Northern Lights, however the location of Wiseman close to what scientists describe as the ‘maximum zone close to 67 degrees north’. This makes Wiseman one of the best places in Alaska where you can see the aurora most often and with greatest intensity.

Day 10 – Wiseman

Today will head up Nolan Creek Valley for an all-day hike and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Brooks Range. Some of you may decide to just want to spend the day exploring on your own, at your own pace.

Day 11 – Wiseman – A Taste of Alaska Lodge

You will be heading south this morning, across the Brooks Range and back into the Boreal Forest of Interior Alaska. Driving the Dalton is always an adventure. Frommer’s Guide described the Dalton Highway as follows: “The experience of the Dalton Highway for a traveler is so far beyond the ordinary as to require a whole new frame of reference to take it all in. The road is so very long, so remote and free of traffic, and the scenery is so mind-boggling in its grandeur and repetition, that after a time it feels like you’re living in a dream. At some point, you have to swallow and say to yourself, “I guess I didn’t know that much about the world after all.” Your destination for the night is A Taste of Alaska Lodge, a gorgeous B&B along Chena Hot Springs Road.

Day 12 – A Taste of Alaska Lodge – Chena Hot Springs – Fairbanks

Today your destination is the Chena Hot Springs Resort, internationally known for its natural mineral hot springs and its Aurora Ice Museum, which we will visit first. This facility is kept at a constant 28 degrees F and is operational year round with the same geothermal energy that keeps the resort open for business. The museum features a gallery and ice bar, overhead chandeliers made of individually carved ice crystals which change color every six seconds mimicking the northern lights, countless sculptures including a gigantic chess set, life sized jousting knights, an ice fireplace and four galleries with varying themes. and prime location for viewing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). After lunch, you will appreciate soaking your tried bodies in the legendary healing mineral waters. Not only is this a place where you can enjoy a dip in a natural hot tub (the hot springs source is 165 degrees F), but the resort itself is an excellent example of geothermal energy and sustainable design. The entire resort is powered by the utilization of the 165 degrees hot springs ground water, which flows to a heat exchanger to develop the heating system loop and transformed to electrical power for lighting and power at the resort. There is also a green house where the fruits and vegetables used at the restaurant are grown. You will be heading back to Fairbanks in the afternoon, drop your bags at your hotel before enjoying your farewell dinner at the Pump House Restaurant, which offers one of the best dining experiences in Fairbanks.

Day 13 – Fairbanks

This morning you bid farewell to Alaska and each other. You will return home from your Alaska Polar Bear and Northern Lights Tour with a wealth of images and stories and new friendships. And you will have gained a better appreciation for a unique part of Alaska and its majestic wildlife that very few people will ever encounter.

  • In Alaska, travel plans and especially flights can change in the blink of an eye, mostly due to poor aviation weather. Weather delays and/or cancellations account for about one in four scheduled flights. When wind, rain, snow or fog delays flights, there is nothing to do except sit back and enjoy your stay.  You need to be flexible with such flight delays due to poor aviation weather or mechanical issues that are out of our control.
  • You must understand and be willing to accept that weather can and does affect our planned itinerary. The itinerary stated is only a sample itinerary that highlights each trip. Each trip’s itinerary is fluid to adapt for changes in weather, wildlife and/or partnering subcontractor’s schedule changes.
  • You should also plan to have some “buffer” days in your itinerary. We will not be responsible for any missed flights or connections. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance.

If you are serious about joining this adventure, we will ask you to be available for a Skype call. The purpose of this call is to ensure that everyone understands the nature of, and will be prepared for, this unique trip, and neither party should be surprised by what it entails.

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“Thanks again for such a fantastic trip, don’t think I will be surpassing that one anytime soon.”

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**We only require a $500 deposit per person to hold your space.

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Aurora Borealis Tours

Search the skies for the Northern Lights on a guided 3-hour tour in the Denali area. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomenons, and Alaska is one of the best places in the world for viewing.

WHY TAKE THIS TOUR?

Leave your Healy area accommodations via a climate-controlled van, and journey away from the lights of town to search for the Northern Lights. The area around Denali makes an ideal spot for stargazing and catching the sometimes elusive Aurora Borealis. Your Alaskan guide will provide commentary and conversation on the area’s unique history, formidable climate, dynamic geography, and separate scientific facts from fictional myths. Learn all about Mother Nature’s fireworks display from a local guide, sip a warm drink, and learn how the Lights are the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. This bucket list experience lets you hop out at select locations with your camera in hand with pointers from your guide. The Northern Lights are visible only during the winter months (August to April) and sightings are not guaranteed.

Book Your Adventure Today!

If you have any questions about the status of your booking or wish to be removed from the waitlist, reach out to our team via email or send us a text!

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  • PO Box 134, Denali National Park Alaska 99755
  • 907-683-1377
  • moc.u 1709307923 aetah 1709307923 cnaks 1709307923 ala@o 1709307923 fni 1709307923

Aurora Quest from Denali

denali national park northern lights tour

  • Live commentary on board
  • Local guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Additional locations may be available at a per guest surcharge. Additional location approval is at the sole discretion of the operator and must be requested no later than 48 hours prior to the tour.
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
  • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

denali national park northern lights tour

  • You'll get picked up See departure details
  • 1 Healy Stop: 3 hours Leave your Healy area accommodations via a climate-controlled van, and journey away from the lights of town to search for the Northern Lights. The area around Denali makes an ideal spot for stargazing and catching the sometimes elusive Aurora Borealis. Your Alaskan guide will provide commentary and conversation on the area’s unique history, formidable climate, dynamic geography, and separate scientific facts from fictional myth. Learn all about Mother Nature’s fireworks display from a local guide, sip a warm drink, and learn how the Lights are the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere. This bucket list experience lets you hop out at select locations with your camera in hand with pointers from your guide. The Northern Lights are visible only during the winter months (September to April) and sightings are not guaranteed. Read more
  • You'll return to the starting point

denali national park northern lights tour

  • paulk6109 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Had a very satisfactory experience These folks picked us up on time (actually early) and were there promptly to return us when we finished. Jeep performed very well. We had no issues. For a 4 hr time frame don't go into the park (its only 15 miles of road). We think a better use of our time would have been to take the gold route by Cantwell. Jeep people will explain. Read more Written September 13, 2023
  • Anne M 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Don’t Book in Advance After coming down with Influenza A on our cruise our land portion was canceled and we had to return home. Denali Self Guided Jeep Adventure refused to give any kind of refund. Seems like very poor customer service. Next time - there won’t be a next time for them - I’ll book last minute so I know I’m healthy. Read more Written September 9, 2023
  • 277brendenj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Outstanding service. Everything was absolutely fantastic. They met us in a place where we could safely park our RV, and brought the jeep directly to us. We had a very small amount of paperwork, and we were on our way. We were given a guide book, and were told several tips and pointers to watch for on our trip. After we dropped of the jeep (back at our original meeting place), one is had forgotten out backpack in the jeep. They were very quick to get back with us so we could gather our belongings that we should have kept track of in the first place. We got what we paid for and more, we have zero complaints and would absolutely do this again next time! Read more Written August 27, 2023
  • sherrylS9338ZN 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Covered wagon tour Fun relaxing tour with personable knowledgeable and entertaining guides named Linda and O’Dell and horses Chuck and Rustin. A large lunch with several courses was included in the tour also. Very good ! What I particularly liked was the encouraged interactions among us passengers and with the guides. We met interesting and friendly people and it was fun to share the experience with them Read more Written August 7, 2023
  • Louise J 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Easy and fun! Nice little jeep, excellent laminated instructions and info, we had a great day on the Denali Highway and took lots of pictures! We did have a small mix-up with pick up instructions emailed to meet in 2 different places, but Mike called us and sorted everything out. Read more Written August 6, 2023
  • Gordon A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to get away Sometimes when you are booked on a group tour you just want to get away and this was the perfect way to do it. We were picked up from our hotel and met up with our jeep for an on our own experience. We were free to go where and when we wanted. Stop and smell the flowers or just stretch our legs as we felt the need. The jeep was fully loaded and fun the drive. We just headed down the road, grabbed some snacks and found ourselves on the Denali Highway. Worth every penny..... Read more Written July 25, 2023
  • jyrkio2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun Jeep to see Denali at your own pace Great experience. We rented the Jeep Renegade for 2 back-to-back 4-hour sessions so we could drive down the old Denali Highway. First, we drove down the Denali Park Road (free entry in the National Park) to as far as private cars can go (up to Mile 15-check for the landslide details if this is an old review). Then we went down to the old Denali Highway (28 miles south of Denali Visitors Centre), starting at Cantwell. All told, we drove 149 miles in our Jeep. Jim, the owner of the Jeep's, was a really nice guy and was early for the pick-up and drop-off and he came right to our Hotel. He knew we were going farther with the Jeep, so he rented us a 'Trailhawk' Jeep that comes with higher ground clearance and firmer suspension, something you will want for the old Denali Highway as there were many, many potholes. Just remember to have you DL and insurance all ready to go to have a smooth pick-up and drop off. Read more Written July 20, 2023
  • Gordon A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice break from the crowd. It is an opportunity to get out on your own. We were picked up at our hotel and met the owner with the keys. Once on the road just needed to be back at the end time but then no other schedule. We pi ked the places, the stops ans how long. Nice vehicle with the only rules, be back on time and keep the wheels on the ground and off the roof. Read more Written June 28, 2023
  • 622MelanieG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very nice rafting trip I did the wilderness rafting trip .. really enjoyed it . Perfect for families and older people. Marry was the tour guide / one doing the rowing ... very knowledgeable about the geology, the wildlife and all about the river . Really recommended this tour Read more Written June 21, 2023
  • M429KYstevenj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Denali We had a great time. We drove into the park and were able to see. Denali a about 8 miles in. We would definitely rent a jeep again. Read more Written June 17, 2023
  • NicoleandJohnC 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Go Somewhere Else for a Jeep Excursion First of all this is not a Jeep it is a Jeep Renegade! Two completely different vehicles! The car was filthy and wreaked of smoke! The air condition did not work!!!! The gentleman who dropped off the car was super nice. They did bring it to the hotel which was good. I should’ve read more reviews! Learn from my mistake and stay away from this. Read more Written June 7, 2023
  • rmjone 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Self drive tour Great fun. They brought the jeep to us right on time. Saw lots of wildlife. Easy process. Would recommend Read more Written June 6, 2023
  • 818jeannew 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful Very nice & professional, on time, nice car, stunning scenery, no crowds, lifetime trip, good roads, freedom to explore. Read more Written May 19, 2023
  • Roxanne H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Drive in Denali Park We had very prompt pick up and drop off. The shuttle drivers were friendly. The jeep was nice and ran good. They provided info on where to go and what to do in an emergency. Read more Written September 25, 2022
  • V6681AAjohnh 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great drive, too short of time The vehicle was clean and in good condition. The pickup service, vehicle summary, and service were also very good. The reason for the 4-star rating is that 4 hours is really not sufficient to adequately explore the Denali Highway. It takes most of an hour to get to the start of the highway in Cantwell. This leaves only an hour to explore the highway before turning around. I would recommend that Stampede offer a 6-hour and 8-hour option for rental. 8 hours might be too much, but 6 would be far more appropriate. Read more Written September 3, 2022

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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The 9 best northern lights alaska cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Consider one of these trips for a chance to see this mesmerizing natural wonder.

The Best Northern Lights Alaska Cruises

Northern lights over Alaska landscape.

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There's no other experience on Earth quite like witnessing the northern lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, this spellbinding phenomenon – when brilliant hues of green, yellow and purple dance across the night sky – is visible in Alaska from late August to late April. Clear, dark evenings away from the ambient light of cities provide prime viewing opportunities.

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis – especially locations in the Interior and Arctic regions, such as Coldfoot, Wiseman, Utqiagvik (Barrow) and Nome. Fairbanks is regarded as a top location due to its position directly under the auroral oval, a ring-shaped area in the far north where aurora activity is generally concentrated. The Southcentral region of Alaska, where you'll find Anchorage, Talkeetna and the Mat-Su Valley, also offers basecamps for northern lights viewing.

If you're hoping to see the magic aboard an Alaska cruise in 2024 or 2025, then you just might be in luck. Experts predict the next few seasons will be particularly good for northern lights sightings, due to increased solar activity. While seeing the northern lights is never guaranteed, your best chance of seeing them is during these high-activity solar cycles, which occur about every 11 years.

Find your perfect cruise

When to take a cruise to view the northern lights

The Alaska cruise season falls between May and September, with a few cruise lines extending the season from April to October.

Holland America Line recommends booking a cruise or cruisetour (a combined sea and land package) during the autumnal equinox, or the official start of autumn, which falls around Sept. 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field are more likely around the autumn and spring equinoxes, which could increase your chances of seeing the aurora. For the best views, Holland America advises heading to higher ground in Anchorage , to vantage points like Glen Alps, the Knit River Valley and Point Woronzof.

Princess Cruises also suggests booking your vacation in the fall. September is an ideal month to watch for the spectacle in the sky as the nights start getting longer and darker. The elusive display is most likely to appear on crystal-clear evenings between midnight and 4 a.m. While you can see incredible light shows in Anchorage, consider an extended tour of Fairbanks or the Interior that takes you away from light pollution (such as to Denali National Park & Preserve).

U.S. News has compiled a list of the nine best cruises and cruisetours to give you the optimal chance of viewing these whimsical lights in the sky, with a focus on sailings around the autumnal equinox in 2024 and later dates in September 2025. We've also included an early sailing in April, before the end of the aurora season. (Keep in mind: Many of these trips and itineraries are also available on other dates during the season. Cruise fares were accurate at the time of publication.)

Holland America Line

Princess cruises, celebrity cruises, norwegian cruise line, royal caribbean international.

Man standing under the northern lights in Canada.

Thierry Guenez | Courtesy of Holland America Line

9-Day Denali: Tour D8l

This nine-day land and sea tour on Nieuw Amsterdam includes an opportunity to search for the northern lights in Fairbanks, one of the best places to see them in Alaska (and in the world). Holland America offers a four-hour aurora borealis viewing tour outside the city in a yurt; it operates between the last week of August and mid-September.

If you'd like more options, there's no shortage of tour operators in town that can take you on a northern lights adventure in Fairbanks. You can even fly into town early to stay in the wilderness in an igloo with clear views of the night sky at Borealis Basecamp, located less than 30 miles from Fairbanks. Be sure to notify your hotel that you'd like a wake-up call or a knock on the door if the northern lights are on display.

You'll have more opportunities to see the aurora when you head to Denali National Park & Preserve for a stay at Holland America 's exclusive 60-acre McKinley Chalet Resort, located near the entrance to the park. After a full day exploring the park by ATV or a bucket list flightseeing adventure over Denali, you'll have another chance to see the colorful light display in Alaska's wilderness after midnight. The rest of the cruisetour itinerary includes scenic cruising days, with one spent in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. You'll also call on Juneau , Skagway and Ketchikan before disembarking in Vancouver .

14-Day Denali: Tour D3c

This 14-day adventure includes scenic cruising of the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, with stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Whittier and Seward. You'll then have nearly a week on land in Anchorage, Denali National Park & Preserve and Fairbanks to go aurora hunting. If you spend an extra night or two in Fairbanks at the end of the trip, you'll be in town for the autumnal equinox, maximizing your northern lights viewing opportunities.

With the extra time in town, plan to book the Arctic Circle Air Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company. This unforgettable journey takes you on a flight over the Yukon River and Brooks Range, just east of the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. You'll then land 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the community of Coldfoot and receive an Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate before your return flight to Fairbanks.

7-Day Glacier Discovery Northbound

If you're interested in a cruise-only option and would prefer to arrange the land portion independently, consider this seven-day voyage on Nieuw Amsterdam. The itinerary includes three scenic cruising days, with one day in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, and calls on the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Whittier, which sits roughly 60 miles south of Anchorage.

From Whittier, there are many options to transfer to Anchorage (by rail or by road), including the iconic Glacier Discovery Train. Plan to stay a few evenings in Anchorage with a multiday guided aurora tour, or reserve a spot on an evening outing in search of the northern lights.

Princess Cruises ship in Skagway, Alaska.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

11-Day Denali Explorer – Tour DA4

This 11-day cruisetour begins with a seven-night voyage embarking from Vancouver on Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The itinerary includes three sea days, two of which are dedicated to scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord. You'll make stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Anchorage (Whittier) before disembarking to depart for the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge via the line's direct-to-the-wilderness rail service.

Spending three nights at the lodge – located just outside the entrance to the park – in mid-September will offer excellent opportunities for aurora viewing. Keep your fingers crossed for high solar activity and clear, dark skies. Throughout your trip, learn photography tips to capture the mesmerizing display through Princess' North to Alaska Program. After your stay in Denali, you'll take a motor coach to Anchorage and stay overnight in a hotel there to finish up your voyage.

10-Day On Your Own – Tour BBX

The 10-Day On Your Own cruisetour with Princess Cruises begins with three nights on land, including overnights in Fairbanks, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. While at the Mt. McKinley resort, be sure to check out the lodge's treehouse. Designed by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," this vantage point offers impressive views of Denali – the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet above sea level.

Before heading off to bed, get an update on aurora activity from the tracker on your smartphone, especially if you have clear skies that night; the app My Aurora Forecast & Alerts has excellent reviews. Request a wake-up call to have the Princess lodge staff call your room if the dazzling bands of light begin to dance in the sky. The next day, after traveling to Whittier by motor coach, you'll embark on your cruise to Vancouver aboard Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess.

The voyage from Whittier includes three sea days for relaxing activities on board the ship, with two days of scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier and in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. During your time in Glacier Bay, park rangers will board the ship to offer commentary about this captivating wilderness area's pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife. Younger cruisers and teens will also appreciate learning about this spectacular place through the Junior Ranger program, which features interactive games, activities and presentations. (All cruise ships visiting the park participate in this program with the National Park Service.) Ports of call for the rest of the journey include Icy Strait Point or Skagway (depending on the cruise), then Juneau and Ketchikan. The voyage ends in Vancouver.

denali national park northern lights tour

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Balcony of the Celebrity Suite on the Celebrity Summit.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour

Celebrity's pre-cruise national parks adventure takes guests on a wildlife viewing quest to destinations in the north and the Interior where you can watch for the aurora. The 12-night trip begins in Fairbanks with a free day to explore.

Consider a trip to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which features exhibits on Arctic dinosaurs, diverse wildlife, Alaska Native cultures and 2,000 years of Alaska art. You could also visit the impressive collection of antique cars and clothing at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, or take a walk with the reindeer into the woods at Running Reindeer Ranch. The second day in town includes a Riverboat Discovery ride and a tour of the city, as part of the cruisetour.

On the third day, you'll board the Wilderness Express (a glass-domed railcar) for the ride to Denali. Then, you'll embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour in search of the park's grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife. Be sure to put your name on the list before bedtime to get a wake-up call for aurora activity. You'll also have one evening in Anchorage, where you can arrange for a northern lights tour, and one night in Seward before setting sail on Celebrity Summit the next morning. Highlights of the voyage include cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage as well as stopping in Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. You'll disembark in Vancouver.

The Norwegian Bliss on the water at sunset with mountains in the background.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

13-Day Denali Explorer – Pre-Cruise Cruisetour

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-day pre-cruise adventure begins with overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage, where you'll have the best chances to view the northern lights. Other highlights for the first part of the trip include a deluxe dome car rail journey from Talkeetna to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad and a private tour to an Iditarod sled dog musher's kennel. You'll also have plenty of time in Denali National Park to book a flightseeing tour, go whitewater rafting, or take a hike with a park ranger to look for bears, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and other local wildlife before starting your cruise in Seattle .

Norwegian Encore will call on Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska. The Mill at Ward Cove near Ketchikan is a newly built cruise ship port that serves as a jumping-off point for outdoor activities in the Tongass National Forest, from hiking and biking to kayaking and sea cycling. You can even pick up souvenirs, grab a bite to eat and sample a cold Alaska brew at the mill. The cruise itinerary also includes one day at sea and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, before you disembark in Seattle.

7-Night Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Consider this seven-day cruise on Norwegian Bliss if you prefer to travel early in the spring and take your chances at catching the northern lights toward the end of aurora season, which falls around April 21. This round-trip itinerary from Seattle is one of the earliest sailings of the year to visit the Great Land and features two sea days, with one day of scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. You'll also visit Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan (Ward Cove) and Victoria before disembarking in Seattle.

Juneau will offer one of the best opportunities during the cruise for seeing the northern lights, although chances are dependent on the weather and solar activity. There are several apps and websites with real-time updates for aurora tracking, including My Aurora Forecast & Alerts. If the skies are clear in the evening and the forecast looks promising, ask guest relations if there's a sign-up sheet to get a call or a knock on the door in the event of aurora activity.

Exterior of Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

12 Night Mountain Panorama Adventure Cruisetour 5B (Pre Tour)

This 12-night cruisetour with Royal Caribbean International begins with an overnight in Anchorage before boarding the Wilderness Express, where you'll have a glass-domed rail car for the journey to Talkeetna. The quirky community of Talkeetna is said to be the inspiration for the fictional Alaska town of Cicely in the 1990s show "Northern Exposure." It's also an excellent base for chasing the aurora – especially at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, where you'll be staying.

After an overnight at the lodge, your tour moves on to Denali, where you can search for wildlife by day and look for the aurora at night. Another evening on land at Hotel Alyeska in the remote town of Girdwood affords more opportunities to chase the finnicky lights before heading to Seward to board your ship, Radiance of the Seas .

Ports of call on this voyage include Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. There are also two days of scenic cruising through Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. While there are plenty of activities, dining venues, bars and lounges on board to keep you entertained all night long, be sure to save up enough energy to wake up in the middle of the night should you get a call to see the magical natural wonder that is the northern lights.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

  • Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
  • The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
  • The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
  • The Best Alaska Shore Excursions
  • How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

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Seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska – Best Time and Places

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Alaska | Seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska – Best Time and Places

Traveling to see the Northern Lights in Alaska will give you an excellent chance of experiencing this incredible natural phenomenon in person.

The Alaska aurora borealis season lasts for more than half of the year and staying in Alaska for at least three nights during aurora season will up your chances of seeing an aurora display to over ninety percent – those are some great odds!

Every time I photograph the Northern Lights in Alaska , I’m always struck by just how frequently I’m able to see aurora displays. Alaska’s remote settlements facilitate easy Northern Lights viewing, while the beautiful landscapes provide the perfect locations for capturing stunning images.

Northern Lights in Alaska, best time to see northern lights in alaska

Knowing the best time and place to see Northern Lights in Alaska will make your aurora hunting that much easier, so keep reading to give yourself the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska .

Ready to become an Alaska aurora chasing expert?

Best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska

Best places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska

Best northern lights tours in alaska.

The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is from late August to late April, in Fairbanks at least. These months form the official Fairbanks, Alaska aurora season , when the night sky is dark enough for visible aurora displays. Between mid-April and mid-August, the night skies are just too bright for visitors to see the aurora well.

Choosing when to visit within the Alaska Northern Lights season will depend on whether seeing an aurora display is your top priority. If it is, November to January is the best time to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights ; the days are short and the nights are long, which increases the odds of seeing an aurora display.

Northern Lights in Alaska, when to see northern light alaska

If you want time to sightsee as well as aurora chase, August to October and February to April are the perfect times of year to visit Alaska. The longer daylight hours will mean that you can accomplish more during the day, while the nights are still dark enough to give you a good chance for an aurora sighting, so you can get the best of both worlds.

As for the best time of day to see the Northern Lights in Alaska , during the winter, you can usually see aurora displays between 9 PM and 3 AM. Of course, only if you are lucky and sky is clear of clouds.

What month is best to see Northern Lights in Alaska?

In a nutshell, these are the best months to see the Northern Lights in Alaska :

  • August, September, and October – These months will be some of the warmest for seeing the aurora, so if you don’t want to deal with the cold, this is the best time of year to come. The days are longer at this time of year than during the winter, so you’ll be able to do and see more during the daytime.
  • November, December, and January – The nights are very long and dark at this time of year, which creates the perfect scenario for aurora viewing as long as the skies are clear. However, the temperatures can be quite chilly, so bring lots of layers and warm clothing.
  • February, March, and April – The days start to lengthen again, so you’ll have time to sightsee during the day and aurora chase at night. The nights are still relatively long and very dark, so you’ll still have a very high chance of seeing an aurora display .

There are many different options for places in Alaska to see the Northern Lights , but the best place to see Northern Lights in Alaska is definitely Fairbanks.

Fairbanks has been hailed many times over as one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world . It’s located under the “Aurora Oval,” a zone where aurora activity tends to be concentrated. Of course, you also can’t go wrong with anywhere in Alaska that’s far north or close to the Arctic Circle. Even the big cities like Anchorage and Juneau can still offer chances to see an aurora display.

In short, these are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska :

  • Fairbanks – If you stay in Fairbanks for at least 3 nights during aurora season, there’s an over 90% chance that you’ll see the Northern Lights.
  • Nome – Former gold-rush town with low light pollution, so it’s easy to see an aurora display close to town.
  • Denali National Park – See the Northern Lights in a unique location: by Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America.
  • Anchorage – City with relatively low-light pollution that’s ideal for aurora hunters who want urban comforts.
  • Juneau – The best place to take a cruise to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.
  • Chena Lake – A recreation area with low light pollution near Fairbanks where you can catch the Northern Lights reflected in the lake.
  • Coldfoot – A quiet, remote location to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.
  • Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay – See an aurora display amidst the tundra and with views of the Arctic Ocean.

1. Fairbanks

There’s no better place to see the Northern Lights in Alaska than Fairbanks , which is well-known as one of the best places on the planet to catch an aurora display. Plan to stay during the Alaska aurora season for at least 3 nights of Northern Lights tours in Fairbanks – your chances of seeing the aurora will increase to over 90%!

Fairbanks, best place to see northern lights in alaska

Fairbanks benefits not only from low light pollution, but also from low precipitation, so the skies are usually very clear. Clear skies and low light pollution are crucial elements for Northern Lights viewing; add in Fairbanks’ location under the “Aurora Oval,” a ring-shaped zone around Earth’s magnetic polar cap where aurora activity tends to be concentrated and highly visible, and you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for seeing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks.

Also, there are many Northern Lights hotels in Fairbanks , so you can easily find a cozy accommodation to stay at. My favorites are Alaska Grizzly Lodge and Pike’s Waterfront Lodge , which has an Aurora Conservatory where you can watch the aurora dance overhead. If you would like to chase the Northern Lights with an expert, I recommend this Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour .

Nome combines the fascinating history of a former gold-rush town with a remote, coastal location to create a distinctive setting to see an aurora in Alaska . This town is located in the far north of Alaska by the Bering Sea, so the scenery is beautiful but rugged.

Nome, the northern lights alaska

Since Nome is so far north, the town is quite isolated and has low light pollution, making it easy to see the Alaska Northern Lights close to town. If you travel just a mile out of Nome, you should be able to see a vivid green aurora display.

Nome is also the endpoint of the famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race, so if you visit in March, you’ll get the opportunity to see plenty of racing huskies and their owners. While you’re in Nome, bunk at the cozy Golden Sands Stables and Lodging .

3. Denali National Park

At Denali National Park , you can have the once-in-a-lifetime-experience of seeing an aurora in Alaska above the highest mountain peak in North America, Mt. Denali.

Besides being a beautiful location for Northern Lights Alaska photos , Denali National Park’s relatively untouched wilderness means no light pollution and the perfect celestial conditions for visible aurora displays. When you’re not aurora chasing, you can hike, bike, fish, and camp within the park.

Denali National Park, alaska northern light

Luckily, Denali National Park isn’t too challenging to get to; it’s only a 3-hour-drive from Fairbanks and is located between Anchorage and Fairbanks. If you want to stay in the area, Grande Denali Lodge is a great option. This accommodation offers panoramic views of Denali Canyon and rustic-style rooms.

Otherwise, the nearby mining town of Healy provides many different accommodation options. One of my top picks is Denali Tri-Valley Cabins , which has cozy wooden cabins with private decks. Another great choice is Denali Lakeview Inn , which offers stunning lake and mountain views along with a private beach.

This guided Northern Lights Tour of Denali , which leaves from Healy, is the best way to explore the area and have a good chance of seeing an aurora display in a gorgeous natural setting.

4. Anchorage

Even though Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, it experiences much less light pollution than most other major cities around the world, so you might get lucky enough to see the Northern Lights in Alaska from within the city limits.

Anchorage, aurora in alaska

Still, to give yourself a decent chance of seeing an aurora in Alaska , you should head outside of Anchorage to see the Northern Lights, although you won’t have to drive far to see a display well. Anchorage is also an ideal option if you need a well-located base for your aurora chasing or want the amenities and comforts that come with staying in a city.

After all, there aren’t too many locations in Alaska where you can shop, dine, visit museums, go wildlife spotting, and watch the bore tide. I highly recommend staying at Alyeska Resort , which is located in the Chugach Mountains and offers gorgeous mountain and glacial views. If you want to work on your aurora photography skills, this small-group tour can help capture amazing aurora images.

Alaska’s capital city, Juneau , is the least likely spot on my list to see the Northern Lights in Alaska , since it’s located rather far south, but it’s still not unheard of to be able to see an aurora display from here.

Juneau, auroras alaska

However, if you want a practically guaranteed chance of seeing an Alaska aurora display, go further north, since it is much more common to see visible Northern Lights in northern Alaska. One advantage to Juneau, though, is that many cruises to see the Northern Lights in Alaska leave from or stop here, so it can be a good location to use as a base for other adventures.

6. Chena Lake

Want to see an aurora display in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness without traveling far from Fairbanks? Chena Lake Recreation Area is the place to see Northern Lights in Alaska for you.

This 2,000-acre park is located only 17 miles from Fairbanks and offers plenty of parking for visitors. Since there’s almost no light pollution here, you’ll easily get clear views of any aurora displays. A popular way to see the Northern Lights at Chena Lake is by watching them from the lakeshore and admiring their reflections in the lake. The lake reflections also make beautiful Northern Lights Alaska photos .

Chena Lake, alaska auroras

When you’re not chasing the Northern Lights, you can fish, hike, camp, picnic, cross-country ski, or check out the abundant wildlife, which includes ospreys, beavers, and moose. My favorite place to stay in the area is the festive Hotel North Pole , which offers aurora wake-up calls for guests so you won’t miss any displays.

If you’re looking for a unique Northern Lights tour in Chena Lake, this Aurora Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure Tour promises to be something different.

7. Coldfoot

Like Fairbanks, Coldfoot is located directly under the “Aurora Oval” at the 67 th parallel north, so it’s in an ideal area for Northern Lights Alaska viewing . Coldfoot is much more remote than Fairbanks, however, so it experiences almost no light pollution, another useful attribute for seeing an aurora in Alaska .

Coldfoot, alaska northern lights forecast

This former gold mining settlement, which is now a truck stop, can be a little difficult to reach, but it is possible to drive there yourself. If you do, you can stay at Coldfoot Camp , the main accommodation for the area.

Otherwise, many Alaska Northern Lights tours bring visitors here, so you can save yourself the time and stress of driving to this remote locale by booking a tour.

8. Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay

Dying to visit tundra and see the Arctic Ocean? Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay is a location unlike any other for seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska .

Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay, northern light forecast alaska

As with many of the places I’ve included on this list, Deadhorse is located in the far north of Alaska, which is optimal for aurora viewing, but also means chilly winter temperatures. This isolated town also marks the endpoint of the Dalton Highway, a mostly gravel road that can be very difficult to drive.

If you can manage to make the journey, though, you’ll be able to visit Alaska’s tundra and see many types of wildlife, including caribou. You can also take a tour to see Deadhorse’s oil fields, which employ most of the local population, and take in the Arctic Ocean .

You won’t have any trouble finding Northern Lights tours in Alaska . Aurora chasing is a popular reason for tourists to visit, so there are plenty of tours and activities that focus on seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska , often in a cozy or interesting setting.

As I’ve mentioned above, Fairbanks is the hotspot for aurora viewing in Alaska, so many tours leave from or stop there. Numerous tours include trips to explore the Arctic Circle and Denali National Park, while others offer meals, hot drinks, yurts, or dogsledding. I recommend any of the exciting Northern Lights Alaska tours below:

  • Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour from Fairbanks
  • Northern Lights Tour with Dogsledding and Dinner from Fairbanks
  • Northern Lights Tour with Yurt Dinner from Fairbanks
  • Yukon Northern Lights Full-Day Trip from Fairbanks
  • Denali Aurora Tour from Healy
  • Northern Lights Photo Tour from Anchorage
  • Northern Lights and Ice Fishing Adventure at Chena Lake

The tours I’ve listed above are all-day tours, but you may find it easier to book a Northern Lights vacation package with accommodation, tours, and activities included. In that case, this  tour package is the best option for you: this 6-day tour includes dogsledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and, of course, aurora viewing.

Finally, if you want to take great photos of the Northern Lights, you’ll need to use the appropriate gear and settings. My guide to photographing the Northern Lights will let you in on the step-by-step process I use to make sure my Northern Lights Alaska photos really stand out.

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Great information!! Thank you so much!!

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Thanks, Rosie! Hope you have fun seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska!

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Viewing northern lights in denali national park, denali national park | northern lights.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Denali National Park? The short answer is YES, you can see the Northern Lights , also known as the Aurora Borealis, in Denali National Park, Alaska. Denali National Park has piqued the interest of visitors all over the world with its incredible views of Alaska landscapes. Denali is located in the interior of Alaska just south of Fairbanks and offers a great opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. The winter months, when the nights are long and dark, are the best time for viewing - typically late August to early April when the weather is clear and cold with the dark skies, long nights, and minimum light pollution.

The night sky filled with green, yellow, purple colors of the northern lights over the Alaska mountain range in Denali national park.

The Alaska mountain range located in Denali National park set a stunning photo as the northern lights ripped over the night sky. The sky was filled with green, yellow, purple and more as mother nature displayed her night show.

Like what you see? Join Light Chasing Photo Tours for our Alaska Northern Lights Workshop to take home amazing images of your own!

Alaska Northern Light Tours

There many Northern Light tours to choose from in Alaska but everything comes down to the weather and the right tour to get you at the right spot at the right time. As a photography instructor with Light Chasing Photo Tours , I know we've been able to chase the lights and find clear skies with every tour we've hosted. We've found amazing locations throughout Alaska and Denali National Park areas to view the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights sparkle nearly straight overhead with colors of white, purple, pink and green while snow and pine trees sit in silhouette on the ground.

After waiting for hours and watching the Northern Lights slowly build, the corona dropped overhead and put on a spectacular show along the Dalton Highway, just north of Fairbanks.

Don't miss out on capturing your own stunning photos! Join Light Chasing Photo Tours on our Alaska Northern Light Workshop in March!

We can't control the weather but we will find clear skies and get clients to amazing locations to see them. Whether you have photography equipment, just a cell phone, or want to sit back and soak up the experience, Light Chasing Photo Tours will bring you an adventure you won't forget. If you are interested in photography and bring your camera we'll will help and assist you in capturing that perfect image of this bucket list adventure. Creating memories and checking off that bucket list item is the name of game, correct? We also offer many other tours and adventures to warmer climates such as Hawaii, fall colors in Colorado, wildflowers in Glacier National Park, and more.

Staying Warm In Alaska While Viewing Northern Lights

Looking up into the night sky with snow covered trees surrounding the view. The sky is filled green and blue colors from the northern lights.

I have always loved looking up into the night sky as a kid. Well it continues as I look up into the night sky among the boreal forest in Alaska as the northern lights danced high above me. The corona pulsating directly overhead was amazing!

If you decide to check off this bucket list item to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, you'll need to stay warm and layers of clothing will be your best friend. Being warm will allow you to sit back and comfortably soak up the experience of seeing the Northern Lights in Denali National Park. There are many outfitters near Fairbanks that rent jackets, gloves, snow pants and more. So if your coming from a warm climate such as Florida, Hawaii, California winter gear is likely not part of your wardrobe. No need to buy thousands of dollars of clothing before you even step foot on a plane to get there when we'll help you with renting gear and equipment you need while you're there. Depending on where your flying into either Fairbanks or Anchorage Alaska there will be rental shops to fill your clothing needs.

Ready to View the Northern Lights in Denali National Park?

Are you ready? If you plan now, you'll be in the crisp Arctic air with a blanket of snow, and the night sky painted with hues of green, purple, and pink before you know it. It's like nature's own light show. The park offers prime viewing spots, and if you're lucky, you might even spot the lights reflecting off the snow-covered peaks. This bucket list experience combines the magic of the night sky with the wild beauty of Denali. Just remember to bundle up, bring a camera, and prepare for a mesmerizing show that will stay etched in your memory forever. Anything specific you want to know or plan for your Northern Lights adventure in Denali? Just contact Joe for more info and advice!

A open snowy road leads my directly into snow covered mountains in Denali National Park. The evening sunset filled the sky with purple colors.

Traveling though Denali National Park this quiet road led me directly into the mountains inside the park. The sunset colors and alpine glow over the mountains was one to remember.

Denali National Park Northern Lights | Alaska Landscape Images by Joe Garza

Open road winds thru the snow capped mountains with northern lights pulse from the night sky. Many colors from green, purple and yellow fill the entire sky.

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Best Activities In Alaska | Visiting The Land Of The Midnight Sun

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Experience the best of Alaska’s Interior with this late summer Northern Lights adventure from the wilderness of Denali to the Arctic Circle.

Explore the farthest reaches of Alaska. The trip starts with the history and culture of Fairbanks and the stunning fall colors  Denali National Park . Then, a flying tour takes you north of the Arctic Circle to the rustic Coldfoot camp to watch for the majestic Northern Lights.

Package is available with an exclusive and limited travel window of late August to early September. Call 1.800.808.8068 to book.

denali national park northern lights tour

Your arrival day is free to explore Fairbanks, the second-largest city in the state. If time permits, take a self-guided walking tour from the Visitor Information Center with 38 highlighted points of interest. Let your friendly front desk staff know to notify you if and when the Northern Lights are out. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Take the train southbound from Fairbanks to Denali National Park. On a clear day, ensure that you look for Denali in all its majesty. Overnight at Denali Cabins .

Explore Denali at your leisure with optional add-on activities. Try white-water rafting on Nenana River or take to the skies on a flightseeing tour. Overnight at Denali Cabins .

After a morning at leisure, board Alaska Railroad's Denali Star train northbound to Fairbanks. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Fly north above the Arctic Circle and land in rustic Coldfoot, Alaska, a staging area for flights into Gates of the Arctic National Park and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. You can choose to join an optional aurora-viewing expedition to nearby Wiseman, a historic gold mining community. Overnight in Coldfoot.

Today, you may choose from a variety of optional tours which include an excursion along the Dalton Highway into the Brooks Range, as far north as Atigun Pass, and additional aurora viewing in Wiseman. Overnight in Coldfoot.

Return to Fairbanks via a guided ground tour, where you will travel a portion of the rugged, 414 mile Dalton Highway. Admire your official Arctic Circle Adventure certificate you will receive after ceremoniously crossing over the Arctic Circle. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Begin your day with a tour aboard the Riverboat Discovery to explore the heart of interior Alaska. This itinerary concludes here, but we hope you will continue on with your next Alaska adventure.

Have more time for adventure? Consider departing from Anchorage instead of returning to Fairbanks.

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The Fairbanks and Denali Backcountry Northern Lights Escape itinerary includes

Accommodations.

  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Fairbanks
  • 2 nights accommodation at Denali Cabins
  • 2 nights accommodation in Coldfoot Camp

TRANSPORTATION

  • Round trip rail transportation from Fairbanks to Denali National Park
  • Fly from Fairbanks to Coldfoot*
  • Motorcoach transportation from Coldfoot to Fairbanks*
  • Ground tour of the Dalton Highway

*Option to reverse order of air and ground transportation.

  • 2 nights Arctic Aurora Adventure

Customize Your Itinerary

Optional Add-on Adventures

Fly through the awe-inspiring Alaska Range. The optional scenic Denali flightseeing trip will take you to the North Face of Denali, and over several the north side glaciers of the mountain.

Behind the scenes look at what goes into creating a championship team and carving a life in Alaska’s Interior. Hear stories and see racing sleds and Arctic survival gear used to traverse 1,100 miles of rugged terrain.

Take a 3.5-hour cruise into the heart of Alaska. Gain insight into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture as Native guides take you on a tour of the Chena Indian Village.

Have more time for adventure? Consider departing from Anchorage to see more of Alaska.

Journey Deep into Denali

All-inclusive adventure, deep in the heart of Denali National Park. Exclusive helicopter access. Private cabins. Stunning views. Warm hospitality and unmatched adventures. This is Denali Backcountry Lodge, where guests experience the best creature comforts in one of the world’s wildest landscapes.

Find more packages like this

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A journey rich in wildlife, history and wilderness. Travel from Fairbanks to Denali and on to Anchorage from the unique perspective of the Alaska Railroad .

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Explore the grand expanse of Alaska in this perfectly-crafted vacation. Pristine coastal rainforests. Tidewater glaciers. Majestic mountains. Alaska's finest natural beauty.

A bus drives down a remote road in sparsely treed terrain and snow covered mountains in the distance

A journey rich in wildlife, history and wilderness as you travel from Fairbanks to Denali and Talkeetna from the unique comforts on the historic Alaska Railroad.

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Explore the ecosystems around North America's highest peak

At 20,310 feet in elevation, Denali is North America’s highest mountain. With its far northern latitude, the summit of Denali is also one of the coldest mountains in the world. But below the summit, in the wondrous ecosystems that surround “The Great One,” are river valleys, forests, meadows and lakes. Exploring these areas on foot is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many travelers, and one well worth the journey! On our Denali hiking adventures, we’ll watch out for Alaskan wildlife, identify rare plants, and learn about the Native peoples who have called this place home for millenia.

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▶ Northern Lights Viewing in Alaska | Canada – New Moon Dates Overview

Ideal viewing time is approximately from 7 days prior to New Moon and until 7 days after New Moon. While some people may be concerned that a full moon is a problem,  only weak aurora may be obstructed by the light of the moon, but in Alaska the aurora is frequently strong enough that aurora viewing is still possible on a moonlit night.  As far as aurora photography goes, the aurora above a moonlit landscape actually tends to have a pleasing effect.  On the whole, when participating in an aurora tour, one doesn’t need to be worried about the moon.The moon does not influence the aurora activity, the sky is just darker. You can therefore travel any time of the month. 

Aurora Photography: When you do your research for shooting the aurora, you’ll find pluses and minuses for going when a full moon is present.  On the minus side is if the lights that night are somewhat faint, the brightness of the moon’s reflection of the sun can fade them out.  On the other hand, a full moon can be used to illuminate objects in the foreground.  Many aurora shots include buildings with lights on inside to provide an interesting foreground subject.  Depending on your shooting location, this feature might not be available.  However, a full moon will help light up anything you have in front of you, no matter where you are.  Because shots are done for at least six to eight seconds and up to fifteen seconds or more (depending on your shutter and ISO settings), the full moon will do a great job of making what would otherwise be a silhouette into a well-lit subject.  Conversely, if you choose to go when there isn’t a full moon, a strong flash can be helpful in popping light onto a foreground subject.

▶ Aurora Viewing | Prime Viewing Dates

Q: When is the best time of the year to see the Aurora A: In northern regions such as Alaska, the Yukon Territory, Northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories - the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are seen from late August to mid April. Furthermore, during the autumn and spring, the weather is rather unstable and has a lower percentage of clear skies. Therefore, we have determined the best viewing seasons to be from mid-August to the end of September and from mid-November to mid-April. In This time of the year offers the best trade off between mild weather and dark skies. During the summer months, night skies are not dark enough to view the Aurora Borealis and in midwinter temperatures in the – 40 degree range make outdoor aurora viewing somewhat unpleasant. In other locations farther from the average aurora oval, the main consideration is the level of geomagnetic activity, which varies rather unpredictably through the year. Q: When is the best time of the day A: Within the most active regions of Alaska and prime viewing areas the Aurora oval typically becomes visible around local midnight. Note: this is an astronomical midnight - which may be an hour or two different from the civil or the “ wall clock “ midnight due to daylight savings time and/or peculiarities in your time zone. Spectacular Aurora displays due to geomagnetic disturbance may be seen at any time when the sky is dark, but they are relatively unpredictable. Under average conditions, observations around local midnight are most likely to yield results. Q: What are the Temperatures in the Northern Regions A: The average daily temperatures in February/March are approximately +20/-30 - equivalent to –8/-33 degrees Celsius.

Q: How to observe the Aurora A: If you follow our recommendations you should be able to enjoy some pleasant Aurora viewing.

  • A: Ensure - that you be there when the action begins. Because more often than not, the show picks up very quickly and also fades out as quickly as it started! Most of the auroras are out only about 2 to max 10 minutes at ones.
  • A: Be Patient - this is maybe the most important thing in aurora viewing. If the show starts, it's always worth. Seeing a full-blown aurora show is just an indescribable experience.
  • A: Experience - this is maybe the second most important (human) factor in aurora viewing. If you are first patient and then successful in seeing auroras, the direct consequence is that you will gain of course - experience. After a while you will begin to recognize what the aurora is doing, in which phase it is and so on. And the most important thing - You will learn how a weak aurora looks like!!! Because, even that we are hoping to see a bright "eruption phase " aurora, the aurora isn't all the time bright. So the experience will help you to see and determine if there is a weak aurora, which could get brighter in the future! I
  • A: Light Conditions - the primary reason for not seeing an aurora are any city light obstruction or a bright twilight. Our destinations are far away from a city or other light obstruction and therefore should guarantee the best viewing conditions possible.
  • A: Weather - don't think overcast weather prevent you from Aurora viewing. Although often clouds do ruin everything, but at times...you can also get lucky breaks! Another example, during a major aurora storm in 2001 the forecasts and satellite pictures showed that it should be overcast, but it was not. We could see the stars and the aurora through the thin clouds! So, give it a try anyway...it could be worth it!

Q: What causes the Aurora A: Energetic charged particles from the magnetosphere. These particles are electrons and protons that are energized in the near geo-space environment. This energization process draws its energy from the interaction of the Earth's magnetosphere with the solar wind. The magnetosphere is a volume of space that surrounds the Earth. We have this magnetosphere because of Earth's internal magnetic field. This field extends to space until it is balanced by the solar wind.

Q: What is the altitude of the Aurora Borealis A: The bottom edge is typically at 100 km (about 60 miles) altitude. The aurora extends over a very large altitude range. The altitude where the emission comes from depends on the energy of the energetic electrons that make the aurora. The more energy the bigger the punch, and the deeper the electron get into the atmosphere. Very intense aurora from high-energy electrons can be as low as 80 km (50 miles). The top of the visible aurora peters out at about 2-300 km (120-200 miles), sometimes high altitude aurora can be seen as high as 600 km (350 miles). This is about the altitude at which the space shuttle usually flies.

▶ Sun | Solar Wind | Magnetosphere

The solar wind is the outermost atmosphere of our sun. The sun is so hot that it boils off its outer layers, and the result is a constant outward expanding very thin gas. This solar wind consists not of atoms and molecules but of protons and electrons (this is called a plasma). Embedded in this solar wind is the magnetic field of the sun. The density is so low that we may well call it a vacuum. However tenuous it is, when this solar wind encounters a planet, it has to flow around it. When this planet has a magnetic field, the solar wind sees this magnetic field as an obstacle, as protons and electrons cannot move freely across a magnetic field. These charged particles are constrained to move almost always only along the magnetic field. Likewise, when they are forced to move in a specific direction, a magnetic field will move with them or will be bent into the direction of the flow. Whether the magnetic field forces the plasma motion or whether the plasma motion bends the magnetic field depends on the strength of the field and the force of the motion. When the solar wind encounters Earth's magnetic field, it will thus bend the field unless the field gets too strong. The strength of the magnetic field falls off with distance from Earth. The distance at which the solar wind and the magnetic field of the Earth balance each other is about 60,000 km away, or 1/10 of the distance to the moon. The inside of this volume that is bounded by the solar wind is called the magnetosphere. At the interface of the solar wind and the magnetosphere, energy can be transferred into the magnetosphere by a number of processes. Most effective is a process called reconnection. When the magnetic field in the solar wind and the magnetic field of the magnetosphere are anti-parallel, the fields can melt together, and the solar wind can drag the magnetospheres field and plasma along. This is very efficient in energizing magnetospheres plasma. Eventually, the magnetosphere responds by dumping electrons and protons into the high latitude upper atmosphere where the energy of the plasma can be dissipated. This then results in aurora. Here is an animation (1.6Mb) that illustrates this process.

▶ Alaska and Canada Northern Lights Viewing | Photo Support

Q: How do I take the best pictures A: For the first -time or for seasoned aurora photographer, a 35 mm camera on a tripod equipped with a cable release is a must. Use a wide-angle 24 mm to 50 mm lens and set it to an f-stop which is the fastest – or one slower to avoid distortion of bright star images – usually f/1.4 – f/2.8.

  • Exposures of 5 to 15 seconds work well unless the aurora is faint or mostly stationary, in which case the exposure time should be doubled. People tend to overexpose their photos, causing the aurora to look washed out. If the aurora is bright, moonlight and city lights should not interfere and can offer an interesting foreground. Never use filters because they could cause internal reflections. If it is very dark, a silhouette of a tree of lit cabin will certainly add to the scene. Video cameras are normally not sensitive enough to successfully record the aurora.
  • Because aurora occurs under clear skies , photographers will often be shooting in temperatures well below zero. Since cold saps camera batteries, it is advisable to use an older camera with mechanical shutter instead of one that is fully automatic. Cold makes plastic brittle, so the cable release should be wired mesh vice plastic. At minus 40 Fahrenheit, all cameras will freeze in less than 10 minutes; before taking it inside to warm, place it in a zip-lock plastic bag to reduce condensation.
  • Tape the lens to infinity so that it doesn’t slip and cause your images to be out of focus. Don’t try for a 37th exposure; it might break the film, and it is best to overexpose your first frame on the roll so that the film processor knows where to start cutting your negatives. Wind your finished roll of film slowly so that it doesn’t shatter or cause static buildup – this may appear as scratch. While Kodak film processing mailers are generally reliable, it may be worth the extra cost to have the film processed through a custom photo lab. Going the custom lab route will save the film from being lost in the mail or scratched in an automated process.
  • Slower speed film (print or slide) has better gain resolution ; making for a sharper image when enlarged. Thus it may be too slow to record the fine detail structure of the aurora.
  • Medium-speed color film (200 /400 ASA) works as well. Purists insist on slide film. You can try a faster film, but keep in mind that graininess and color quality tend to decrease with increasing film speed. We recommend using 400-speed film is a good compromise between detail and quality of the image.
  • Different films will emphasize different colors of the aurora, so experimentation is advisable. Bracketing your exposures (05 seconds, 10 seconds and 15 seconds) will give you the characteristics of the film. Even in a roll of 36 exposures, there are only a few shots that are acceptable to me.

Q: Can I videotape the Aurora A: Videotaping the aurora generally takes highly specialized video equipment. Generally – camcorders are not sensitive enough to see the aurora, though a few will record a faint, smoky image given a sufficiently bright aurora. Your best bet for video showing the color and motion of the aurora is to purchase a professionally – recorded tape such as one distributed form the Geophysical Institute in Fairbanks. Thus, some home video cameras are capable of picking up bright auroras. In particular, a camera rated at for example: less than one-lux sensitivity has captured – faintly and colorlessly a bright auroral arc. Many cameras which have special features such as digital zoom and / or vibration compensation are much less sensitive and will not show the aurora. The most annoying problem with home video cameras in low-light situations is their inability to focus. If your camera has a focus-lock button, you may be able to focus on a distant, brightly-lit object, and lock the focus then see if you can pick up the moon or perhaps catch a hint of an extremely bright aurora. Just don’t expect much, because home video cameras aren’t designed to do low-light recording.

Q: Do you have any Aurora Photography Tips A: When you do your research for shooting the aurora, you’ll find pluses and minuses for going when a full moon is present.  On the minus side is if the lights that night are somewhat faint, the brightness of the moon’s reflection of the sun can fade them out.  On the other hand, a full moon can be used to illuminate objects in the foreground.  Many aurora shots include buildings with lights on inside to provide an interesting foreground subject.  Depending on your shooting location, this feature might not be available.  However, a full moon will help light up anything you have in front of you, no matter where you are.  Because shots are done for at least six to eight seconds and up to fifteen seconds or more (depending on your shutter and ISO settings), the full moon will do a great job of making what would otherwise be a silhouette into a well-lit subject.  Conversely, if you choose to go when there isn’t a full moon, a strong flash can be helpful in popping light onto a foreground subject.

▶ More about Northern Lights Tour Packages

Q: Flights to Alaska A: Alaska -, Continental -, United -, Delta Airlines and US Airways are providing multiple flight connections daily to Anchorage and Fairbanks from the lower 48's. For current rates please refer to: >> Alaska Airlines or other airlines and any ticket reservation systems of your choice. Sorry, but we do not provide a reservation service for airlines tickets. Accordingly our advertised tour rates do not include any flights to/from Alaska.

Q: Recommended Clothing A: We recommend fleece or heavy wool sweaters, down jackets or similar cold weather gear with attached hood, gloves, sun glasses, swimsuit, wool shirts, cotton or thermal underwear, mittens, sturdy winter boots, lip balsam, moisturizing cream. Winter gear and clothing may be rented at your local outdoor stores or at REI - Recreational Equipment INC - in Anchorage (please contact the stores directly) 

Q: Meals A: Meals are not included in our tours (except as otherwise stated within each "Tour Included" section) The cities of Fairbanks and Anchorage are providing a large number of restaurants in all categories. Our lodges and resorts are providing a dining room or a full service restaurant with a extended food and drink selection.

Q: Sightseeing Tours A: Sightseeing tours are not included in our tour packages (except as otherwise stated within each "Tour Included" section) Thus, we do offer a variety of optional tours. Please contact us or simply check our websites.

Q: How far in advance should I make a Reservation A: This is hard to predict but if you travel during: (1) New Moon Dates (2) Public Holidays (3) Long Weekends (4) Alaska Events etc. tours are most likely sold out and it will be virtually impossible to materialize a last minute request. Accordingly it is highly advisable to book as early as possible.

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denali national park northern lights tour

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denali national park northern lights tour

TheTravel

7 National Parks Where You Might See The Northern Lights

  • The Northern Lights can be seen in several US national parks, providing a surprising alternative to traveling abroad.
  • To ensure a great view, find locations with minimal light pollution and check the Kp Index for optimal viewing times.
  • Acadia National Park, Denali National Park, Glacier National Park, Isle Royale National Park, North Cascades National Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and Voyageurs National Park are all recommended for viewing the Northern Lights.

When people think about witnessing the Northern Lights in person, many think that they have to take a trip out of the United States to see them. With them being the most visible in places like Iceland, which includes the Northern Lights as one of their tourist attractions , Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Canada, and even parts of Greenland, it makes sense that this is what is believed. However, there are places in North America where the Northern Lights can be seen , including several spectacular Northern Lights displays in the US —a fact among many facts that surprise people about the lights .

There are several locations where the Northern Lights are visible in the States, but there are a couple of requirements to ensure a great view of the lights. One requirement is that there is no light pollution to see the "beautiful dancing waves of light" that are caused when "energized particles from the sun" make contact with the Earth's magnetic field can be seen. The second is to check the Kp Index , based on a 0 to 9 scale with 9 being the most visible, to determine the best night and the time to see the colors in the sky change from green to purple or even pink. And one of the best places to witness this solar phenomenon is at one of several national parks.

Here are national parks in the United States where people might see the Northern Lights.

RELATED: 10 Best Places To See The Northern Lights Around The World

Acadia National Park, Maine

From august to october at any location on the east side of mount desert island.

While it has yet to reach the distinction of being an International Dark Sky Park, Acadia National Park can boast that it has some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. Because of this, it makes for a great park for star gazing and seeing the Northern Lights, with a KP Index of 4 to 5.

When visiting the park to see aurora borealis, the best location to be is on the east side of Mount Desert Island. This ensures the least amount of light pollution from the neighboring town of Bar Harbor is kept to a minimum.

Some of the best spots to witness the Northern Lights include :

  • Jordan Pond
  • Cadillac Mountain

While there is the Acadia Night Sky Festival that takes place every September, which may offer the best chance of viewing the Northern Lights, they can be witnessed anywhere between August and October .

  • Entry Fee: $6.00 per vehicle
  • Best Time To See The Northern Lights: August to October
  • Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, Ocean Path, Seawall, Cadillac Mountain

Denali National Park, Alaska

From august through april from denali viewpoint south.

With portions of Alaska having the same latitude as areas in Russia, Norway, Finland, and other countries where the Northern Lights are seen constantly, it makes sense that Denali National Park would offer amazing views of the spectacular light show as well.

In Alaska, August through April is known as the "Aurora Season." This is because the Northern Lights are the most visible during those months of the year, with a Kp Index of 1 to 3.

When visiting the park at night, the best place to see the Northern Lights is at Denali Viewpoint South . From this location, the Northern Lights will be seen over the top of Mt. McKinley, offering a truly unique view for those who visit.

If hiking into the park is not at the top of the list because of cold temperatures, it is recommended to stay at a lodge that is right near the park. This way, visitors can be awakened by staff when the Northern Lights appear versus braving the cold in the wilderness that is Denali National Park.

  • Entry Fee: $15.00 for adults; Children under 15 years old are free
  • Best Time To See The Northern Lights: August through April
  • Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Denali Viewpoint South

RELATED: These Are The 10 Best Northern Lights Hotels In The US

Glacier National Park, Montana

From september through april from lake mcdonald, looking glass road, or bowman and kintla lake.

Montana is not called Big Sky Country for no reason. With the lack of light pollution that the low population density affords, the state makes for a wonderful place to witness the Northern Lights. Specifically, seeing the aurora borealis at Glacier National Park .

With winter and spring nights longer than summer, September through April is the best time to witness the Northern Lights at Glacier National Park. Unless there is a storm, the nights are clear and crisp, making it the perfect time to see the solar light show in all of its beauty with a Kp Index of 4.

Glacier National Park is rather large, with one million acres of land to boast. As such, knowing where to view the Northern Lights is key before trying to navigate the landscape.

Some of the best places to view the Northern Lights in Glacier National Park include:

  • Lake McDonald
  • Looking Glass Road
  • Bowman Lake
  • Kintla Lake

From these locals, the Northern Lights will shine bright and be a memorable experience for all who witness them.

  • Entry Fee: $35.00 per vehicle, $30.00 per motorcycle, or $20.00 per person
  • Best Time To See The Northern Lights: September through April
  • Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Lake McDonald, Looking Glass Road, Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

From mid-april through october from the north side of the park.

Isle Royale National Park may not ring a bell as a national park for many. This is because it is the least-visited national park in the United States. However, it is also one of the best places to view the Northern Lights from with a Kp Index of 4.

Located near Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park allows visitors to see the Northern Lights from mid-April through October. While it may be possible to see the Northern Lights at other times of the year, it should be noted that the park is closed during the winter due to unpredictable weather and freezing temperatures.

Local experts who have visited the area several times to witness aurora borealis recommend the following locations in Isle Royale National Park to view the Northern Lights :

  • Greenstone Ridge
  • Todd Harbor
  • Little Todd
  • Birch Island

Isle Royale National Park is known for its dense woodland areas. While this makes for a sight of beauty during daylight hours, it can also cause problems with trying to view the Northern Lights at night. As such, the fewer trees on the park's north side, the better.

  • Entry Fee: $7.00 per person; Children under 15 years old are free
  • Best Time To See The Northern Lights: Mid-April through October
  • Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Greenstone Ridge, Todd Harbor, Little Todd, Birch Island, Belle Isle

RELATED: These Are The 10 Best Northern Lights Hotels Around The World

North Cascades National Park, Washington

From september to april at diablo lake overlook and washington pass.

With its proximity to Seattle, it might be believed that North Cascades National Park would be filled with too much light pollution to view the Northern Lights. But the one-hour trek outside the city proves to be enough to change the landscape completely at night, from the bustling lights of Seattle to the complete darkness and remoteness of the national park.

September through April promises the best viewing time for the Northern Lights . With a Kp Index of 5 or more, it might be one of the best places in the US to see the colors change in the night sky.

Short hikes out to Diablo Lake Overlook and Washington Pass allow visitors to be enveloped in darkness. And while the best viewing time is in the fall through spring, with the trails always being open and the chance that the Northern Lights could be seen in the summer, there truly is no bad time to visit this lesser-known national park.

  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Best Time To See The Northern Lights: September to April
  • Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Diablo Lake Overlook and Washington Pass

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Year-round from peaceful canyon ranch, wind canyon & more.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is renowned for its open skies that allow visitors to see meteor showers, constellations, and the Milky Way without a telescope. There are even nights when the Northern Lights are visible when the Kp Index is between 4 and 5.

Unlike other national parks, it is possible to see the Northern Lights year-round at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Because of this, it is not unheard of for those visiting the area to listen out for the local weather reports, which include a report on the Kp Index. More often than not, the lights will show themselves "two to three hours after sunset" and can last up to 15 minutes at a time.

While the entire park is a great place to view the Northern Lights, there are some spectacular spots in Theodore Roosevelt National Park to look up at the heavens . Those places include:

  • Peaceful Valley Ranch
  • Wind Canyon
  • Beef Corral Bottom
  • Riverbend Overlook

The park is open 24 hours per day. As such, many take in the sights during the daylight hours and stay for the Northern Lights show at night.

  • Entry Fee: $15.00 per person; $30.00 per vehicle; $25.00 per motorcycle
  • Best Time To See The Northern Lights: Year-round
  • Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Peaceful Valley Ranch, Wind Canyon, Buck Hill, Beef Corral Bottom, Riverbend Overlook

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Between late august and early april from the rainy lake visitors center upper parking lot.

Voyageurs National Park is open year-round and has everything the outdoor enthusiast would want to do both in the summer months and the winter as well. However, for those chasing the Northern Lights and looking for a Kp Index of 4 or higher, the best time to visit is from late August to early April .

With 12 to 14 hours of darkness during the late summer and into spring, the Northern Lights are easy to view. The best places to see them are from the Rainy Lake Visitors Center in the upper parking lot and the Meadwood Road Day Use area . From here, the colors will change from greens to blues, purples, and the occasional pinks. As such, they make for an event to be remembered while visiting Minnesota.

  • Best Time To See The Northern Lights: Late August to early April
  • Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Rainy Lake Visitors Center upper parking lot and Meadowood Road Day Use Area

7 National Parks Where You Might See The Northern Lights

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denali national park northern lights tour

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, more than a mountain.

Denali is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. Travelers along it see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak, 20,310' Denali. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await. Read More

Closed in winter? Not Denali! Winter is a great time to explore the park, whether by foot, ski, snowshoe, bike, or more!

Check on current road status, changes to park operations due to the Pretty Rocks landslide, COVID-19 notices, and more.

Look for wildlife and wilderness during a bus trip in Denali. Most of the sole road is open only to buses during summer (May 20–mid-Sept.).

Rugged wildlife habitats can intimidate even the savviest hiker. Follow these guidelines to enjoy a fun, safe field trip.

Plan an expedition to the top of North America! Find registration instructions, FAQs, mountaineering history, and more.

Learn where you can drive, where you can ride a bus, and where to hike with road maps and trail maps.

Last updated: February 17, 2024

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Contact info, mailing address:.

PO Box 9 Denali Park, AK 99755

907 683-9532 A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller.

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Denali Highway Tundra Fall Colors & Northern Lights

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Alaska Photography Tours & Workshops - Active Photo Tours

Home » Alaska Photo Tours & Workshops » Denali Highway Tundra Fall Colors & Northern Lights

Photographer framing her landscape image with Alaska range foothills reflecting in fog layered lake. Aerial view Redoubt mountain in Alaska Range. © Michael DeYoung

A laska is a fall landscape lover’s dream with potential to capture the essence of the north – the northern lights dancing across a pristine dark sky and reflecting on lakes and ponds. Wild, unspoiled and uncrowded, join a small group as we explore and photograph the vast and sweeping tundra landscapes of the Denali Highway and the Eastern Alaska Range at or near the peak of fall colors.

Jump start your fall color photography season on this unique and intimate Alaskan photo tour created and led by one of Alaska’s most experienced travel and adventure photography teams. Our tour begins and ends in Fairbanks, one of the best places in Alaska to capture the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, in relative comfort. This is a magical time with potential to capture aurora reflections and color on the numerous lakes along our route before they freeze for the winter, and to photograph sunrise on Denali, North America’s tallest peak.

Alaska – an undiscovered and fantastic fall color landscape photo destination without the crowds seen elsewhere.

WHEN: Sep 1 – 7, 2024 (7 Days/6 Nights)

WHERE: Starts & Ends in Fairbanks, AK

FEE: Single Occupancy: $3,795; Double: $3,395 each

DEPOSIT: $500

GROUP LIMIT: 6 – TOUR FULL

WHO: Advanced beginner and above

FITNESS LEVEL: Easy ⓘ

REGISTER BY: June 30, 2024

  • Small group (up to 6 participants) for maximum personal attention and group mobility
  • High top van travel and quaint Alaskan lodging
  • Home-cooked meals included during remote lodge stay (3 nights)
  • Pristine wilderness landscapes: glaciers, rivers, lakes, tundra colors, and big peaks
  • Potential to capture aurora and reflections
  • Potential to photograph Denali, North America’s tallest mountain

WHAT CLIENTS SAY

“Michael and Lauri ran a great Alaska photo tour experience. We saw the aurora, animals and some amazing sunsets and sunrises. Their knowledge of Alaska and the great places to shoot was exceptional. I truly enjoyed the experience.”

– George R. (Santa Fe, NM)

Click on any image for a larger version to display. Hover over any image to pause.

Sunset over the Clearwater Mountains with warm light reflecting off one of the numerous ponds on the tundra of the Denali Highway. © Michael DeYoung

The auroras can be just as active in the fall as they are in winter but without the frozen landscape and bitter cold. To add a little spice, our tour will include chances to view and photograph North America’s highest peak, Denali at 20,320’, from the east and south.

When the auroras are not dancing across the night sky or covered by clouds, we will focus our cameras on a pure visual delight of reds, oranges and golds that make up the endless fall tundra with big open skies and sweeping views of glacier clad peaks of the Eastern Alaska Range. The blazing fall tundra also affords limitless macro and intimate landscape opportunities. If we are fortunate, dustings of snow will add visual interest to the already stunning landscapes of Denali country.

There are many places in the northern latitudes that afford decent and frequent aurora viewing. Fairbanks and Denali country are among them. All locations in northern latitudes regardless of what others may tell you are subject to long periods of cloudy weather even during the dry spring season and nights where the auroras don’t develop due to lack of solar activity. When looking at any aurora tour, go for the destination as much as the aurora potential.

This is why we’ve chosen this route and this time of year to capture the best of two worlds. There is a narrow window beginning in late August and lasting into early September when we see the convergence of two great photo subjects: the height of fall color on the tundra and upper taiga forest below big glacier clad peaks and aurora displays on relatively warm nights (compared to winter) with possible reflections on bodies of open water.

Winter comes early to these parts and usually by early October snow covers the landscape and the lakes are frozen. Snow can fall in late August and anytime afterward on the Denali Highway. Aurora displays increase toward the autumnal equinox but by then, the tundra colors are long gone and the landscape can be blanketed in snow while fall colors are peaking in the lower elevation boreal forests.

South of the Alaska Range, where the Denali Highway is, has a cloudier climate than the north side but potentially better aurora foregrounds based on orientation of the Alaska Range relative to where you will most likely see displays. If the aurora isn’t out we still have a visually stunning landscape to see and photograph. Spectacular displays do occur along the Denali Highway in late August and we’ve been seeing them for years. Every night of this tour, including the arrival and departure days in Fairbanks have potential for aurora viewing and photography. There are nearby lakes to capture aurora and reflections while in Fairbanks.

NOTE: This tour is along the Denali Highway , a 130-mile stretch of improved dirt road that connects the Parks Highway (Cantwell) on the west and the Richardson Highway (Paxson) on the east. It is not the road into Denali National Park. While we would love to run a commercial trip in Denali National Park, the Park Service does not issue commercial use permits for us to take you into the park itself. We could arrange for participants to ride the official park shuttle buses but you do not have much flexibility on the bus, photographically, so we opt not to pursue that option. We’d be happy to help you arrange that trip.

ADDITIONAL NOTES ABOUT THIS TOUR: We are big supporters of sustainable tourism and practitioners of Leave No Trace. As much as possible we support local businesses with a commitment to quality and service. The lodges, B&Bs, restaurants, and even the van rental are all from locally owned businesses. On location, we practice and insist on Leave No Trace principles. Our small groups traveling in one vehicle allow us to minimize our impact and presence. We strive to make our small group maintain a light footprint on the tundra.

We encourage participants to stay an extra day or two at the end of the tour to increase chances for capturing aurora with newfound skills and knowledge of the local area.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • All transportation provided to and from lodging in Fairbanks during tour dates.
  • 6 nights of lodging (sharing cabins may be required at Maclaren River Lodge along the Denali Highway).
  • Meals ONLY during our stay at Maclaren River Lodge.
  • Constructive image critique sessions with post processing instruction and guidance.
  • Michael and Lauri as your guides and instructors.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Transportation to and from your home to Fairbanks, AK
  • Meals (except for the time at Maclaren River Lodge)
  • Gratuities for lodge staff and photo guides
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses

PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is a guideline as weather conditions and northern light forecasts will affect the itinerary.

DAY 1 (SEP 1): ARRIVAL IN FAIRBANKS

Plan to arrive in Fairbanks no later than 3PM. (A free shuttle service from the airport is available by the hotel.) Our group meets at 5PM for introductions and group dinner to go over the details of our adventure.

Alaska is 4 hours earlier than the East Coast. To help you adjust to the difference in time zones, you may wish to arrive a day or two earlier to acclimate. We will be happy to assist you with booking additional lodging in Fairbanks.

DAY 2 (SEP 2): TRAVEL TO REMOTE LODGE – DENALI HIGHWAY

We depart Fairbanks after breakfast and photograph mountain scenics along the way to the Denali Highway, where we will spend the next several days. After checking into our rustic cabins, we will hop in the van and travel to one of several lakes to capture the fall colored tundra vegetation and nearby mountains reflecting in the lakes at last light. After dinner, if the forecast is favorable and participants are willing, we will head out to photograph the Northern Lights.

LOGDING: Participants will most likely need to share a cabin (which has 2 queen beds per cabin and 1 bathroom) as this is a remote lodge with limited capacity. Room assignments will be made on location based on the make up of the group. Couples will have their own cabin as will friends traveling together. We will make our best efforts before pairing up participants of the same gender that do not know each other. Regardless of room sharing status, the lodge is comfortable, warm, dry with an exceptional staff and outstanding meals. Meals at the lodge are included in tour fee.

DAY 3 & 4 (SEP 3 & 4): REMOTE LODGE- DENALI HIGHWAY

We start the morning with a sunrise landscape shoot and return to the lodge for breakfast. We can spend time photographing around the lodge or meet up for an informal image critique session and/or answer any technical or creative technique questions individuals may have. In the afternoon, we head back onto the Denali Highway for more fall color landscapes and sunset photographic opportunities.After dinner, if the forecast is favorable and participants are willing, we will head out to photograph the Northern Lights.

DAY 5 (SEP 5): TRANSFER TO REMOTE CABINS OFF PARKS HIGHWAY –

If we are not out too late the previous night shooting Northern Lights, we’ll start the morning with a sunrise landscape shoot and return to the lodge for breakfast. We’ll check out of our cabins, gather our gear, and travel to our next quaint Alaskan accommodations off the road from the Parks Highway allowing for more photographic opportunities on the western edge of the Denali Highway.

DAY 6 (SEP 6): DENALI VIEWS & PARKS HIGHWAY FALL LANDSCAPES

We start the morning off with an early morning sunrise shoot with views of Denali and other tundra fall landscapes. The rest of the day will be spent shooting other fall landscapes, hopefully ending the day with a sunset shoot of Denali.

DAY 7 (SEP 7): FAIRBANKS – END OF TRIP

We head out early, weather permitting, for some more sunrise views of Denali along the Parks Highway before heading back to Fairbanks around 2:00PM to say our goodbyes and treasure the experience we all just shared.

PLEASE NOTE: While the photo tour officially ends around 2:00PM, we encourage participants to spend an additional night for the opportunity to photograph northern lights in the Fairbanks area, weather permitting. Michael and Lauri will remain in the Fairbanks area to take participants who wish to go out.

GETTING HERE/EXTEND YOUR STAY

The official group meeting location will be at 6:00PM at Sophie Station Suites (1717 University Avenue, Fairbanks AK 99709). Alaska is 4 hours earlier than Eastern Standard Time and 1 hour earlier than Pacific Standard Time so you may want to consider arriving a day or two before to allow yourself time to adjust.

Lodging from Sep 1 – 6 is included in your tour fee. If you plan to arrive earlier and/or stay later you will need to make your own additional reservations. If you wish to stay at the same hotel we reserved for the tour’s first night, you can make reservations online at Sophie Station Suites or calling them at 907.479.3650 and request the Deluxe One Bedroom Suite. Unfortunately, there is no group rate we can extend at this time. We are working to change that.

We strongly recommend making any additional reservations early as hotels can fill quickly.

If you prefer staying at a different hotel or need help in making additional lodging arrangements, we’d be happy to assist.

The Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is a large, visitor-friendly airport with several flights a day. Some of the major airlines that service to Fairbanks include:

  • Alaska Airlines
  • American Airlines

Sun Country Airlines and JetBlue has service to only Ted Steven’s International Airport in Anchorage – not to Fairbanks. However, check the above airlines for a connecting flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks.

There is a 24-hour courtesy shuttle service from the airport to Sophie Station Suites. Please call them upon your arrival at 907.452.1442 to coordinate pickup.

Sophie Station Suites s is approximately 3 miles away (as the roads go) to Fairbanks International Airport.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

WEATHER: Alaska has a harsh climate. While many of us want warm sunny conditions with direct light for our photography day, Mother Nature does not always provide us those conditions. Please do not get discouraged. It is unrealistic to go anywhere, especially Alaska, for only a day or two and expect magical light conditions that produce the kind of images we all seek. Our tour is timed to take place during peak fall with maximum red and gold colors. With careful and creative techniques, it is still possible to get colorful and beautiful landscape images in cloudy weather and even light rain. Remember, often times, bad weather can equate to great photos.

FACILITIES: While this trip is about wilderness landscapes without leaving modern amenities, participants may be in remote locations with no restroom facilities for up to several hours. Please be prepared to answer nature’s call in actual nature if necessary and we always practice Leave No Trace. We will always have bathroom necessities with us and available should the need arise.

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES

PAYMENT TERMS: A minimum deposit is due at registration to reserve your space. Required deposit amount is $500. Final payments, which can be made in installments, are due 90 days prior to tour start date. Invoices for final balances will be emailed to registered participants approximately 120 days prior to tour start date to allow time to spread out making payments.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

When a participant cancels a reserved spot in a regularly scheduled (i.e., non-custom) photo tour, it takes time and effort to fill the vacancy. Please be sure to check your personal schedule well ahead of the dates of the trip to make sure there are no conflicts. If you discover that you will not be able to attend we would very much appreciate knowing this as soon as possible.

The following fee schedule applies:

Because of the unique nature of this workshop, If your cancellation is received more than 120 days prior to the beginning of a tour or workshop, we will refund your registration fee less a 5% of your initial deposit. Any fees paid up to this point, less 5% of your initial deposit, can be applied to another scheduled tour or converted to a private photo tour or private photography instruction session.

As other vendors we book with have limited refund policies, if your cancellation is received less than 120 days prior to the beginning of a tour or workshop, we will retain the entire balance paid to date unless you are able to locate someone who will fill your position.

If the photo workshop or tour is full and someone from the waiting list can take your spot, we will refund your entire balance paid to date less 5% of your initial deposit.

No refund of any fees will be made for cancellations after the tour begins.

TRIP INSURANCE

In the event that a tour must be cancelled due to inadequate enrollment, all registration fees received by us will be refunded in full or, if you prefer, your registration fees paid up to this point can be applied to another scheduled tour or converted to a private photo tour.

We are not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets or lodging arrangements you made in the event of a tour cancellation. Please do not make any travel arrangements until you have received notification that the tour has met its minimal participant requirement which will be known at least 90 days prior to the start date OR consider the purchase of trip insurance.

We highly suggest TravelGuard® or similar travel insurance policies to assist you in case of last minute plan changes and emergencies.

Have a Question About This Tour? Send us an email.

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

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