Anchorage Aurora Photo Tour — Northern Lights Chase from Anchorage
Chase the aurora outside Anchorage on a guided evening tour that prioritizes high-probability nights and offers a free make-up if the lights don’t appear. Ideal for photographers and sightseers, the trip moves to higher-elevation overlooks from Glen Alps to Hatcher Pass to maximize sky visibility.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers and bring windproof outerwear
Night temperatures and wind chill can be extreme—insulated parka, thermal layers, and waterproof boots will keep you focused on the sky, not the cold.
Bring your own tripod and spare batteries
Cold drains batteries quickly and a stable tripod is critical for long exposures; chargers are rarely available at remote stops.
Book multiple nights to improve odds
The aurora is unpredictable; reserve more than one night under the tour’s Reserve Now & Pay Later policy to increase your chance of a sighting.
Plan for variable pickup times
Pickups vary by group size and the night’s route—expect a text or email the day of with exact times and meeting points.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Glen Alps overlook for a city-and-mountain foreground
- •Small roadside pullouts along Knik River at Palmer for unobstructed northern horizons
Wildlife
- •Moose (more often seen near river corridors)
- •Northern owls and foxes around quieter trailheads
Conservation Note
Light pollution management is vital—stick to vehicle lights-off policies at stops and avoid trampling tundra; pack out all trash and stay on designated access routes to protect fragile alpine vegetation.
The Anchorage area has long been home to the Dena'ina people; later 20th-century mining and aviation shaped access routes and small settlements that now serve as aurora viewing corridors.
Photographer's Notes
- • Glen Alps overlook for city-to-mountain compositions
- • Mt. Baldy trailhead ridge for wide northern horizons
- • Hatcher Pass ridgelines for alpine foregrounds
What to Bring
Insulated parka or down jacketEssential
Keeps core temperature stable during long exposures and stationary periods in sub-freezing weather.
Thermal base layers and warm bootsEssential
Layering traps heat and insulated boots prevent numb toes during long stints outside.
Headlamp with red-light modeEssential
Red light preserves night vision while allowing you to change camera settings and move safely.
DSLR or mirrorless camera and tripod
Manual exposure control and a steady tripod are needed to capture sharp aurora images.
Common Questions
Can you guarantee I’ll see the northern lights?
No—visibility depends on solar activity and weather. The operator increases odds by choosing nights with a forecasted chance and offers a free make-up tour if you don’t see the aurora.
Do you provide tripods and photography help?
Yes—guides include tripods, coach camera settings, and assist with composition; bringing your own tripod is recommended for personal control.
What time will I be picked up?
Pickup windows vary by night and group; the operator sends a schedule the day of the tour with exact times, typically between 8 p.m. and midnight.
Is the tour suitable for children and older travelers?
Generally yes—physical demands are low, but it’s not recommended for very young children or travelers with serious heart conditions; infants must sit on laps.
Are restrooms available during the tour?
Basic restroom access may be available at some stops, but expect limited facilities when at remote overlooks; plan accordingly before departure.
What if my hotel is outside Anchorage (e.g., Girdwood or Eagle River)?
The company does not pick up at Alyeska in Girdwood and may not guarantee pickups in Eagle River; guests from those areas are usually directed to a meeting spot in Anchorage.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–6 hours
Location
Anchorage, Alaska
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires the ability to stand or walk short trails in cold conditions and manage your own gear.
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