Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the world's best locations for viewing the Northern Lights. Located at 64.8°N latitude, directly under the auroral oval, Fairbanks offers exceptional viewing opportunities with over 240 nights per year of potential aurora activity.
With its inland location, Fairbanks experiences clearer skies than coastal areas, and its position in the auroral zone means you can see the Northern Lights even during moderate geomagnetic activity (Kp 2-3). The city's dark sky locations provide optimal viewing conditions away from light pollution.
CHECK CURRENT CONDITIONSElevated location 20 miles north of Fairbanks. Excellent 360-degree views with minimal light pollution.
Highest accessible point near Fairbanks. Requires 4WD in winter but offers spectacular panoramic views.
60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. Dark skies and warm viewing opportunities make this a popular destination.
Cleary Summit is one of the most popular and accessible aurora viewing locations near Fairbanks. Located approximately 20 miles north of the city on the Steese Highway, this elevated location offers excellent 360-degree views of the sky with minimal light pollution from Fairbanks.
The summit sits at an elevation of about 2,200 feet, providing clear views of the northern horizon where aurora typically appears. The location features a large parking area that can accommodate multiple vehicles, making it popular with both tour groups and independent viewers. Restroom facilities are available, though they may be closed during extreme cold.
Easily accessible year-round by standard vehicles. The Steese Highway is well-maintained, though winter driving requires caution. Parking is free and available 24/7.
Elevated position provides excellent views. Minimal light pollution. Large parking area. Popular location means you're not alone, which can be reassuring for safety.
Murphy Dome, located approximately 25 miles northwest of Fairbanks, is the highest accessible point in the area at 2,930 feet elevation. This elevation provides spectacular panoramic views and places you above much of the atmospheric interference that can affect lower-elevation viewing locations.
The road to Murphy Dome (Murphy Dome Road) is accessible by standard vehicles in summer but may require 4WD or AWD in winter, especially after snowfall. The final approach involves a steep climb, and conditions can be challenging. However, the reward is some of the best aurora viewing in the Fairbanks area, with minimal light pollution and excellent sky visibility.
Requires 4WD/AWD in winter. Road can be challenging after snowfall. Not recommended for inexperienced winter drivers. Summer access is easier with standard vehicles.
Highest elevation provides best views. Minimal light pollution. Less crowded than Cleary Summit. Excellent for photography with unobstructed horizons.
Chena Hot Springs Resort, located 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, is one of Alaska's most iconic aurora viewing destinations. The resort offers accommodations, hot springs, and excellent aurora viewing opportunities. The remote location provides dark skies, and the resort's Aurora Ice Museum and viewing areas are popular with visitors.
The resort offers guided aurora tours and has dedicated viewing areas. The combination of warm accommodations, hot springs for warming up, and excellent viewing conditions makes it a popular choice for aurora chasers. However, it's more expensive than day-trip locations and requires advance booking during peak season.
Accessible by standard vehicles year-round via Chena Hot Springs Road. Well-maintained road. Resort facilities available. Requires advance booking for accommodations.
Warm accommodations nearby. Hot springs for comfort. Guided tours available. Excellent dark sky conditions. Iconic Alaskan experience.
Ester Dome, located west of Fairbanks, offers another elevated viewing option. While less popular than Cleary Summit or Murphy Dome, it provides good views with less crowding. The location is accessible via standard vehicles, though winter conditions can be challenging.
This location is popular with locals who want to avoid the crowds at more well-known spots. The elevation provides good sky visibility, and the western location offers different perspectives on aurora displays. However, facilities are minimal, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.
Olnes Pond, located north of Fairbanks, offers a peaceful viewing location with water reflections that can create stunning aurora images. The location is accessible and less crowded than summit locations, making it ideal for photographers seeking unique compositions.
The pond provides opportunities for reflection shots, where aurora appears both in the sky and reflected in the water. This creates dramatic, symmetrical compositions that are highly sought after by photographers. The location is accessible year-round, though ice conditions in winter affect reflection opportunities.
Haystack Mountain, located further from Fairbanks, offers a more remote viewing experience. This location requires more planning and preparation but provides excellent dark sky conditions and minimal light pollution. The remote location means you'll likely have the viewing area to yourself.
Access requires 4WD in winter and good navigation skills. The remote location means no facilities, so bring all necessary supplies including emergency equipment. This location is best for experienced aurora chasers who are comfortable with remote Alaskan conditions and have proper winter driving experience.
Fairbanks area roads vary significantly in winter conditions. Main highways like the Steese Highway (to Cleary Summit) and Chena Hot Springs Road are generally well-maintained and accessible by standard vehicles year-round. However, conditions can change rapidly with weather.
Elevated locations like Murphy Dome and Ester Dome may require 4WD or AWD in winter, especially after fresh snowfall. Always check current road conditions before heading out. The Alaska Department of Transportation provides road condition information online. Carry emergency supplies including blankets, food, water, and communication devices.
Aurora viewing in Alaska's winter requires careful attention to safety. Sub-zero temperatures can be dangerous, especially during extended viewing sessions. Dress in layers, bring hand warmers, and have a warm vehicle nearby for breaks. Frostbite can occur quickly in extreme cold.
Wildlife, particularly moose, can be encountered near viewing locations, especially at dawn and dusk. Keep a safe distance and be aware of your surroundings. Some viewing locations are remote with limited cell phone coverage, so inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
Peak viewing hours in Fairbanks are typically 10 PM to 2 AM Alaska time, though displays can begin as early as 6 PM during active periods and continue until dawn. The long winter nights (14-18 hours of darkness in peak season) provide multiple viewing windows throughout the evening and early morning.
Fairbanks sees aurora activity on approximately 4-5 nights per week during peak season (November-February), weather permitting. The combination of long nights, clear skies (60-70% clear nights in interior Alaska), and high aurora frequency makes Fairbanks one of the world's most reliable aurora viewing locations.
Fairbanks' inland location provides clearer skies than coastal areas like Anchorage. The continental climate means less cloud cover and more reliable viewing conditions. However, weather can still be a factor, so always check cloud cover forecasts before heading out.
Winter temperatures in Fairbanks regularly reach -20°F to -40°F, with occasional periods even colder. These extreme temperatures require proper preparation, but they often coincide with the clearest skies. The cold, dry air provides excellent visibility and minimal atmospheric interference, creating optimal conditions for viewing aurora displays.
Peak viewing hours are typically 10 PM to 2 AM Alaska time. Fairbanks sees aurora activity on clear nights from late August through early April.
Many viewing locations are accessible by car year-round. Some higher elevation spots may require 4WD vehicles during winter months.
Fairbanks' inland location provides clearer skies than coastal areas. Check cloud cover forecasts and be prepared for cold temperatures (-20°F to -40°F in winter).