The Northern Lights are one of the most incredible natural phenomena on earth. These beautiful ribbons of color in the sky can be seen in the far northern reaches of the continent, and many people come to Anchorage, Alaska, to see the awe-inspiring sight for themselves.

A Northern Lights Alaska trip is something you will never forget. Of course, for a truly breathtaking experience, you'll want to research the best time to see The Northern Lights and the locations where the view will be the clearest. Start your journey at the Historic Anchorage Hotel, and we'll gladly help you see more than a few of these wondrous sights during your visit.

Anchorage, Alaska for Viewing the Aurora Borealis

The best places to see the Northern Lights are (as you might guess) in the far northern regions of the continent. Anchorage, Alaska, is close to many of the best viewing locations, just a short drive away from beautiful parks and dark skies where the Aurora Borealis can be most clearly seen.

Anchorage offers a wonderful place to rest, explore, and plan your trip out to the clearest viewing locations.

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are an electromagnetic effect that occurs in the Earth's atmosphere. The colors are created when electrically charged particles emitted by the sun hit the earth's magnetosphere. It is a truly unique and wondrous scientific phenomenon that has become celestial art.

The sun's rays emit particles charged with energy. The magnetosphere created by Earth's spinning iron core protects us from those particles and creates the Aurora Borealis effect. In other words, when our planetary shields are working, beautiful light ribbons in the sky are an awesome side effect.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights

The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September and April. The lights are most active around each year's Equinox, and the winter season provides the darkest skies for the clearest viewing.

Visibility Factors

• Weather: Check the weather for clear skies.
• Solar Activity: Watch the solar reports for the most active days. This is when the brightest and most colorful Aurora Borealis will be visible.

Prime Locations for Aurora Viewing in Anchorage

Anchorage is at the heart of many of the best places to see the Northern Lights. You can see them in the city, but you'll get the clearest view if you head to the national parks and trailheads.

• Glen Alps: The parking lot of the Glen Alps Trailhead has a high elevation and a big, clear view of the sky.
• Point Woronzof: Point Woronzof is a coastal park that has amazing northern exposure to the Alaska sky.
• Knik River Valley: The Knick River drainage area has a clear mountain-free view of the northern expanse, where you can see some amazing lights.
• Eagle River Nature Center: Follow Eagle River Road to the entrance of Chugach State Park. You'll find the Nature Center and a great isolated space to see the Aurora Borealis.

Historic Anchorage Hotel: Your Aurora Viewing Base

The best place and time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is out in an open space away from the city glow. But you'll need a warm, cozy place to call home during your visit. The Historic Anchorage Hotel is your perfect Aurora viewing basecamp where you can plan trips out to the nearby parks and catch some amazing views of the beautiful colors as they dance across the sky. The Aurora Borealis awaits, and we'd love to help you see this wonder in all its glory.

Contact us today to book a luxurious suite and plan your Aurora viewing trip.

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