Alaskans go for months during the summer without really seeing a true night sky, which means no stargazing or potential to see the northern lights. Now that colder months are here and the night sky is back, here are some of our favorite places to go stargazing.
Southcentral
Flattop Mountain— Visitors and locals alike dreaming of a starry night can stretch their legs with a hike up Flattop Mountain. The moderate hike will bring guests above the light pollution for unparalleled views of the night sky and city skyline.
Hatcher Pass— A drive to Hatcher Pass will lead to impressive views of the night sky away from the lit-up towns of Palmer and Wasilla. Bonus: mountains and mining buildings will paint the backdrop for an epic stargazing night.
Turnagain Arm— Just south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway, the arm features multiple pullouts, allowing vehicles to stop and stretch their legs while watching for shooting stars and searching for constellations while taking in the ocean and mountain views.
Interior
Denali National Park and Preserve — The park offers fall and winter sky views like no other. The area loses daylight in late August and carries through early April, leaving ample opportunities for stargazing and aurora viewing with panoramic mountain views.
Murphy Dome — The Murphy Dome is the highest point near the community of Fairbanks, and it’s known for its incredible northern lights sightings. The scenic, 40-minute drive to the dome offers unobstructed views, perfect for aurora hunting or star searching.
Chena Lake Recreation Area— Located just outside the festive community of North Pole, the Chena Lake Recreation Area has 2,000 acres perfect for searching the night sky. The area has two parks, River Park and Lake Park, that both offer wide-open spaces and pristine waters for a night out looking at the sky. Tip: try one of the many winter trails located in the area for even more views.
