Chasing the Northern Lights from Anchorage

Anchorage is one of the most accessible cities in the world for chasing the aurora borealis. The Northern Lights are typically visible from late September through March, when nights grow long and dark. Clear skies and a little patience are your best tools — and a base away from downtown light pollution helps enormously.

The Hillside neighborhood, perched above the city, is an excellent launch point. On active nights you can sometimes catch the glow right from the neighborhood, and within a short drive you'll reach darker overlooks toward the Chugach Mountains. The Glen Alps trailhead in Chugach State Park, about ten minutes away, is a local favorite for both aurora viewing and daytime hikes.

During the day, use Anchorage as a hub: Seward and Kenai Fjords are about two and a half hours south, and the Matanuska Glacier is roughly an hour and a half northeast. Return each evening to a warm, quiet retreat at Hillside Haven, keep an eye on the aurora forecast, and step outside when the sky lights up.