Cleary Summit
Cleary Summit offers unparalleled aurora viewing with dark skies and unique experiences like rocket launches, just a short drive from Fairbanks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime aurora viewing season
Cleary Summit
Best Time
Prime aurora viewing season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cleary Summit offers unparalleled aurora viewing with dark skies and unique experiences like rocket launches, just a short drive from Fairbanks.
"The aurora started to reveal itself at 12:20 AM. We spent the next few hours taking photos in the open air, braving temperatures around 0°C."
Turn Off Headlights! 🚗
Essential for aurora viewing. Park and immediately switch off your headlights to avoid light pollution.
Patience is a Virtue 🙏
The aurora operates on its own schedule. Be prepared to wait, especially in cold temperatures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Aurora Borealis Dance
Cleary Summit
Witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the Northern Lights painting the Alaskan sky in vibrant greens and purples.
Rocket Launch Spectacle
Cleary Summit
Experience the thrill of a rocket launch against the backdrop of the aurora.
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Cozy Cabin Stays
Cleary Summit
Enjoy the magic of the aurora from the comfort of a warm, private cabin.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Aurora
Dress for Arctic Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Turn Off Headlights! 🚗
Essential for aurora viewing. Park and immediately switch off your headlights to avoid light pollution.
Patience is a Virtue 🙏
The aurora operates on its own schedule. Be prepared to wait, especially in cold temperatures.
Layer Up for the Cold 🥶
Temperatures can drop significantly. Wear multiple warm layers, including a hat and gloves.
Camera Settings for Aurora 📸
Use night mode with a 10-second exposure on your phone for great shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
Turn Off Headlights! 🚗
Essential for aurora viewing. Park and immediately switch off your headlights to avoid light pollution.
Patience is a Virtue 🙏
The aurora operates on its own schedule. Be prepared to wait, especially in cold temperatures.
Layer Up for the Cold 🥶
Temperatures can drop significantly. Wear multiple warm layers, including a hat and gloves.
Camera Settings for Aurora 📸
Use night mode with a 10-second exposure on your phone for great shots.
Check Aurora Forecasts 📱
Utilize apps like Aurora Tracker and monitor the Kp Index for viewing chances.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cleary Summit as an exceptional location for aurora viewing, praising its dark skies and accessibility. While the cold and unpredictable nature of the aurora are noted challenges, the breathtaking displays and unique experiences like rocket launches make it a highly rewarding destination.
"We utilised several apps to monitor the aurora situation. According to the University of Alaska, the Kp Index reached 4 around midnight, indicating a medium appearance. Meanwhile, Aurora Tracker showed that the chances of seeing the aurora at Cleary Summit were average from 9 PM to 3 AM. On the other hand, AccuWeather predicted a cloud cover of 97-100%, with snow expected during the day.
Despite that unfavourable situation on that 28th September night, we still went to Cleary Summit to search for the aurora. We arrived at 8 PM and waited for several hours. Around midnight, I stepped out of the car and gazed up at the sky. To our delight, the stars were visible, and the clouds were parting, giving us hope that the aurora might soon appear. And indeed, the aurora started to reveal itself at 12:20 AM. We spent the next few hours taking photos in the open air, braving temperatures around 0°C. We felt incredibly fortunate as the aurora continued to dance above us until 2:30 AM, creating an unforgettable experience."
halistya pramana
"Great place to see northern lights, spacious, dark enough and away from any city lights. These pics are from 16 sept night."
Narender kumar
"Out of the 5 nights we got to experience the northern lights on our trip to Fairbanks, 4 of them took place here at Cleary Summit. Make sure to turn your headlights off immediately after parking! Words can’t describe how beautiful the lights are. We saw between KP1 and KP5 up here and all of them were amazing. Some nights they are directly overhead. Light pollution is almost nonexistent on this summit. Parking can get quite limited if the forecast is good however most nights we got a front row seat. Amazing area to park your car and leave the heat on for an escape from the cold. One of the coolest sights we have seen in our lives took place here. Only a short 35 minute drive from Fairbanks. Definitely a must do if you want to experience the lights in all of their glory."
Aliza Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cleary Summit is located about 35 minutes northeast of Fairbanks. The drive is generally accessible, but a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, especially during snowy conditions.
The road is considered more accessible than other viewing spots like Murphy Dome. However, winter conditions can make it challenging, so a 4WD vehicle is advised.
Public transportation options to Cleary Summit are limited. Renting a car or booking a guided aurora tour that includes transportation is the most practical way to get there.
Many visitors opt for a rental car, preferably a 4WD, for flexibility. Alternatively, guided aurora tours offer convenience and local expertise.
Drive cautiously, especially at night. Be aware of potential ice patches and ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter driving. Turning off headlights immediately upon arrival is crucial for viewing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cleary Summit itself is a viewing area and does not typically have an entrance fee. However, if you book a cabin or lodge, there will be accommodation costs.
Cleary Summit is accessible for aurora viewing at any time of night, especially during the aurora season. There are no set operating hours for the viewing area itself.
For general aurora viewing at the summit, no advance booking is required. If you plan to stay in a cabin or lodge, booking well in advance is highly recommended.
The main restriction is to be mindful of light pollution by turning off vehicle headlights. Respect the natural environment and other visitors.
While the primary draw is nighttime aurora viewing, Cleary Summit can be visited during the day for its scenic views. However, most activities are geared towards nighttime.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
The aurora often peaks in brightness between midnight and 3 AM. However, sightings can occur anytime from dusk till dawn, depending on solar activity.
Expect a large, dark parking lot away from city lights, ideal for aurora viewing. It can get very cold, so be prepared with warm clothing.
Basic facilities like a parking lot are available. For comfort, consider booking a cabin or lodge nearby, or bring your own seating and warm drinks.
Absolutely! Cleary Summit is a fantastic spot for aurora photography. Using a tripod and a camera with manual settings is recommended for best results.
Chances depend on solar activity and cloud cover. Monitoring aurora forecast apps and checking the Kp Index can help predict viewing opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
For smartphones, use night mode with a 10-second exposure. For DSLRs, a wide-angle lens, manual focus set to infinity, aperture of f/2.8 or wider, and ISO between 800-3200 with a shutter speed of 10-25 seconds are recommended.
Yes, a tripod is essential for sharp aurora photos, especially with longer exposure times. This prevents camera shake.
A wide-angle lens (14-24mm) with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider) is ideal for capturing the expansive aurora displays.
Turn off your vehicle's headlights immediately after parking. If you need to use lights, use a red-filtered flashlight to preserve night vision.
Avoid using flash, relying solely on auto mode, and not using a tripod. Also, be patient and wait for the aurora to become more active.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Dress in extreme layers: Ensure children are bundled up even warmer than adults. Consider renting snowsuits if needed.
* Bring warm drinks and snacks: Hot chocolate and easy-to-eat snacks can make waiting in the cold more bearable for kids.
* Consider a guided tour: Some tours offer heated vans or cabins, providing a comfortable base for aurora viewing.
* Manage expectations: Aurora sightings are not guaranteed. Focus on the overall experience of being in Alaska during winter.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography essentials:
* Tripod: Absolutely crucial for long exposures to keep your camera steady.
* Wide-angle lens: To capture the expansive sweep of the aurora across the sky.
* Manual camera settings: Learn to control ISO, aperture, and shutter speed for optimal results.
* Extra batteries: Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly.
* Smartphone tips: If using a phone, utilize night mode with a 10-second exposure for impressive shots.
🌌 Aurora Chasers
Chaser's advice:
* Monitor forecasts religiously: Use multiple aurora apps and websites to track solar activity and cloud cover.
* Be prepared for long waits: The aurora can be elusive. Patience is key, and being comfortable in the cold for hours is part of the experience.
* Turn off all lights: Headlights, interior lights, and even phone screens can detract from the viewing experience for others.
* Explore different viewing spots: While Cleary Summit is excellent, consider nearby areas if conditions change.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Chasing the Aurora Borealis
Success in aurora viewing hinges on a combination of factors: solar activity, clear skies, and darkness. While the aurora can technically be seen year-round, the long, dark nights of Alaskan winter (late August through April) provide the best opportunities. Many travelers utilize aurora forecast apps and monitor the Kp Index, a measure of geomagnetic activity, to gauge the likelihood of a sighting.
When the aurora does appear, it's often a breathtaking and emotional experience. Many visitors describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime event, with some even capturing meteors streaking across the sky simultaneously.
Experiencing Cleary Summit Cabins
These cabins provide a warm refuge from the frigid Alaskan temperatures, allowing you to enjoy the aurora for extended periods without the discomfort of extreme cold. Imagine waking up in a cozy igloo-like structure and stepping outside to a sky ablaze with color.
Booking these cleary summit cabins is highly recommended, especially during peak aurora season, as they tend to fill up quickly. They offer a blend of adventure and comfort, making the pursuit of the Northern Lights an unforgettable part of your Alaskan journey.
Beyond the Aurora: Unique Events
+1 These launches, often conducted at night, provide a spectacular visual of a rocket ascending into the sky, sometimes even against the backdrop of the aurora itself. Witnessing a rocket launch is a rare and thrilling experience, described by some as 'hooking' them on the spectacle.
+1 The combination of a scientific endeavor with the natural wonder of the aurora creates a truly unforgettable memory. This adds a unique dimension to visiting Cleary Summit, appealing to those interested in science, space, and extraordinary natural phenomena. +1While not a regular occurrence, these events highlight the dynamic nature of Cleary Summit as a destination. It's a place where natural beauty meets human innovation, offering visitors a chance to witness something truly out of the ordinary.
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