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.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 361 reviews
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.
+1
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit