Northern Lights tour Hatchers Pass with photographer guide

Drive into the mountains, watch for auroras, photograph the sky

This Northern Lights tour departs Anchorage and drives two hours into Hatchers Pass, a turn-of-the-century mining site at nearly 4,000 feet elevation where you watch for auroras and set up cameras with a local guide and award-winning photographer. The guide uses professional aurora-tracking tools and live weather data to maximize your chances of seeing the lights, and will help you capture shots with your phone or camera; if conditions aren't favorable, you can cancel in advance. Private transportation and parking are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights viewing at Hatchers Pass

• Depart from Anchorage
• Drive through mountains to Hatchers Pass
• Learn about Alaska history and industries
• Watch for auroras and set up cameras
• Photograph Northern Lights
• Return to Anchorage

The Experience

The drive from Anchorage to Hatchers Pass takes about two hours through the mountains, and the guide shares Alaska's history, industries and wildlife along the way. Once you arrive at the old mining site, the high elevation and open skies give you some of the best odds of spotting the Northern Lights. You'll set up cameras and watch the sky while the guide uses real-time weather data and aurora-tracking tools to read conditions and position the group for the best view.

If the aurora forecast looks poor, the guide will tell you before you leave Anchorage and give you the option to cancel. When conditions are favorable, you'll have time to photograph the lights with your own camera or phone, and the guide will offer tips on framing and settings. Small groups stay under ten people, so there's room to move around and set up without crowding.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Anchorage.
• parking fees.
• real-time aurora tracking and weather guidance.
• photography tips for phone or camera.
• stories about Alaska's history, industries and wildlife.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Kelley Thompson

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Anchorage without a car or prefer not to drive at night in unfamiliar terrain. The guide handles the two-hour mountain drive and uses professional aurora-tracking tools to find the best viewing spot, so you show up and watch the sky instead of hunting for conditions yourself.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How far is Hatchers Pass from Anchorage, and how long does the drive take?

Hatchers Pass is about two hours from Anchorage by car, heading into the mountains. The guide shares stories about Alaska's history and industries during the drive, so the time passes quickly.

What makes Hatchers Pass a good place to see the Northern Lights?

Hatchers Pass sits at nearly 4,000 feet elevation and has wide open skies with minimal light pollution. The higher elevation and clear sightlines give you some of the best chances to spot the auroras.

What if the Northern Lights don't show up?

The guide checks aurora forecasts and real-time weather data before you leave Anchorage. If conditions aren't favorable, you'll be notified in advance and given the option to cancel.

Can I bring my own camera, or do I need special equipment?

You can photograph the lights with your own camera or phone. The guide will help you capture shots and share tips on settings and framing to get the best results.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

Yes, private transportation from Anchorage is included in the tour. The guide picks you up and handles all driving to and from Hatchers Pass.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide leads tours in English and Spanish.