Watch the northern lights from a heated glass house atop Cleary Summit, with guided transport and on-site photography help. This five‑hour experience blends accessible viewing, warm amenities and expert tips to capture the aurora.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The night opens like a dark stage at Cleary Summit: a small glass house sits on the rim of the highway, its floor-to-ceiling windows framing a wide arc of sky. Inside, warm light, hot cocoa and the quiet click of cameras set the tempo while outside the northern sky readies its show. Visitors move between the comfort of a heated cabin and the cold, open tundra where the aurora can sweep low and vivid.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks in cold conditions and standing outdoors for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
The Cleary Summit area sits along routes developed during the Fairbanks gold rush and later highway expansion; the landscape has long been used by local Athabascan communities.
Conservation
Guides emphasize dark‑sky etiquette and staying on established areas to protect tundra vegetation; visitors are asked to pack out all waste and minimize light pollution.
Reserve your spot on the Aurora Glass House – Northern Lights &Photography @ Cleary Summit today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for Arctic nights
Temperatures can drop quickly—wear a base layer, insulated midlayer and windproof outer shell to stay comfortable during long viewing periods.
Bring a sturdy tripod
Long exposures are key for aurora photography; a solid tripod and a camera that allows manual settings will produce the best images.
Protect batteries from cold
Cold drains batteries fast—keep spares warm in inner pockets and rotate them as needed during the outing.
Watch your footing after dark
Snow, ice and uneven ground are common—bring traction devices for boots and use a red-filtered headlamp to preserve night vision.
Insulated parka and layers
Keeps you warm during long nighttime waits in subarctic temperatures.
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Camera with manual controls
Necessary for long-exposure aurora shots and low-light adjustments.
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Sturdy tripod
Stabilizes the camera for sharp, long-exposure photos of the sky.
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Insulated boots and traction
Keeps feet warm and prevents slips on icy or snowy terrain.
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