Discover the magic of the Northern Lights from inside a cozy Mongolian yurt in Fairbanks, Alaska. Enjoy warm drinks, local stories, and unobstructed views of the aurora in this unique 2-hour experience.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the experience involves mostly sitting inside the yurt and gentle walking outdoors.
Wildlife
History
Fairbanks is situated beneath the Auroral Oval, a zone with the most frequent aurora activity on Earth, making it a historic hotspot for northern lights observation.
Conservation
The tour minimizes environmental impact by restricting group sizes and providing cold-weather gear to avoid visitors needing additional warm shelter fires outdoors.
Last Frontier Mushing Co-op
Discover the magic of the Northern Lights from inside a cozy Mongolian yurt in Fairbanks, Alaska. Enjoy warm drinks, local stories, and unobstructed views of the aurora in this unique 2-hour experience.
Last Frontier Mushing Co‑op operates from the Chena River Valley just outside Fairbanks, Alaska, offering seasonal and year‑round outdoor experiences led by local mushers and guides. The co‑op provides a range of small‑group and private tours focused on dog sledding on the historic Yukon Quest trail, off‑road UTV nature tours, kennel demonstrations, and intimate aurora‑viewing evenings in a wood‑fired Mongolian yurt.
Winter programs feature family‑friendly 30‑minute and 1‑hour private mushing options, longer evening and midnight aurora runs, and a signature Aurora Special Package that pairs night mushing with yurt warmth and local treats. Each sledding tour includes hands‑on time with Alaskan Huskies, scenic photo stops on frozen lakes, and careful attention to team welfare. Summer and fall offerings include a 1.5‑hour Kennel Tour & Mushing Demo, dry‑land mushing activities, and narrated UTV rides through berry‑rich trails in the Chena River Valley.
Safety, dog welfare, and authentic storytelling are central to the co‑op’s approach. Experienced guides maintain small groups to minimize stress on the dogs and maximize guest interaction, while also providing local history, trail stories, and practical tips for photography and comfort in Arctic conditions. Visitors seeking both adrenaline and cultural insight into Alaskan mushing traditions will find tailored options, private departures, and accessible experiences suitable for families, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Location
Chena River Valley
About 40 minutes from Fairbanks
Signature Teams
Alaskan Huskies
Hands‑on time with friendly dogs
Tours Offered
9 experiences
Private and small‑group options
Seasonal Range
Summer–Winter
Kennel tours to aurora nights
Secure a private mushing, UTV tour, or yurt aurora night—small groups, expert guides, and memorable moments await.
Dress in layers for warmth
Wear multiple insulated layers and bring thermal undergarments to stay comfortable in temperatures that can drop below freezing.
Bring a camera tripod
A sturdy tripod is crucial for capturing sharp long-exposure photos of the Northern Lights from the viewing area.
Arrive punctual at meeting point
Plan to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the tour starts; earlier arrivals will encounter a closed gate.
Use hand and toe warmers
Carry hand and toe warmers to maintain dexterity and extend camera battery life during the cold night.
Insulated winter jacket
Keeps you warm during cold nights while outdoors viewing the aurora.
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Camera with manual settings
Allows you to capture stunning long-exposure aurora photographs.
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Sturdy tripod
Prevents camera shake for clear night sky shots.
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Thermal gloves
Protects hands from cold while handling camera equipment and outdoors.
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