Drive into a winter night to soak in mineral pools beneath dancing aurora. This guided Chena Hot Springs outing pairs an easy transfer from Fairbanks with four hours at the resort and roadside stops for wildlife and aurora photography.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold highway opens into a dark field of spruce; headlights carve a path and the air tightens, bright with a patient kind of winter. By the time the bus eases into Chena Hot Springs Resort, steam rises from concrete pools like a welcoming exhale and the sky waits—green curtains and ripples that can appear with no more warning than a blink.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; suitable for most travelers who can handle short walks on icy ground and sitting outdoors in cold conditions
Wildlife
History
Chena Hot Springs has been used for over a century by travelers and miners; the modern resort grew around thermal research and early 20th-century frontier routes.
Conservation
Visitors should stick to marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow Leave No Trace principles—cold ecosystems recover slowly from impact.
Reserve your spot on the Northern Lights at Chena Hot Springs today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for Arctic swings
Temperatures can swing widely; use breathable base layers, an insulated midlayer and a windproof outer shell to stay comfortable between pools and stargazing.
Protect your camera battery
Cold drains batteries fast—carry spares inside inner pockets and bring a small tripod for long-exposure aurora shots.
Watch footing near pools
Snow and ice can make paths slippery; wear insulated boots with good traction and use handrails when available.
Plan for no cell service
There’s limited to no cell reception at the resort—save pickup details and meeting times offline and arrive at the pickup point early.
Insulated winter boots
Provide traction and warmth on icy paths between transport, pools, and viewing areas.
winter
Tripod and spare batteries
Necessary for stable, long-exposure aurora photography; cold spares keep you shooting.
winter
Layered clothing system
Base, insulating and windproof layers allow quick temperature adjustment after hot-soak breaks.
winter
Headlamp with red light
Hands-free light for short walks around the resort that won’t ruin night vision for aurora viewing.
winter