Your Guide to Stargazing in Alaska
Astrotourism, or celestial tourism, is shaping up to be one of the top travel trends of the upcoming years. Stargazing trips have become a popular vacationing choice, especially with the rise of International Dark Sky Places — an organization that works to preserve dark sites and limit artificial light interference around the world — and helpful smartphone apps that guide travelers to find the best view of the night sky.
With isolated landscapes, snow-topped mountain ranges and sparkling reflective lakes, Alaska stargazing is a special experience. If you are wanting to see the night sky in this incredible region for yourself, here is your Alaska stargazing guide.
Best Time of Year to See Stars in Alaska
Every part of Alaska has beautiful year-round scenery, but avoid visiting during the summer solstice if stargazing is your main objective. For approximately two months each year, the sky never quite reaches the level of darkness required for counting stars.
That leaves spring, autumn and winter for stargazing adventures — the season you choose to visit depends on your interests, experience and preferences:
- Spring: If you prefer milder temperatures and seasonal blooms, plan your stargazing trip for early spring. Some places will still have snow and chilly temperatures, but for the most part, you will be comfortable participating in outdoor recreation as long as you are prepared with warm layers.
- Autumn: Autumn offers a nice balance between spring and summer’s longer, brighter days and winter’s optimal viewing conditions — plus, you get the bonus of stunning autumnal foliage. Both rain and snow are possible in autumn, and temperatures range from mild to winter-like, so pack your bags accordingly.
- Winter: Winter in Alaska is not for the faint of heart. It requires a person who does not mind the cold and enjoys the thrill of snowy landscapes and icy surroundings. Though not all of Alaska is blanketed in snow all season long, you can still expect frigid, below-freezing temperatures. However, winter is also the darkest time of year with the shortest days, creating optimal conditions for viewing the Alaska winter stars. It is a breathtaking time to see other natural wonders, too, like the northern lights and glacier formations, perfect for an authentic Alaskan getaway.
Best Places in Alaska for Stargazing
To take in the wonders of the night sky, you want to be far from cities and industrial areas. Look for places that require a drive or hike to access, with elevated banks or lakeside clearings that offer an unobstructed view of the sky.
These are some of the best places to see stars in Alaska.
1. Murphy Dome
Murphy Dome is a recreational site about 20 miles outside of Fairbanks and is the highest point in the area, providing the perfect vantage point for stargazing. ATV riders and hikers primarily frequent the area, journeying through valleys and alpine forests along the scenic trails. If your astrotourism journey also includes the northern lights, Murphy Dome is considered a prime viewing spot.
2. Eklutna Lake
Eklutna Lake scenic drive is a 22-mile expedition that takes you through Chugach State Park — one of the country’s largest state parks — and grants easy access to glacial Eklutna Lake. The lake is about an hour’s drive from Anchorage and offers a clear sky and glassy waters, framed by snow-covered peaks. Experienced hikers should consider hiking the Eklutna Lakeside Trail for the perfect evening hike, with the bright stars illuminating your way.
3. Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm Drive
Seward Highway is a 127-mile long driving destination. It offers unrivaled views of natural Alaskan terrain, which is why it is labeled an Alaska Scenic Byway, a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Scenic Byway and an All-American Road. If you are stargazing in Alaska, the highlight of the road trip is Turnagain Arm Drive, a beloved shoreline near Anchorage. Turnagain Arm Drive has the open sky you are looking for, picture-perfect with views of the water, wildlife and the Chugach Mountains.
4. Denali National Park and Preserve
Many consider Denali National Park and Preserve to be Alaska’s crown jewel — a difficult distinction to achieve in such a beautiful state. Denali contains six million acres of nearly untouched land, lake and mountains. The park has very little artificial light, so it is ideal for stargazing. Moose, caribou, sheep, wolves, bear and deer are just a few of the local wildlife you may encounter, so travel with a guide or stick to marked trails suitable for beginners. You can also take a bus tour to some parts of the park.
5. Flattop Mountain
If you want one-of-a-kind mountain views with your stargazing adventure, Flattop Mountain near Anchorage is the place to go. Flattop is the area’s most popular peak, thanks to its 1.5-mile hiking trail that gives visitors a front-row seat to sweeping overhead skies and nearby mountains. If hiking is not on the agenda, there is also an overlook located near the parking lot or a shortened, 0.3-mile loop that is paved and wheelchair accessible.
6. Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass is a 49-mile scenic drive in Gold Rush country, a little over an hour outside of Anchorage. Along the drive, expect to see dense alpine forests, wildflowers and numerous hiking trail entry points. The further you get from small-town lights, the more pronounced the starry sky above will be.
Other Wonders to See in Alaska
As you make your way through your Alaska stargazing adventure, do not neglect these other natural wonders along the way:
- The northern lights: Alaska is one of the best and only places in the U.S. to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. Dark, clear skies provide the perfect environment to see the northern lights.
- Light pillars: Light pillars are naturally occurring phenomena sometimes seen in Alaska that create one or more bright, vertical beams of light that stretch across the sky. Though it is all a complex illusion, you will not forget the unique sighting.
- The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: You probably associate Alaska with snow, ice and mountains, but it is also home to a sand dune desert. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes in Kobuk Valley National Park are more than 20,000 miles of active sand dunes surrounded by tundra and forest.
- Active volcanoes: Alaska has more than 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields, many of which are still active. Reserve a spot on a flightseeing tour and get an aerial perspective of the region’s most interesting peaks.
- Glaciers and fjords: No Alaskan outing is complete without getting a first-hand view of a glacier. Some of the state’s most popular glaciers and fjords are in Kenai Fjords National Park, but you are never too far from a glacier viewing area in most parts of the state.
- Wildlife sightings: Rivers teeming with salmon, bears swimming near waterfalls, moose in their natural habitat — Alaskan wildlife is a natural wonder all its own. Find a wildlife viewing area near your campground to learn more about local animals.
Ready to Go Stargazing in Alaska?
No matter what time of year you are planning your stargazing adventures, Kampgrounds of America offers the perfect site for you to launch your journey. Depending on where you are planning to go stargazing and what activities you are planning to add to your itinerary, you can reserve your site at one of these KOA Campgrounds.
Homer / Baycrest KOA Holiday
If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful site to stay near the Kenai Peninsula, Homer / Baycrest KOA Holiday offers exactly this — and more. Take in the magnificent views of everything from active volcanoes to mountain peaks. Nestled right in the midst of nature and wildlife, you will have all kinds of fun things to do outdoors, like hiking, kayaking and four-wheeling.
This campground offers premium Tent Sites, upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths. With amenities like the Campfire Experience, Homestead Trail and our Cafe In Convenience Store, you will be able to stay comfortable during your visit.
Seward KOA Journey
Seward KOA Journey is another good place to see stars in Alaska. Here, you are situated right along the Resurrection River. This location means you will be in close proximity to all kinds of trails, national parks and outdoor activities. You can find a great location to view the stars as well as drive a few minutes to get to the downtown area filled with restaurants and fun things to do.
At the campground, you can relax from a full day of sightseeing and adventuring while enjoying amenities like the coffee cart, concierge service, recreation areas, fire pit and campground store.
Valdez KOA Journey
If you want to do other activities like hitting some ATV trails or heading out on the water to look for humpback whales along with stargazing, Valdez KOA Journey is the perfect campground to begin your adventures. With 18 acres of wilderness and access to streams and natural views, this is a campground that outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on.
Choose from options like Tent Sites or Pull-Thru RV Sites with 50-amp service while enjoying the on-site amenities like the pavilion, snack bar and dog park.
Make Kampgrounds of America Your Home Base for Alaska Adventures
If you are planning an outdoor stargazing adventure for your next camping trip, let KOA be your home base. Every campground has restrooms with hot water, multiple campsite and lodging options and warm campfires to enhance your stay.
Ready to see some of the most beautiful stars in Alaska? Reserve a site at a KOA Campground in Alaska.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
