Murphy Dome and Cleary summit Aurora Tour FREE Photography

Chasing the Aurora Borealis in Alaska is a bucket-list experience, and if you’re in Fairbanks, the Murphy Dome and Cleary Summit Aurora Tour offers one of the most comprehensive ways to see this celestial show. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, from the glowing reviews, detailed itinerary, and features offered, it’s clear this option provides a well-rounded, value-packed Northern Lights adventure.

What we love about this tour is its expert guidance—with guides boasting 8 years of experience—and the added bonus of free Aurora photography. These features help you not only witness the lights but also capture memorable images without needing to be a professional photographer. A potential consideration is the tour’s timing—starting late at night and lasting about five hours—which might not suit everyone’s sleep schedule.

Still, if you’re a night owl eager to chase the Northern Lights, this tour hits many of the right notes, especially for those who want a small group experience with personalized attention.

This experience is best suited for travelers who value authentic viewing locations, want professional photography tips, and are willing to spend a few hours late at night outdoors. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate well-organized transport and the chance to visit multiple prime viewing spots.

This experience made our article of 14 Fantastic Photography Experiences In Fairbanks.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides with 8 years of aurora-hunting experience enhance your chances of a good sighting.
• Multiple Viewing Locations: Visits to Murphy Dome and Cleary Summit maximize your odds of seeing the Northern Lights.
• Free Aurora Portraits: Complimentary photography sessions give you high-quality, professionally-taken photos.
• Comfort & Convenience: Pick-up service, hot beverages, and small group size (max 14 people) create a relaxed atmosphere.
• Good Value: For $179, the combination of transportation, expert guidance, multiple locations, and photos offers excellent value.
• Weather-Dependent: Good weather is essential; cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refundable or reschedulable.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Meeting and Departure

The tour begins with a pick-up between 9:30 and 10:00 PM from your accommodations in Fairbanks. This early evening pickup ensures you’re ready to hit the road right as the night begins sinking into darkness. The small group size—limited to 14 travelers—means you’ll get personalized attention, and the ride itself is a comfortable way to settle in before the night’s adventure.

The Itinerary: A Night of Aurora Hunting

The core of this tour is visiting multiple renowned aurora viewing locations—most notably Murphy Dome and Cleary Summit. These spots are chosen for their minimal light pollution and high probability of clear views, especially when the Aurora is active.

Murphy Dome is known for its panoramic vistas and relatively high elevation, providing an unobstructed view of the northern sky. It’s a favorite among photographers and Aurora hunters alike. Cleary Summit, similarly elevated, offers an equally impressive vantage point.

The guide will navigate between these locations, maximizing your chances of witnessing the Aurora in various settings. This flexibility is key because Aurora activity can be unpredictable, and moving around helps find the clearest, most vibrant displays.

What You’ll Experience at Each Location

At these spots, you’ll typically spend 20-30 minutes. During this time, your guide will offer photography tips, helping you adjust your camera or smartphone to best capture the lights. Many travelers find that having someone explain the optimal settings and techniques makes all the difference in snapping great Aurora images.

As one reviewer put it, “Our driver and tour guide, Michael, was excellent! We went to two different locations and the Aurora did not disappoint!” This highlights that the guides are both knowledgeable and eager to ensure you get the best possible experience.

Included Refreshments & Comfort

Hot coffee, tea, hot water, and cold water are included, which can be surprisingly comforting after hours outside in the cold night air. The beverages help keep you warm and alert, especially during those long, quiet waits for the lights to dance across the sky.

The Photography Experience

A key feature of this tour is the complimentary Aurora portraits. The guide will assist with camera and smartphone settings, making sure your photos turn out beautifully. Several reviews mention how helpful this is—”I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see Lady Aurora and all her glory,” says one traveler, emphasizing how the photos turn into lasting memories.

Duration and Endings

The tour runs from around 10 PM until roughly 2-3 AM, depending on the night’s activity and weather conditions. This late-night schedule is typical for Aurora viewing, and while it might challenge early risers, it aligns with when the Aurora is most visible. The drop-off usually occurs back at your accommodation around 2:00 to 3:00 AM.

The Cost and Its Value

At $179 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. The included transportation, expert guidance, multiple viewing spots, hot beverages, and free photos all contribute to what many consider good value—especially considering how elusive the Northern Lights can be without guided help.

Travelers often appreciate the small group size for the personalized atmosphere, and the fact that the tour is bookable 42 days in advance on average suggests a high demand for this experience.

Why This Tour Excels

Based on reviews and the itinerary, this tour seems to succeed especially in maximizing your chances to see the Aurora by visiting multiple locations and having a guide with extensive experience. The added bonus of professional-quality photos and hot beverages makes the late-night outing more comfortable and memorable.

The small group format ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd, and personalized attention means your guide can tailor advice and ensure everyone has the best shot at capturing the lights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Aurora tour is perfect if you’re looking for a well-organized, all-inclusive experience that balances adventure with comfort. It’s ideal for photographers or those wanting professional tips on capturing the lights, as well as travelers who prefer small groups and personalized service. If you’re willing to stay up late and brave the cold for a chance to see one of nature’s most spectacular displays, this tour offers a reliable, enjoyable way to do so.

However, if your main concern is flexibility with dates or a shorter experience, you might want to compare with other options. But overall, this tour seems to deliver a solid, thoughtfully curated Aurora experience.

In the world of Aurora tours, this one from Fairbanks stands out for its combination of expert guidance, visiting multiple prime viewing spots, and the added bonus of free professional photography. The price is reasonable considering the inclusions, and the small group size enhances the experience significantly.

It’s best suited for night owls who want a relaxed, well-organized night of Aurora hunting, with plenty of opportunities for photos and unforgettable views. While weather conditions remain unpredictable, this tour’s flexibility and experienced guides help maximize your chances of witnessing the Aurora in all its glory.

If you’re after a reliable, memorable, and comfortable way to see the Northern Lights, this tour offers excellent value and a chance to take home some stunning images of one of nature’s most magical phenomena.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
It begins with pick-up between 9:30 and 10:00 PM, ready to head out as darkness falls.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, generally ending around 2:00 to 3:00 AM.

What locations will we visit?
The tour includes multiple spots, notably Murphy Dome and Cleary Summit, both known for their excellent Aurora views.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip pick-up and drop-off from Fairbanks accommodations are provided.

Are snacks or drinks included?
Yes, hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot water are included, along with cold water.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll receive a full refund or reschedule.

How many people typically join?
A maximum of 14 travelers ensures an intimate experience.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available at least 24 hours before the tour.

What about photography?
The tour includes free Aurora portraits, with guides offering tips on camera settings for the best shots.

The Murphy Dome and Cleary Summit Aurora Tour offers a well-balanced, authentic, and enjoyable Northern Lights experience—perfect for those eager to chase the skies with the help of seasoned guides and a bit of photographic magic.