Murphy Dome and Cleary summit Aurora Tour FREE Photography

Exploring the Murphy Dome and Cleary Summit Aurora Tour: A Honest Look

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the northern lights in all their swirling, shimmering glory, this Murphy Dome and Cleary Summit Aurora Tour from Fairbanks might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, a quick look at what it offers suggests it’s a well-rounded experience designed for those eager to see the aurora with the help of expert guides—and get some memorable photos to boot.

What we love about this tour is how it combines local expertise with multiple prime viewing locations. The guide’s 8 years of aurora-hunting experience hints at a knowledgeable, calm presence—something that can make all the difference in the cold or cloudy nights. Plus, the free photography session seems like a thoughtful touch, especially if you’re not confident in your camera skills or just want high-quality keepsakes.

The one possible drawback? The tour is limited to most travelers, which means if you’re traveling in a large group, it might feel a bit cozy. Also, the weather can always throw a wrench in the plan—if the skies are cloudy or poor conditions persist, the tour might be canceled, with options for a different date or a full refund. That said, this experience appears well-suited for anyone who values a guided, flexible chase for the aurora and is okay with the unpredictability of nature.

All in all, if you’re after a balanced, organized night out with the chance to see the northern lights at some of Fairbanks’s top spots, this tour seems like a worthy pick. It’s especially good for travelers who want a well-paced, intimate experience with the added bonus of professional photography.

Key Points

• Expert Guide: With 8 years of aurora-hunting experience, your guide knows where to go and how to help you capture the lights.
• Prime Viewing Locations: Stops at Murphy Dome and Cleary Summit ensure you’re visiting some of the best spots for viewing the northern lights.
• Free Photography: Included portraits and camera tips add value, especially for those wanting high-quality images.
• Flexible Schedule: Picking up between 9:30-10:00 PM and returning around 2:00-3:00 AM makes it a manageable, evening activity.
• Weather Dependent: Tour cancellations are possible in poor weather, but full refunds or rescheduling are options.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 14 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate and personalized.

An In-Depth Look at the Aurora Tour Experience

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Starting with pick-up around 9:30 to 10:00 PM, your evening begins with a door-to-door service from Fairbanks. This convenience is one of the easiest ways to make sure you’re not stressing about transportation in the late hours. Once aboard, expect a comfortable ride as your guide takes you to the best spots for spotting the northern lights—most notably, Murphy Dome and Cleary Summit.

Both of these locations are known for their high elevation and minimal light pollution, which means clearer, more vivid aurora displays. The tour’s emphasis on multiple stops is smart because Aurora Borealis isn’t guaranteed every single night, and weather conditions can change quickly. Moving across different locations increases the odds of a good sighting and makes the experience more dynamic.

Why the Locations Matter

Murphy Dome is one of the most popular viewing sites in Fairbanks, thanks to its remote location and wide-open skies. We’ve heard from travelers that the views here are breathtaking, especially when the lights dance overhead. The additional stop at Cleary Summit further extends your chances, allowing your guide to adapt to the conditions and find the clearest skies.

The Aurora Hunt in Action

During the tour, your guide will share tips on how to photograph the lights, whether you’re using a smartphone or a camera. This is particularly handy as capturing the aurora isn’t always straightforward, and having a guide to offer quick advice makes a difference. The included Aurora Portraits are a sweet touch—imagine having a professional photo of yourself under the northern lights, free of charge.

The Atmosphere and Comforts

While the experience is largely about chasing the lights, the tour offers snacks, coffee, tea, and hot water along the way. These little comforts are appreciated during the cold winter nights and can keep you cozy while waiting for the sky to put on its show. Keep in mind that alcohol isn’t included, and you’ll need to bring your own if you wish to unwind with a drink.

Small Group, Big Impact

With a maximum of 14 travelers, the group remains intimate enough for personalized attention. From the reviews, it’s clear the guide, Michael, is highly praised for his friendliness and knowledge. Larger groups can sometimes feel rushed or impersonal, but that’s less likely here—especially crucial when you’re waiting in the cold for a glimpse of the aurora.

Pricing and Value

Per person, the tour costs $179, which covers transportation, expert guidance, multiple viewing stops, and the photography service. When you consider the price of a good camera or professional photos, plus the cost of separate tours or hot drinks, this package seems to offer a solid deal for what it includes. The convenience of door-to-door pickup and drop-off adds to the overall value, removing logistical headaches.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is particularly well-suited for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who want a guided, hassle-free night out. If you’re looking for a guaranteed high-quality experience with professional photos, this tour ticks those boxes. However, if your main priority is a guaranteed aurora sighting, remember that the lights are a natural phenomenon and can’t be promised. Luckily, the tour’s multiple stops increase your chances.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those seeking a well-organized, engaging, and photo-friendly aurora experience in Fairbanks, this tour offers a lot. The combination of expert guidance, visits to top viewing points, and included portraits makes it a comprehensive package. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the hot beverages help fight off the chill.

If you’re patient and flexible, willing to spend a few hours in the cold with the hopes of catching the northern lights, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. It’s especially good for travelers who want to maximize their chances with multiple viewing locations and benefit from local expertise.

But be aware of the weather dependency—poor conditions mean no show, which is outside anyone’s control. Still, with the option for a different date or a full refund, the risk isn’t too high.

In the end, this tour is likely to appeal to those craving a personalized, informative, and memorable night under the northern sky. It balances adventure with comfort, making it an excellent choice for a first-time aurora hunters or those wanting a guided experience without the fuss.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pick-up occurs between 9:30 and 10:00 PM, so try to be prepared slightly before the scheduled time to ensure a smooth start.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes transportation, visits to multiple prime aurora viewing spots, a guide with aurora hunting experience, free portraits, and snacks, coffee, tea, and hot water.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if done at least 24 hours in advance. If the weather is poor, the tour may be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people will be on the tour?
The group size is limited to 14 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Is alcohol included?
No, alcohol is not included in the tour.

What if I want better photos?
The guide offers tips on camera settings and techniques to help you capture the lights better. The included Aurora Portraits are a bonus to get professional images.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 5 hours, from around 9:30-10:00 PM until roughly 2:00-3:00 AM.

Will I see the aurora every night?
Not necessarily. Since the aurora is a natural phenomenon, sightings depend on weather and solar activity, but visiting multiple spots increases your chances.

If you’re after a focused, intimate, and photo-friendly northern lights adventure in Fairbanks, this tour from Lucky Bear Tours might just be what you’re looking for. It offers a reliable way to chase the lights with a knowledgeable guide and some added comforts—making those cold nights a bit warmer in experience.