A Local’s Guide to Glen Alps Flattop: Anchorage’s Premier Northern Lights Viewing Destination

A Local’s Guide to Glen Alps Flattop: Anchorage’s Premier Northern Lights Viewing Destination

Have you heard about Glen Alps Flattop near Anchorage, Alaska’s premier destination for viewing the spectacular Northern Lights show? If not, you’re in for a treat. As an Anchorage local, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on why Flattop is the best spot for experiencing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory. Perched high above the city with panoramic views in every direction, you’ll have front-row seats to the dazzling display of greens, reds and purples dancing across the night sky. The short hike up is worth it for this natural wonder alone.

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.

Online Course

Designed For Beginners

Mobile App

Designed For Beginners

What Is Glen Alps Flattop?

So you want to see the Northern Lights in all their glory? Then head to Glen Alps Flattop Trailhead, just 15 minutes from Anchorage. This spot offers panoramic views and is one of the best places for Aurora viewing and photography near the city.

To get there from Anchorage, head east on Tudor Rd, then turn right onto Glen Alps Rd. The parking lot is at the end of the road. The trail itself is an easy 3/4 mile hike to the top of Flattop Mountain. Once at the summit, you'll have 360° views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet - perfect for spotting the Aurora Borealis.

Lumyros Aurora App

All-in-one tool for Aurora hunting. Try the new experience.

Explore All Features & Get Now ↗

The best time to see the lights is between 10 pm and 3 am from late August through April. Check the 3-day forecast for the best viewing odds. If the geomagnetic conditions are high, get ready for a show! For photos, use a tripod to keep your camera still and a remote shutter release or timer to avoid shaking. You can also capture the lights with a smartphone - just switch to manual mode, increase the ISO, and increase the exposure time.

Frequently asked questions:

Is the trail open all night? No, the park closes at 10 pm so you must arrive before then.
Can I drive to the top? No, the road is not open year-round. You must hike in, so be prepared for winter conditions.
Will I definitely see the lights? No, the Aurora is often unpredictable. But with the right conditions and patience, your odds are good!

So bundle up, grab your camera, and head to Glen Alps Flattop Trail. An unforgettable display of the Northern Lights may just await you.

Why Glen Alps Flattop Is the Best Spot for Northern Lights Viewing Near Anchorage

If you want to experience the Aurora Borealis in all its glory, head to Glen Alps Flattop trailhead. This popular spot sits high above Anchorage, offering panoramic views that make it hands down the best place to view the Northern Lights near the city.

To get there from Anchorage, drive 15 minutes east on Northern Lights Blvd. Then turn right onto Glen Alps Dr. and follow it for 2 miles until you reach the Glen Alps Flattop trailhead parking lot. The 3-mile roundtrip hike to the top is fairly easy, taking about 1 to 2 hours for most. Once at the summit, you'll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, and on clear nights, the bright city lights below.

The best time to view the Aurora is between 10 pm and 3 am from late August through April. For the strongest activity, check the latest 3-day and 27-day forecasts to see when the Kp index is highest. A Kp of 5 or more means the lights will likely be very active, so grab your camera!

To capture the Aurora with your phone, find an area with minimal light pollution, maximize your ISO and aperture, use a long exposure setting (usually 3 to 30 seconds), and use a tripod to keep the image steady.

With jaw-dropping views and ideal conditions for watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky, it's easy to see why Glen Alps Flattop is considered the top spot for Aurora viewing and photography near Anchorage. So next time the Aurora is out, head up Flattop for an unforgettable night under the glow of Alaska's wintertime wonder.

How to Get to Glen Alps Flattop From Anchorage

To get to Glen Alps Flattop from Anchorage, the drive is fairly straightforward. It is about 16 miles and will take about a 30-minute drive. Take Walter J. Hickel Pkwy and O'Malley Rd to Upper Huffman Rd and then continue on Upper Huffman Rd. Drive to Glen Alps Rd. Follow the signs for Glen Alps Trailhead. The road up to the trailhead is about 2.5 miles long.

At the trailhead parking lot, you’ll find restrooms and information kiosks. There are three main trail options to reach the top of Flattop Mountain.

Powerline Pass Trail
This is the shortest and steepest route at 1.5 miles one-way. It follows an old powerline up the side of the mountain. Not the most scenic but will get you up quickly.

Glen Alps Trail
A 2.5-mile hike with beautiful views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. This is a steady climb with some rocky sections, but suitable for families and all skill levels with decent fitness.

Flattop Mountain Trail
The most popular trail is 3 miles round trip. It starts at the Glen Alps Trailhead and summits the very top of Flattop Mountain at 3,510 feet, offering 360° views. The trail is moderately difficult with some scrambling over rocks required. You'll likely encounter mountain goats along the way!

The best time to view the northern lights at Glen Alps Flattop is between 10 PM and 3 AM from late August through early April. September through March tends to be the most active months for the Aurora Borealis. Check the 3-day and 27-day forecasts to determine the likelihood of visible Auroral activity during your trip.

To capture the Northern Lights on your smartphone, find a dark location away from city lights, use a tripod or place your phone on a solid surface to keep it still, use the “landscape” photo orientation, increase your ISO sensitivity, use the timer to snap hands-free photos, and take lots of shots! You'll be amazed at the photos you can get with just a smartphone.

The Best Months and Times to See the Northern Lights at Glen Alps Flattop

The best time to view the Northern Lights at Glen Alps Flattop is typically between 10 pm and 3 am. The months with the highest Aurora Borealis activity are September through March. During these months, the nights are longer and darker, providing ideal viewing conditions.

September to March
The fall and winter months offer the most active Northern Lights displays at Glen Alps Flattop. September through March sees less daylight and more hours of darkness, which is essential for viewing the Aurora. The equinoxes in September and March also tend to boost geomagnetic activity, leading to dazzling light shows.

10 pm to 3 am
The Aurora is often most visible and vibrant in the midnight hours between 10 pm to 3 am when the sky is darkest. At this time, the Northern Lights are directly overhead and not obscured by the fading twilight. The later into the night you stay out viewing, the more likely you'll experience the strongest surges in activity and catch the most stunning displays as the Aurora intensifies.

Moonless nights
For the best viewing, head to Glen Alps Flattop on nights when the moon is not visible or only a thin crescent. The dimmer the moonlight, the more prominent the Northern Lights will appear. The bright glow of a full moon can wash out the Aurora and make it harder to see the colorful lights dancing across the sky.

Check the forecast
Before heading out, check the Aurora forecast for Anchorage to determine the expected activity levels and your chances of spotting the lights. Site like Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska offer forecasts up to 3 and 27 days in advance. Higher activity, especially levels 4 and up, indicate a greater likelihood the Northern Lights may be visible, even with the naked eye. The forecasts can help ensure you pick the most promising nights for viewing and photography at Glen Alps Flattop.

How to Take Amazing Northern Lights Photos at Glen Alps Flattop With Your Smartphone

So you want to see the Northern Lights in all their glory? There’s no better spot in Anchorage than Glen Alps Flattop. This popular trailhead offers jaw-dropping 360 views of the city and surrounding Chugach State Park. At night, it transforms into an ideal destination for viewing and photographing the Aurora Borealis.

To get there, head 15 minutes east of Anchorage and look for the Glen Alps Trailhead sign. The parking lot fills up fast, especially on clear nights, so go early to snag a spot. From the parking lot, follow the short Flattop Trail for about a mile up to the summit. The wide, well-maintained trail is easy to navigate even in the dark.

Once at the top, find an open spot away from the trees and city lights below for the best view of the night sky. The Northern Lights often start as a faint green glow, then erupt into shimmering curtains of color that dance across the sky. The show can last for just a few minutes or continue for hours. Look for the northern horizon where Aurora appears the most frequently.

For the best photos, use a camera with manual settings. However, you can still get great shots with just your smartphone. Select a nighttime/nightmode or low light setting and steady your phone on a tripod or rock. Switch to manual focus and set it to infinity. Increase the exposure and ISO (800-3200) to the highest setting possible while keeping the image from getting too grainy. A longer exposure, typically 3 to 30 seconds, will allow more light into the lens and reveal more details and colors of the Aurora.

The Northern Lights are often most active around midnight during the winter months, especially February and March. For the best chances of spotting them, check a 3-day Aurora forecast in advance. A strong geomagnetic storm watch means higher odds of a dazzling display.

With stunning scenery and ideal viewing conditions, Glen Alps Flattop deserves a spot at the top of your list for experiencing the wonder of the Northern Lights. Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to capturing the magic.

Understanding the 3-Day and 27-Day Aurora Forecasts for Anchorage

The 3-day and 27-day forecasts from the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are your key to knowing the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights in Anchorage.

The 3-day forecast predicts the intensity of solar wind and geomagnetic activity for the next 72 hours in 3-hour slots, where for every 3-hour slot is given one value. The value is called the Kp index and has a scale from 0 to 9, here 9 is the highest Aurora activity predicted. The 27-day forecast predicts long-term solar wind and geomagnetic activity for the next almost 4 weeks. In the long-term Aurora forecast is given to each day (24 hours) 1 value. Look for periods with a Kp index of at least 3-4 where your chances of spotting dazzling Aurora is higher, especially around the new moon.

While not a guarantee, these forecasts increase your chances of catching a spectacular Auroral show. The forecasts consider factors like solar wind speed, solar flare activity, and the Kp index, which measures disturbances in the geomagnetic field. When these factors are higher, the Northern Lights are more likely to shine bright.

It’s always a good idea to check the forecasts and the live Aurora webcams to see the current activity before heading out. The lights can appear and disappear quickly, so the more active the forecast, the more frequently you’ll want to check for updates. Don’t forget, the best viewing hours are between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest.

Some tips for your smartphone:

Use a tripod or place the phone on a steady surface. This allows for longer exposure times without blur.
Select the night mode or manual mode to adjust ISO, shutter speed and focus. Start at ISO 800 to 1600, 15-30 second shutter speed, and focus to infinity.
Shoot in RAW image format if possible. This gives you more flexibility to edit and enhance the photo later.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture more of the sky. You can also stitch multiple photos together to create a panorama.
Consider using a camera app that allows manual controls and capture of RAW photos like ProCam or Manual Camera. The default camera app works too but may have limited controls.
Don’t give up. It can take dozens or even hundreds of shots to capture a vibrant auroral display. Persistence and patience pay off!

Top Tips for Northern Lights Photography at Glen Alps Flattop

Now that you’ve made the trek up to Glen Alps Flattop, you’re ready to start shooting the Northern Lights! Here are some tips to help you capture the best photos possible:

Use a tripod

The Northern Lights often appear as faint, wispy bands of color that can be hard to capture without a long exposure. A tripod is essential for keeping your camera steady during a long exposure. If you don’t have a tripod, try stabilizing your camera on a rock or log.

Use a wide-angle lens
A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture more of the sky and the landscape. The wider the lens, the more of the Aurora you can fit into your frame. A lens between 14 to 35mm is ideal for most situations.

Shoot in manual mode
Switch your camera to manual mode so you have full control over the exposure. Start with an aperture around f/2.8 or f/4, an ISO between 800 to 3200, and an exposure time of 15 to 30 seconds. Make adjustments from there based on how the photos turn out. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Focus on the infinity mark
Since the Northern Lights are very far away, set your lens to focus on infinity. This will allow the lights to remain in sharp focus in your photos. The infinity mark is typically represented by the infinity symbol (∞) on your lens.

Take lots of photos!
The Northern Lights are constantly changing, so take as many photos as possible. Try different exposures, compositions, and focal lengths. The more you shoot, the more likely you are to capture that perfect, jaw-dropping photo of the Aurora.

Use your smartphone (optional)
While a DSLR camera is best, you can also photograph the Northern Lights with a smartphone. Make sure you have a stable way to hold the phone, set it to night mode, tap to focus on the brightest part of the Aurora, and hold still (a tripod is highly recommended to avoid blurry photos) for 3 to 15 seconds while the photo is taken. You may be surprised at the results!

What to Bring for a Night of Northern Lights Viewing at Glen Alps Flattop

When heading up to Glen Alps Flattop for an evening of potential Northern Lights viewing, be sure to pack some essential supplies to ensure you stay comfortable while waiting for the show to start.

Warm Clothes
The temperatures at Glen Alps Flattop can drop dramatically in the evening, especially if there’s snow on the ground. Dress in insulated layers, including thermal undergarments, sweaters, jackets, socks, gloves, and a warm hat. You’ll be sitting still for long periods, so overdressing is better than not dressing warmly enough.

Camp Chair
Bring a foldable camp chair or something comfortable to sit on. While some viewing areas have benches, they tend to fill up quickly on popular Aurora nights. A chair will ensure you have a front-row seat for the lights.

Snacks and Hot Drinks
Pack some high-energy, non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Bring a thermos filled with a hot drink like coffee, tea, or cocoa to help keep you warm from the inside out.

Entertainment
Bring books, magazines, cards, or handheld games to keep you occupied while waiting for the Northern Lights to emerge. Aurora displays can happen at any time of the night, so be prepared for potentially long periods of downtime.

Camera
Don’t forget your camera! While smartphone cameras can capture decent Aurora photos, a DSLR camera will provide the best results. A wide-angle lens, high ISO capability, and a tripod will help you get stunning shots of the Northern Lights.

Flashlight
Pack a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries. The trails and viewing areas can be very dark, so a light will help ensure you make it to your destination safely. Red light is best, as it helps preserve your night vision.

With the right supplies and gear, you’ll be ready to comfortably enjoy an evening of Aurora viewing at Glen Alps Flattop. All that’s left is finding a spot, sitting back, and waiting for the lights to dance across the sky.

FAQs About Glen Alps Flattop and the Northern Lights Near Anchorage

You probably have a lot of questions about catching the Northern Lights show near Anchorage. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Glen Alps Flattop and the best Aurora viewing spot in the city.

How do I get to Glen Alps Flattop from Anchorage?
The trailhead to Glen Alps Flattop is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Anchorage. Head east on Northern Lights Blvd, then turn right onto Hiland Road. Follow that for 3 miles until you see the Glen Alps Trailhead sign. There’s a parking lot there where you can leave your vehicle. The hike itself is pretty easy, about 2 miles round trip on a wide gravel trail.

When is the best time to see the Aurora?
The Northern Lights are most active during the equinoxes in March and September. For the strongest solar activity and the best chance of an amazing light show, plan your trip around the new moon. The darker the sky, the more visible the Aurora will be. September through March offers the longest, darkest nights, so any clear evening during those months should reward you with at least a faint glow.

How do I photograph the Northern Lights with my phone?
While a DSLR camera will give you the best results, you can still capture the Aurora using just your smartphone. Here are some tips:

Use a tripod to keep your phone steady. This allows for longer exposure times without blur.
Increase your ISO to at least 800, but no higher than 3200. This makes the sensor more sensitive to light.

Set your phone to landscape or night mode. This will automatically use a longer shutter speed to capture more light.
Focus on the horizon. Tap on the skyline to lock the focus, then swipe down slightly. This ensures the Aurora itself stays in focus.
Capture multiple shots. Take several photos in succession, in case some end up blurry. You can then pick the best ones later.
Consider using an app like NightCap or Cortex Cam. These provide additional manual controls for night sky photography.

Be patient. It can take up to 30 seconds for your phone to capture an Aurora photo. Stay still until the shutter closes to avoid camera shake.
Review and edit your photos. Apps like Snapseed, VSCO, or Lightroom can help reduce noise, boost colors, and enhance your Northern Lights shots.

What’s the forecast for the next Aurora show?
Check the 3-day and 27-day space weather forecasts at the Geophysical Institute to predict upcoming Northern Lights activity. Strong geomagnetic storms mean a higher chance of seeing the Aurora, especially at lower latitudes like Anchorage. The forecasts monitor the solar wind and use scientific models.

Conclusion

So there you have it, everything you need to know to experience the magical Northern Lights show at Glen Alps Flattop for yourself. Bundle up, grab your camera, check the forecasts, and make your way up to this Anchorage gem. Find a spot away from the city lights, get comfortable, and wait for the sky to ignite with vibrant color. Whether the lights end up being active or not, you're sure to feel the power and beauty of nature in a place that holds such significance for the original inhabitants of this land. Make it an evening to remember and enjoy this dazzling display - you'll be glad you made the trek up to Glen Alps Flattop, one of Alaska's most stunning natural wonders.

Northern lights

Find out more about The Northern Lights

Enroll Now for our Aurora Online Course and learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners.

€5.99

Northern Lights Beginner & Intermediate Crash Course

Course
24 Lessons

Fast-track online course. Learn fast and easy way about the Northern Lights. This course includes Basic and Intermediate knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Doesn't include quizzes. Without Certificate.

View product

€19.99

Ultimate Northern Lights Course

Course
99 Lessons
Includes 1 additional product

Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.

View product

Includes 1 Additional Product

Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

⟵ Back to Blog page