First time visit in late March

Question

Hello everyone!

I am very excited to be going to Alaska in march to hopefully see the northern lights. Ultimately, I have reservations to be in Fairbanks for viewing tours. I wanted to see if it was worth flying into Anchorage and renting a car and driving up, stopping at Denali NP. Or just book some tours that include transportation.

I also really wanted to see Castner Glacier and was hoping to find some options for tours. So far all I can find is the Steve Miley tour.

Any suggestions would be great. Thank you in advance.

Answer

Visiting Alaska in late March can be an incredible experience, especially for viewing the northern lights in Fairbanks. At this time of year, daylight is increasing, but temperatures are still quite cold, often ranging from 0°F to 25°F (-18°C to -4°C), so proper winter clothing is essential. Roads can be icy or snow-covered, so driving yourself from Anchorage to Fairbanks with a stop at Denali National Park is possible, but it requires caution and experience in winter driving conditions.

Flying into Anchorage and driving north offers flexibility and the chance to stop at Denali NP, but there are trade-offs. Denali's visitor services are limited in March; many park facilities, lodges, and shuttle tours are closed for the winter, and wildlife sightings can be minimal due to snow cover. Road conditions can be challenging, and some scenic pullouts may be inaccessible. A self-drive option is better suited for those comfortable with winter driving and long distances on potentially icy roads.

An alternative is booking guided tours that include transportation. This removes the stress of winter driving, allows for local expertise, and often includes accommodations, meals, and guided sightseeing. Tour operators may offer multi-day packages from Anchorage or Fairbanks with stops at Denali, providing scenic viewpoints, photography opportunities, and knowledgeable guides.

For viewing Castner Glacier specifically, options are limited in late March. Steve Miley's tour is one of the few available guided experiences at this time, offering a chance to see the glacier safely. Other options may include:

Local Fairbanks-based tour operators offering small-group glacier flights or icefield tours, weather permitting.
Heli-ski or glacier landing tours from Fairbanks or Anchorage, though availability is highly seasonal and dependent on snow conditions.
Private guided tours that combine a winter driving route with glacier viewpoints accessible from the road, though these are rare in March.

For northern lights viewing in Fairbanks, it is generally best to stay in Fairbanks or nearby lodges with aurora viewing facilities. This maximizes your chances without long travel in winter conditions. Night tours often include heated facilities, photography assistance, and guidance on optimal viewing locations.

Summary of recommendations:

If comfortable with winter driving, flying into Anchorage and driving north allows for Denali and scenic flexibility, but expect limited park access and challenging road conditions.
Booking tours with included transportation is safer and less stressful, especially for first-time visitors in late March.
For Castner Glacier, Steve Miley's tour is reliable; explore small operators for possible alternative glacier experiences.
Prioritize Fairbanks for northern lights and consider staying multiple nights to maximize viewing opportunities.

In conclusion, a combination of guided tours and local experiences focused around Fairbanks for aurora viewing, with optional day trips or flights to Denali and glaciers, is the most practical and enjoyable plan for a late March Alaska trip.

First time visit in late March

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