The soft and subtle calming colors of an alpenglow have a way of lighting up the hearts of anyone who lays eyes on the natural phenomenon while it’s live and in action. Couple this enchanting optical experience with the backdrop of Alaska’s world-renowned towering mountains and you’re sure to be utterly blown away by the magic that takes place. While alpenglow Alaska is fun to talk about and even look at in pictures, this is truly such a spectacular occurrence that it needs to be seen to be fully believed and appreciated.

Flickr - Arthur T. LaBar
What is alpenglow Alaska? The alpenglow is an optical phenomenon in which a glowing horizontal red band is observed along the horizon line opposite the sun. The hues are usually soft and subtle pink, purple, and red colors, which pop out against a clear backdrop.
Flickr - Denali National Park and Preserve
In general, alpenglow is easiest to spot when mountains or lakes become illuminated. Another good time to spot an alpenglow is when the sky becomes illuminated with a combination of cloud scatterings in the backdrop, making the translucent colors easier to identify.
Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska
With an alpenglow, the sun is directly below the horizon line so there is no direct path for the light to reach the mountains. The beautiful colorful light of an alpenglow is caused by the reflection off airborne snow, water or ice particles that are low in the atmosphere. This is the biggest defining difference between an alpenglow and a regular sunrise or sunset. You'll also notice that a typical sunrise or sunset will offer a greater mix of bright colors from all over the color wheel.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Up north and in the most sparse areas of the last frontier, Alpenglow's look effortlessly stunning as the low lining permafrost land (known as the arctic desert) gives way to towering mountains in the distance. With this topography combination, the colors opposite of the horizon line appear to paint the entire sky with soft, subtle colors. During the fall, winter and spring months when the snow is covering everything in sight, this color combination is the most magical winter wonderland sight that you could ever possibly imagine. It is a stunning example of beauty in Alaska.

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Flickr - glacierman
In Southeast Alaska, a calming Alpenglow looks magnificent behind the coastal mountains in the Tongass National Forest. In southcentral Alaska, the wildly beautiful effects of a luminous alpenglow looks majestic against the Chugach Mountains. On the Kenai Peninsula, spectacular alpenglows across the Kenai Mountains are a wonderful sight to observe from the Kenai River. You'll also be blown away by the alpenglows that you can observe over the Aleutian Range from Cook Inlet.
Flickr - Sathish J
Perhaps the most EPIC place to see an alpenglow in Alaska is over 'the great one' - Denali! The tallest mountain in North America is the perfect backdrop for a glowing and lustrous alpenglow to light up the sky with magical purple and red hues. Be sure to keep an eye out for this incredible natural phenomenon the next time you are out and about in the last frontier as the sun is setting. It is undeniable that an alpenglow on Alaska mountains is the best dose of eye-candy to finish off any day right.
Megan McDonald / Only In Your State
While some dislike the cold Alaskan winters, I love them. It’s truly the only time of year that the alpenglow really shines.
Megan McDonald / Only In Your State
Whether I’m out on a crisp, cold hike, or just enjoying the view from my window, the mountains in Alaska put on a show when the light and conditions are just right.
Megan McDonald / Only In Your State
Alpenglow is such a sweet ending to a wonderful day out in Alaska’s stunning backcountry.

If you thought alpenglow in Alaska was amazing, check out this other natural phenomenon in Alaska that happens just once a year that is absolutely spectacular. Also, be sure to check out these 7 wonders of the world that are right here in Alaska.

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Alpenglow Alaska

Megan McDonald | May 20, 2020

How many mountain ranges does Alaska have?

Alaska has fourteen major mountain ranges. Out of those fourteen there are four largest are the Alaska Range, the Brooks Range, the Coast Range, and the Aleutian Range. These large mountain ranges cover a good portion of Alaska. You can find the Coast Range in southwest Alaska, covering the area of Ketchikan to Skagway. The Brooks Range is in the Arctic Circle, ranging from the north eastern to the north western part of the state. The Alaska Range is one of the most famous in Alaska, as it is home to Denali, the largest mountain in North America.  The Aleutian Range builds the the beautiful island chain off of the coast of Alaska.

Which hidden gems in Alaska should I visit?

There are many hidden gems all over the state of Alaska. Fishhook Road, that connects Willow to Palmer through Hatcher Pass, is a stunning little gem that you can really only experience in the summer when the road opens up and the snow melts completely. You’ll need a car with good clearance to pass over the pot holes and rocks that may litter the road, but you won’t regret a moment exploring in this area! Chicken, Alaska is another fun place to visit in Alaska. A small town with a huge amount of history, you can gold pan, camp, or visit the little museum in town that you may want to check out when visiting. There’s also the Fortymile Wild and Scenic River for you to check out!

Does Alaska have any natural wonders?

Alaska has several natural wonders, including the tallest mountain in North America, the phenomena of alpenglow, and the aurora borealis that comes out to play in the winter. There’s also amazing natural features like glaciers, granite tors, rainforests, an impressive amount of wildlife, and more. No matter where you choose to visit in Alaska, you will be sure to see one of Alaska’s amazing natural wonders. 

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