knik glacier winter tours

Knik Glacier Tours

Guided tours of the spectacular knik glacer in alaska.

See jaw-dropping scenery and native wildlife while we transport you in our monster truck and jet boat for an "Alaskan Safari." Tours available from May to September each year.

25 years experience safely guiding visitors to Knik Glacier

Watch this video, create by one of the amazing people who took our tour:

About Knik Glacier

Knik Glacier is located on the northern edge of Alaska's Chugach Mountains. Over 28 miles long and 5 miles across this is one of central Alaska's greatest rivers of ice. Often referred to as Alaska's 'sunny glacier', a unique microclimate or "rain shadow" has created a truly diverse ecosystem. A northern desert surrounded by snow covered peaks, hanging glaciers, and waterfalls.

Glacier Tours

Allow us to provide you an unforgettable experience of lifetime and hopefully the highlight of your Alaskan adventure. 25 years of experience guiding visitors to the face of the Knik Glacier. We offer half day and whole day adventures for the whole family. Tours depart daily May 15th to Sept 15th.

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Book a Tour Online

Schedule a glacier tour now while we still have openings. Just click the button below to use our easy, online scheduling tool.

• (907) 745-1577
• [email protected]
• 26326 E. Buckshot Dr. Palmer AK 99645

Quick Links

Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour

Book This Adventure

Visit the stunning Knik Glacier by helicopter and get you up close and personal with one of Alaska’s most beautiful landscapes.

Not all Alaska helicopter tours come with a glacier landing, but this one does! Experience Knik Glacier like the locals.

Trip Highlights

• Intimate Alaska helicopter glacier tour
• Fly over the majestic mountains of the Chugach Range and land on Knik Glacier.
• View beautiful glacial crevasses, moulins, glacial rivers, and waterfalls.
• Fly down the Great Gorge of the Knik, a National Scenic Landmark.
• Wildlife viewing on this tour, potentially Dall sheep and black bears

What's Included

• Services of a professional Alaska pilot/uide with narration
• 30-minute scenic helicopter flight
• 30-minute glacier landing
• Glacier equipment

Transportation from select locations in Anchorage for $79 per person. For pick up information please click here

Disclaimer:

• Availability will be verified after reservation is received. You will be contacted immediately via email if availability cannot be verified.*
• Other times may be available. Call our office 907-980-8179
• Please Note: No refunds will be provided within 72 hours of tour

This Anchorage helicopter tour departs from a base at Alaska Glacier Lodge and takes you over the Knik River and Glacier, through the Great Gorge towards Whiteout Glacier, Colony Glacier, and the icebergs in Lake George. Land on the Knik Glacier and explore with your pilot/guide. We almost always see moose, mountain goats, bands of Dall sheep, and occasionally bears during the summer months.

Book This Adventure  

#greatlandadventures

• Bev As a solo traveler I usually veer towards group tours and make my decisions based on ratings. Greatland Adventures definitely lived up to their high ratings and awesome reviews. I have booked several tours with them. From the beginning it was a pleasurable experience with Steve and Rochelle who have excellent communication with their clients and ensure you are fully accommodated for your tour. I did the northern lights tour with Mike who is an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable and he captured some excellent photos of me! I completed the glacier tour with Bill who is also very knowledgeable and ensured we had a great experience at the glacier by getting us there before others arrived and allowing us to safe explore all the accessible crevasses. I absolutely recommend this tour company they are amazing!
• Jane I want to sincerely applaud the members of Greatland Adventures! They made me and my friend's trip to Anchorage one of the most amazing experiences ever in our lives... We were all well educated about the lights before we got there and even had a chance to have a pitstop at a gas station to use the toilet and grab a coffee. We even saw the lights that night TWICE! Thank you, Steve! The memories we made will last a lifetime and we are so happy we chose Greatland Adventures. I am telling any and everyone that plans to visit Anchorage to book through them. No question!

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Biking to Knik Glacier in the Winter (& other ways to get there)

Updated March 2024 , Biking to Knik Glacier in the Winter was originally published in April 2021

Alaska is home to a dizzying number of glaciers, with some being more accessible than others. Knik Glacier is an amazing option if you’re looking for a winter fat tire bike adventure. 

If you plan to visit Knik Glacier by fat tire bike, know that it’s only possible in the winter when Knik River is frozen. This means typically you’ll need to take on a trip to the glacier December-March. Know that fluctuations in temperature and erratic weather can lengthen or shorten this window of time. 

I’ve had the chance to visit Knik Glacier most recently by fat tire bike after my friend Tay and I borrowed a couple of bikes from friends and family. In the past, I’ve also visited by 4WD and by flight, so I’ll cover a little info on those in this post too.

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How to get to Knik Glacier

There are a few different ways to access Knik Glacier depending on what time of year you’re visiting. 

Fat Tire Bike or Cross Country Skis

In the winter months (typically December-March) it’s possible to reach Knik Glacier by fat tire bike or cross country skis using the Hunter Creek access point. The path is well-beaten, though you’ll want to avoid going after a bigger snowfall. 

Helicopter/Flight

Of course, if you’re visiting in the summer, late spring, or fall taking a helicopter from Knik Glacier Tours and landing on the glacier will be your best bet. Flight tours are possible year-round, weather permitting. 

Book a Knik Glacier helicopter flight , including a landing.

4WD & Snowmachine/ATV

A 4×4 trail from Jim Creek allows access for those wanting to visit using a vehicle. This route is about double the length of the trailhead from Hunter Creek. 

We went by 4WD back in 2019. Plan for a full day to drive there and back and spend some time at the glacier. 

Note that in 2020, a jeep broke through the ice on the lake close to the face of the glacier, so do take caution. 

Knik Glacier Trailheads

Hunter creek trailhead.

The Hunter Creek Trailhead is the main starting point for fat tire bikers. To get to the trailhead, you’ll take the Old Glenn Highway exit from the Glenn Highway, follow the Old Glenn for a few miles until a bend in the road just before the bridge crossing Knik River. 

At the bend, you’ll continue onto E Knik River Road and stay on the road for a few miles. At Ed Rush Road take a left and then a right onto Buckshot Lane. Follow Buckshot to the end and you will find Knik Glacier Tours’ Fat Tire Access parking lot and the trailhead. 

Jim Creek Trailhead

To reach the Jim Creek Trailhead you’ll take the Old Glenn Highway exit, but instead of peeling off at E Knik River Road, you’ll continue across the bridges staying on the Old Glenn.

Head east on Sullivan Road and you’ll reach the Jim Creek Trailhead parking lot on the right side of the road. Note that there $5 per vehicle parking fee if you plan to leave a vehicle in the lot. 

Biking to Knik Glacier

Distance  8.5 miles each way (to the lake)

Time 3-6 hours for the average biker

I’m going to cover fat tire biking to Knik Glacier via the Hunter Creek access as that is how I’ve done it. It’s possible to go from the Jim Creek Trailhead, but know that it’s about 50 miles roundtrip. 

From the trailhead, you’ll first cross a section of private land so do try not to veer from the trail. 

About 0.5 miles in you’ll reach Hunter Creek where you’ll need to either ride or wade across. The water isn’t very deep here, about 6 inches, but I’d recommend wearing a waterproof rain boot and gaiters to keep your feet dry, friends said that instead, they brought trash bags to put over their feet to keep dry. You will also want to pump your bike breaks immediately after crossing to prevent them from freezing up. 

Roughly another 0.5 miles or so later you’ll have to cross a small offshoot of the Knik River, so follow the same procedure above. The water was a little deeper here than at Hunter Creek but maybe by a couple of inches or so. 

Once across, you’ll be on the main ATV trail. At around 4 miles you’ll reach the main Knik River. From here you’ll follow the river back to arrive at the lake in front of Knik Glacier. If the ice seems sketchy at all or is too uneven you can take a path on the gravel bank. 

Exploring Knik Glacier

On the frozen lake you’ll find clusters of icebergs to explore and then of course the 5 mile long face of Knik Glacier. Do take caution while exploring the glacier as there have been people who have fallen through the ice. 

This route to the edge of the lake is roughly 15 miles return, however, you’ll easily tack on an additional 5 or so miles riding around the lake and checking out the glacier and icebergs. 

Where To Rent A Fat Tire Bike

• Downtown Bicycle Rental: $35 for 24 hours, $25 if you pick up and return the same day. 
• Trek Bicycle Store: $45 per day.
• APU: $45 per day.
• Alaska Bicycle Center: $35 per day.
• Backcountry Bikes: $60 per day.

What to Pack

• Fat tire bike (studded tires are advised)
• Waterproof boots
• Sunglasses or goggles
• Hat and gloves
• Neck gaiter
• Hand and feet warmers
• Layering clothing
• Water and snacks
• Trash bags (if you don’t have waterproof boots)

Have any questions about fat tire biking to Knik Glacier?

Ask in the comments section below.

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Top Rated Glacier adventures

Knik glacier tours.

Our Knik Glacier excursions offer so many opportunities for an unforgettable adventure that gets you away from the crowds; spend time trekking past unique ice formations, paddle board crystal clear blue glacial pools, ice climbing a crevasse or in the winter explore the beautiful frozen ice caves. See below for a few of the most popular tours we offer in our beautiful “backyard”; the mighty Knik

All Tours Begin in Palmer, Alaska

A beautiful 45 Minute Drive from Anchorage, Alaska Need Transportation from Anchorage? Give us a call & we will book your round trip transportation!

Top Rated adventures

Our Knik Glacier excursions offer so many opportunities for an unforgettable adventure that gets you away from the crowds; spend time trekking past unique ice formations, paddle board crystal clear blue glacial pools, ice climbing a crevasse or in the winter explore the beautiful frozen ice caves. See below for a few of the most popular tours we offer in our beautiful “backyard” the mighty Knik.

About The Knik Glacier

The beautiful Knik Glacier is located about 50 miles northeast of Anchorage, Alaska, stretching over 25 miles long and 5 miles wide at its toe (end)! The mighty Knik is nestled amongst the Chugach mountains and is famous for it’s stunning crystal blue pools, towering ice formations, and rugged beauty.

The Knik Glacier is accessible by a short helicopter flight or a very long hike. It’s remote location, allows visitors to get a taste of the raw and untouched landscapes of Alaska’s wilderness. For those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a glimpse into the wonders of a glacier-carved landscape, a visit to Knik Glacier promises an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience.

• Easy to get to from Anchorage
• Remote location accessible by helicopter
• We offer glacier paddle boarding, ice climbing and glacier trekking on the Knik

Heli flightseeing & guided glacier adventures:

Our most popular knik glacier tours, glacier paddle boarding, knik glacier explorer, knik glacier ice climbing, knik glacier trekking, knik glacier elopements, the adventure of a lifetime, what past customers are saying, “if you go, jump in the water”.

Amazing trip from start to finish, a lot better than I could have imagined. There was 0 rush on the glacier , we spent a ton of time hiking around. The pilot was knowledgeable and super fun to chat with during the flight too. Def earned 5 stars, well worth the money. If you go, jump in the water!

– James

“highly highly recommend the knik glacier landing tour.”.

Amazing once in a lifetime experience! Staff was super friendly and knowledgeable, and we had plenty of time out on the glacier without feeling rushed. On the flight back, we saw tons of wildlife! We mentioned the animals we wanted to see, and the pilot immediately knew just where to take us. Highly highly recommend the Knik glacier landing tour.

– Emilie

“book it now”.

From first contact via email to thanking their team and walking out the door, Outbound was absolutely amazing! Our trip to Knik Glacier was a special one for multiple reasons and they exceeded what we had envisioned. Highly recommend Outbound Heli Adventures to ANYONE planning a trip to one of the most beautiful spots Mother Nature has created. Book it…..NOW!

– Jared

Images from knik glacier adventures.

Beautiful views & an unforgettable exhilarating experience

3 Easy steps

To your grand adventure, we can’t wait to show you our breaktaking “backyard”, book your adventure.

15+ Unique adventures to choose from!

On the day of your scheduled tour we ask that you arrive 30 minutes early

HAVE AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE!

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• April 30, 2018

Special Places – Knik Glacier

Adventures on knik glacier.

Standing barefoot atop ice formed from snow that fell more than 100 years ago, he stripped to board shorts while the guide tied a safety cable across his chest. The cable was a precaution against involuntarily muscle seizure; immobilizing a person to the point they can’t swim – or even get out of the water. Hawaii native and photographer, Stan, was about to take a plunge into a deceptively inviting blue pool of ice melt atop Alaska’s Knik Glacier.

During the peak of the last glacier period (circa 21,500 years ago), Knik Glacier was a river of ice flowing from the north end of the Chugach Mountains toward the basin where the city of Anchorage now sits. Other tributaries joined it along the way: Matanuska, Portage, and many unnamed glaciers to become a massive frozen river more than 20 miles (32 km) across the face, up to 4,000 (1219 m) feet thick, and pushing past the Anchorage bowl into Cook Inlet. Seemingly modest compared to its former self, Knik Glacier has since retreated 50 miles east of Anchorage and now runs 25 (40 km) miles long and 5 miles (8 km) across its face. Despite the shrinkage, it is still one of the largest glaciers in Southcentral Alaska.

Getting to Knik is an adventure in itself. Several modes of transportation are available: all terrain vehicle, jet boat, guided pack rafting, and helicopter. Some adventuresome locals even ride fat tire bikes out there in the spring. Our choice was helicopter with a door-off option. If you don’t mind a bit of wind chill, teary eyes and having your lips blown back to your earlobes – it’s an exhilarating ride and a great way to shoot unobstructed views of the terrain.

The helicopter set down next to a pool of blue water so vibrant it bordered on surreal. Though heli glacier tours are available year-round, it is only from spring to fall that this phenomenon can be seen. Optimal months to photograph glaciers are listed in  Top 30 Alaska Photography Subjects and When to Shoot Them .

The blue was too much for a water bug like Stan to resist. He declared his intention to jump in just as soon as the chopper landed. The rest of the group staged their shots while he was prepped for the jump. Then perched on a platform of ice, Stan crossed himself, sprung, did a heel grab, and splashed down into frigid water. He didn’t stay long…

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ATV & UTV Tours

Knik glacier atv tour.

Our Most Popular Tour

For those adventurous souls that are ready to spend an entire day exploring Alaska’s beauty, our backcountry ATV tour to Knik Glacier  is an unbeatable experience of nature’s wonders. In this full-day tour that takes 6-8 hours, you will see Alaska like you never have before!

• 1 Day (6-8 Hours)
• Availability: March - October
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Driver Min Age: 16+ (With Drivers License)
• Passenger: No Age Restrictions

*ATV drivers are required to have prior experience operating an ATV

**Side by side drivers do NOT need prior experience

The Knik Glacier ATV Tour 1 Day Tour takes you on a ride through a remote, glaciated, backcountry valley. Our expert guides will lead you across beautiful meadows, along streams, and past scenic mountains and waterfalls to the ultimate sight of Alaska’s mighty Knik Glacier. Refuel for the equally stunning trip back with a lunch at this incredible landmark.

After teaching you how to operate the ATV, your guide will lead you on a ride straight into mind-blowing territory! You’ll be taken though all kinds of scenic terrain, including sprawling valleys, fascinating old claim routes for mining, and dense forest, and ultimately seeing one of Alaska’s incredible mountainous glaciers. Don’t forget your camera, as you’re sure to witness wildlife and scenery like you’ve never seen before!

Tour Includes:

• Professional Local Tour Guide
• Orientation and Safety Breifing
• Helmets, Goggles, Dusk Mask, Gloves, Boots and Rain Gear
• Hot Meal (Lunch)
• Orientation

We will provide a safety briefing and orientation to ATV’s. Topics covered will be proper operation of the ATV, general safety information, what to expect while on the tour route, procedures for possible wildlife encounters, and information on proper ATV riding techniques.

Check in Time & Location:

3901 S Lindsey Cir, Palmer, AK 99645

Clients will be met at our Palmer tour office by our guide staff upon arrival. Clients will then be outfitted with a helmets, goggles, dusk mask, gloves, boots and rain gear (if needed). Once clients have signed a standard liability release form, we will begin the safety briefing.

“Everything about the full day tour was top notch from start to finish. Awesome staff, high quality equipment, super exciting trails, amazing scenery. It was an experience I’ll remember for life…10/10 would recommend.”

• Physical Limitations

It is not necessary that clients have previous ATV experience prior to participating in one of our tours. Riding an ATV, as a general rule can be more challenging than driving a car because it requires coordinated physical input such as leaning and moving on the seat to assist the ATV in turning. Drivers need to be prepared to heed the advice of their guide and use their body to be actively involved with the steering and driving of the ATV for proper operation. Please note that the maximum amount of weight an ATV can accommodate is a total of 300 pounds. Also, due to the manufacturers warnings all participants must be at least 16 years old to operate the ATV.

• Reservation Policy

Due to limited capacity, advance reservations are highly recommended. If booking by phone, a credit card is required to confirm and hold your reservation at time of booking. Payment is due upon check-in at our office prior to tour departure and may be handled with cash, check, Visa, M/C American Express or Discover Cards. You have up to 30 days before your tour date to cancel with no penalty to you.

Note: clients are financially responsible for physical damage they may cause to the ATV due to careless, negligent, or accidental operation).

• Transportation

Round trip transportation between Anchorage and our Palmer office is available for an additional $100 per person, (minimum of 2).

Please call our office for pickup times and additional transfer information.

• Driver: $389
• Passenger: $249

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GRAND KNIK TOUR - YEAR ROUND

The Alaska Trifecta! Glaciers, icebergs and amazing alpine views. Three remote landings in one phenomenal tour. If you only have one day in Alaska, this is a tour you should consider.

The Alaska Trifecta! Glaciers, icebergs and amazing alpine views.

Grand Knik Tour

This is one of our staff favorites as you have time to really experience the stunning beauty of the area by combining three activities. Fly by helicopter past Lake George, awarded Natural Landmark status for its scenic beauty. As the helicopter flies up what we call moose meadow, keep your eyes peeled for moose on the valley floor. Descending, you’ll realize the scale of the glacier as the ice wall comes into view. Everything out here is XXL size!  You will have a half-hour to explore and take pictures, calving happens often.

For your second landing, you will fly high above to an alpine meadow where you will have a unique birds eye view of the massive  Knik glacier below, with Colony and Cataract glacier across Lake George . There is a good chance we’ll see bears foraging along the hillsides during the flight. We almost always see moose and Dall sheep.

Finally, your grande adventure has you flying to the middle of the Knik Glacier for a third landing at the azure colored melt pools. See the deep blue ice, and learn about the life cycle of glaciers and why they are so  important to human life across the globe . You will have another half hour to safely explore the glacier with your experienced pilot / guide. Don't forget your water bottle so you can fill it up with that crystal clear glacier water! An adventure you will be telling friends and family about for years to come!

**OFFERED YEAR ROUND**

Winter landing areas vary due to frozen pools and glacier snow

Available *

Alaska Glacier Lodge

3x Remote Landing

Total Flight:

Approx 30 Min

Tour Duration:

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Helicopter sightseeing with three (!) remote landings

Land next to the massive 100 foot tall Ice Wall at Lake George Glacier

Land on a remote peak for a birds eye view of the mighty Knik Glacier

Fly down the Great Gorge of the Knik, a National Natural Landmark

Land on the Knik Glacier near the deep blue melt pools

Small group size, very personal tour - learn all about glaciers

Excellent chances of seeing wildlife

Transfers available for purchase from Anchorage for all SUMMER departures*

Call Us Today Talk to our Alaska travel experts to help book your next Heli Tour!

(907) 272-7777

Total Duration

Total Flight

Grank Knik Tour

Not sure where to start?

Talk to one of our experienced alaska travel experts to help book your next heli tour.

(800) 469-0177

Call our local number at (907) 272-7777, or call us toll-free at (800) 469-0177, or you can email us.

Operating Schedule

Our winter office hours are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. From May 1st through September 15th, we are available from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

29979 E Knik River Rd

Palmer, AK 99645

Tel:  907-272-7777

Email: [email protected]

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Cool as ice: Here’s how to get up close to glaciers in Southcentral Alaska

Matanuska Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Southcentral Alaska. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

Whether you live in Alaska or are visiting, glaciers are one of the state’s most awe-inspiring and unique attractions.

Home to the most glaciers in the United States, Alaska offers incredible glacier experiences for people of all ages and abilities. We narrowed the trips on this list down to those under 150 miles — or a two- to three-hour drive — from Anchorage.

But before planning your next adventure, let’s talk briefly about glacier safety.

How to enjoy glaciers and stay safe

All visitors to glacial areas will benefit from bringing warm, layered clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, and a windbreak layer. Glaciers are colder than surrounding areas and often breezy.

Walking on glaciers can be dangerous unless — and sometimes even if — you have proper training and equipment.

Crevasses and moulins (deep holes) form in the glacier, some of which aren’t always visible. Only experienced outdoors people with extensive knowledge should trek the surface of a glacier by themselves; otherwise, hire a guide to lead you safely.

Glacier safety while kayaking and boating is crucial. Tidewater glaciers can calve at any moment, causing powerful waves that can overwhelm kayaks and nearby shoreline.

“Sudden waves from calving ice … can hit the shore with surprising power,” the National Park Service writes on the Kenai Fjords National Park website .

Stay at least a half-mile away from the glacier when kayaking or on a boat, the park service recommends. Don’t try to paddle between two large icebergs, and remain as far away from an iceberg as twice its width or height. The same formula applies when walking around the glacier’s terminus, or toe. Maintain awareness of your surroundings.

One last note: Some of Alaska’s glaciers may be hard to access due to certain seasonal conditions. Make sure to contact local visitors centers for current information.

Got it? Phew. Now for the fun stuff.

Disclaimer: This list explores some of the most popular glaciers, but for brevity’s sake does not include many of the tour operators offering hikes, boat trips, scenic flights, kayaking and more. Information about tours can be found with a simple online search.

Portage Valley: Accessible for all ages

About an hour’s drive from Anchorage on the Seward Highway is Portage Valley and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center . Two glaciers are easily accessible in the valley.

Byron Glacier is considered highly accessible for all ages. The 1.4-mile trail to the glacier is a flat, easy walk. The first half is well-maintained with a wide path. The second half is rocky, and to get closer to the glacier, visitors must cross boulders and small streams. The trail can get especially buggy in the summer, so be prepared.

Then there’s Portage Glacier. The glacier has receded out of view from the visitor center, but in the summer there’s a daily cruise and a pull-off where you can see the glacier from the road. A little farther down the road, Portage Pass trail is a 4-mile round-trip hike with glacier views.

During the winter, frozen Portage Lake is a popular spot for skiers and bikers traveling to the toe of the glacier. There are no park rangers around in case of emergency, though, so traverse the ice at your own risk.

According to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center website , the center will open in May 2024. Be sure to check ahead for current information about operating hours and fees.

Cyclists appraoch Portage Glacier as the sun breaks through the clouds on April 7, 2023. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Whittier and Prince William Sound: Tidewater glacier tours

Continue down Portage Glacier Road another few miles — including a trip through the 2.5-mile-long Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel — and you wind up in the town of Whittier.

Whittier is the launching point for many cruises in Prince William Sound, which boasts more tidewater glaciers than any other region in North America. (Valdez is another launching spot, about a five-hour drive from Anchorage.)

Columbia, Meares and Blackstone glaciers are just three of the oft-visited glaciers in the area. There are many different types of tours, kayaking opportunities and public-use cabins in Prince William Sound.

Cary Serack of Calgary, Alberta takes a selfie during a glacier tour with Major Marine Tours out of Whittier on Prince William Sound. (Tara Young / ADN archive)

Spencer Glacier: Take a train ride to a glacier

About 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, Spencer Glacier is only accessible via the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery Train , which runs daily from May 25 through Sept. 15 in 2024.

Visitors enjoy a scenic ride from Anchorage, getting off the train at Spencer Whistle Stop in Chugach National Forest at 1:45 p.m. Hike about 1.3 miles one way to the glacier viewing platform, or another 1.7 miles to the edge of the glacier (but be mindful of getting back to the train in time for the 4:30 p.m. pickup). Hike on your own or enjoy a hike guided by a U.S. Forest Service ranger.

The route then continues past Spencer Glacier to Grandview, revealing views of Bartlett Glacier and Trail Glacier. After a 20-minute stop, the train heads back to Portage. From there, visitors take a motorcoach back to the Anchorage train depot, arriving around 6:45 p.m.

Campsites and a cabin can be reserved via recreation.gov , but spots fill up fast. Tour operators offer guided kayaking, ice climbing or trips down the Placer River.

Eklutna Glacier and Lake Campground

About an hour northeast of Anchorage is Eklutna Lake, which provides most of the drinking water for Alaska’s largest city. Part of Chugach State Park, Eklutna Lake Campground has a large campsite, bike and kayak rentals, and a trail system that leads out to Eklutna Glacier.

Glacier access is a bit of a journey — to get up close, take the Eklutna Lakeside Trail, 12.9 miles one way. The path follows the shore of the lake, then to the river and glacier. Alternatively, the Bold Ridge Trail is about 4 miles long with a steep 3,600-foot elevation gain that rewards you with glacier views.

Matanuska Glacier, one of the world’s major ice sheets

Matanuska Glacier is about a two-hour drive on the Glenn Highway northeast of Anchorage. It’s touted as one of the few major ice sheets in the world that visitors can drive to and explore on foot. The glacier itself is gigantic — about 26 miles long and 4 miles wide at its terminus.

The Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area has 12 campsites, and it’s a 20-minute walk to glacier-viewing platforms, but there’s no direct access to the glacier.

The only road-accessible route direct to the glacier face is through property owned by Matanuska Glacier Park LLC . Tours are sold out of a gift shop and information center. Then, it’s a short drive and hike to reach the glacier.

Glacier Park only allows access via guided tours . The cost is $150 for out-of-state visitors, $30 for children 14 and under, and $50 for Alaska residents and military members.

South Fork Valley Trail: Backcountry hiking

The South Fork Valley Trail is an easy- to moderate-level hike to Eagle and Symphony Lakes in Eagle River, about half an hour northeast of Anchorage. The hike is about 12 miles round-trip. Flute Glacier can be reached by hiking to Eagle Lake, then heading another 4 miles up valley to the toe of the glacier — which isn’t a very common destination among visitors due to the amount of backcountry travel involved.

From left, the Yentna, Lacuna, and Kahiltna Glaciers are visible on a flight from Anchorage to Kotzebue on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Mount Foraker is at left and Denali is center. (Emily Mesner / ADN)

Talkeetna: Glacier flightseeing in the Alaska Range

A little over two hours north of Anchorage, the town of Talkeetna is the staging point for climbers heading to Denali. It also has flightseeing options for those who want to bask in the splendor of North America’s tallest peak without climbing it.

There are hundreds of unnamed glaciers on Denali, and 40 named ones, according to the National Park Service. The longest ones — Ruth, Kahiltna and Muldrow — each span more than 30 miles.

Multiple Talkeetna air taxi operators offer trips around the mountain. Some land on glaciers.

Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park

Exit Glacier is the only glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by road.

The Exit Glacier Nature Center is the starting point for a system of trails leading to the glacier. Those wanting more can make the strenuous 8.2-mile round-trip hike up the Harding Icefield Trail for spectacular views of the massive ice field.

There’s also a 12-site, tents-only campground near the nature center.

Exit Glacier Road is only open to cars during the summer, usually mid-May. In the winter, snowmachines, skiers, dog sleds and fat bikes are still allowed on the road. Check the park’s website for current conditions.

Then, there’s the rest of Kenai Fjords National Park. The National Park Service highlights Bear Glacier Lagoon and boat tours that take visitors along the park’s tidewater glaciers.

Hikers pause to take in a view of Exit Glacier from a spot a few miles into the Harding Icefield Trail. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Knik River tours and flightseeing

Excursions to Knik Glacier in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough have exploded in popularity during the winter , with fat-tire bikers taking a northern route that crosses a river.

Summer access comes by way of Knik Glacier Trail. There’s an 8-mile trail starting from Knik Glacier Tours that requires river crossings. Biking and boating are common. Tours are offered through nearby lodges.

There’s also flightseeing available to Knik Glacier and Colony Glacier.

Crow Pass Trail: A hike to Raven Glacier

Raven Glacier can be seen along on the historic 21-mile Crow Pass Trail , which has trailheads at Girdwood (40 miles from Anchorage on the Seward Highway) and the Eagle River Nature Center (about 26 miles east of Anchorage). This hike is recommended from late June to early September due to snow and avalanche danger.

For a glacier view with an 8-mile round trip, start from Girdwood’s Crow Creek trailhead. Hikers follow a series of switchbacks uphill, passing Jewel Glacier to the east of Crow Pass Cabin, and eventually arrive at Crow Pass and Raven Glacier. Hikers can continue on past the glacier, or turn around.

Daniel Bausch passes Raven Glacier during the Crow Pass Crossing backcountry marathon on July 24, 2021. (Marc Lester / ADN)

Hatcher Pass: Backcountry hiking to Mint Glacier

About 80 minutes north of Anchorage is the Hatcher Pass Management Area , a popular recreation area.

The Gold Mint Trail is a 16-mile round-trip journey that follows the Little Susitna River to the Mint Glacier Valley, where at the end, hikers can follow a fairly undeveloped trail up to Mint Glacier. There’s also good glacier viewing — and traversing — on the multiday Mint-Bomber Traverse for more advanced outdoor explorers.

Alaska Glacier Dogsledding Plus Lower Glacier Landing

A classic Alaskan adventure that brings you to the best our glaciers have to offer!

Meet the canine athletes that will pull your sled across a glacier, listen to musher stories, and of course take pictures with your favorite pups!

The ultimate multi activity package: a helicopter tour, a dogsled tour and a landing on the lower glacier to explore the melt pools and crevasses. Depart by helicopter from Knik River Lodge, fly over glaciers and land on a snow field high in the mountains where the dogs and their mushers are waiting for you. Drive your sled-dog team on real snow in the middle of summer surrounded by amazing scenery. The mushers welcome you on the glacier and you enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan huskies that live here all summer long. Take the dog team for an exhilarating 2-mile ride through real snow. You can stand on the runners and mush your own dog team if you want, or just sit on the sled and let the mushers run the team. After your dogsled tour meet the canine athletes that pulled your sled, listen to stories about running sled dog races of over a 1,000 miles long, meet the puppies and of course take pictures with your favorite dogs. After an hour the helicopter takes you down to the lower glacier where you land again for a second tour. Here you explore the blue melt pools, crevasses and other cool glacial features with your pilot/guide. We provide over boots so your shoes stay dry and crampons to wear while exploring the ice on the lower glacier. We have some extra jackets and warm gear you can borrow if needed.

Tour Highlights

• Helicopter flight over the majestic Chugach Range, Knik Glacier, Lake George and more
• Includes a one-hour dogsled tour on real snow plus a 30-minute landing & tour on the lower glacier
• Fly down the Great Gorge of the Knik, awarded National Landmark status for it’s beauty
• Small group size, very personal tour
• Better weather than Juneau, Skagway or Seward, virtually no cancellations
• Excellent chances of seeing wildlife

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• ATV Glacier Adventure

Heli Hiking & Photography Tour

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Alaska Glacier Dogsledding plus Lower Glacier Landing

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Alaska Glacier Tours 600 Barrow Street, Suite 300 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 1-877-745-4575

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