matanuska glacier walking tour

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content

Salmon Berry Travel & Tours

Explore Alaska with the Experts

Matanuska Glacier Tour

Hike on Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier with our trained Glacier Guides!

Price per Person

• Description
• Cancellation Policy
• Travel Insurance

Our Glacier Hike was featured on CNN! See it here:

“ An Alaskan glacier hike through uncompromising beauty ”

Take a hike on the Matanuska glacier, Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier located two hours north of Anchorage. Salmon Berry Tours supplies transportation and all necessary glacier gear, with local guides trained in Wilderness First Aid and Glacier  Rescue. Our 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio offers you a small-group experience with the maximum level of safety and best photo opportunities of this glacier valley and it’s incredible glacier features. A late lunch is included at a lodge overlooking the glacier.

Try our most popular tour! Journey two hours north of Anchorage and explore the Matanuska glacier’s incredible features and sweeping views of this scenic valley. This is considered a moderate activity – guests should have good knees, good back and good balance to join us on the glacier hike. Elevation gain is the equivalent of walking up 3-4 flights of stairs unassisted.

The Matanuska glacier is a frozen 27-mile river of ancient ice. Thousands of years old, this massive glacier is tucked at the head of the Matanuska valley. You will spend two hours trekking the ice with our expert guides, learning how the Matanuska glacier was born and how it shaped the surrounding landscape.

Walking on ice is slippery fun, so we provide our guests with helmets, a trekking pole (walking stick) and microspikes that attach to your shoes. We require our guests to bring sturdy footwear (stiff-soled hiking boots or shoes, and in the winter a warm pack-boot rated to -20F or colder) and suggest an extra pair of socks to change into after the tour. Don’t be surprised if your shoes get covered with “flour,” the glacial till of finely-ground rock with a texture like talcum powder (it makes for great facials, but doesn’t clean off of your shoes easily).

This all-inclusive tour allows you to warm up with hot beverages and a hearty lunch (provided) at a local lodge as well as complimentary snacks and water in the vehicle.

Conclude your adventures with transportation back to your Anchorage hotel.

Need additional outdoor winter gear for your tour? By request at the time of booking, Salmon Berry Tours can provide snow pants, boots, and gloves from our lending closet, if available.

Special Notes: This is a “soft adventure” day trip experience. If interested in a more adventurous glacier tour, we would be happy to put you in touch with one of our local partners for more strenuous glacier hiking or ice climbing.

Glaciers present an inherently dangerous environment, and Matanuska glacier is no exception. Salmon Berry Tours has been in business since 2005, and we have been trekking on Matanuska glacier since 2011. We are fully-insured for glacier trekking. The company never uses novice guides for our glacier trips, and we take our training very seriously, with twice-annual crevasse rescue training. We operate in small groups, for additional safety, with one glacier guide for every six guests; guaranteeing two guides per tour.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED

• Local Alaska guides
• Narration provided by a CDL-certified, English-speaking, local-Alaskan guide
• Certified Wilderness Aid and Glacier Trekking/Rescue
• Up to 12 guests in our clean and comfortable Sprinter vans
• 1 to 6 guide-to-guest ratio while on the glacier
• Admission to Matanuska Glacier Park
• Two hours of guided hiking to and on the Matanuska glacier
• Lunch at a local lodge overlooking the glacier
• An assortment of complimentary snacks and water are available in the touring vehicle to and from the glacier
• Glacier gear (helmets, trekking pole, and microspikes) provided to each guest
• Access to our gently-used gear (boots, snowpants, winter coats, raincoats, mittens, hats, etc.) is available
• *Gear must be requested at time of booking to assure gear available during your tour
• Pick up available from major hotels located within Anchorage
• *Please note that we do limit pick ups to 3 hotels per tour. BOOK NOW TO CONFIRM YOUR PICK UP
• Conveniently located in downtown Anchorage
• *Please select “Meet at Salmon Berry Tours Office” at time of booking to confirm
• Drop off is available at major hotels located within Anchorage
• *Drop off at Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport may be available if requested in advance

NOT INCLUDED

• Basic guide gratuity for this tour starts at $20.00 per guest to be shared by both glacier guides.
• Guests coming with Salmon Berry Tours are not allowed to fly drones on the Matanuska Glacier. Please reach out to Matanuska Glacier Park Adventures to purchase a permit. Please organize a rental car or private transportation to/from the glacier if you have a permit to fly a drone over the glacier.
• While we don’t offer ice climbing, we can book a reservation for you with one of our trusted local partners

Day Tour Cancellation Policy

For direct bookings, cancellations outside 7 days before your tour, a 10% fee will be withheld. For cancellations inside 7 days, no refund applies.

Salmon Berry Travel & Tours recommends travel insurance provided by TravelSafe Insurance . Our recommendation is based on positive guest feedback. In particular, the experience of one Salmon Berry guest is instructive:

• Our guest had booked the vacation of a lifetime and the ultimate Alaska package. She had to cancel the trip a week before it began due to unfortunate circumstances.
• She later told us that within ten minutes of phone time her claim was processed in full. She was very pleased with TravelSafe Insurance’s immediate and empathetic response. Getting a refund for her trip was the last thing she wanted to think about, and TravelSafe Insurance took care of her needs and concerns immediately.

Important Links

• Summer Tours
• Winter in Alaska
• Cruise Transfers
• Alaska Travel Packages
• Hatcher Pass
• Salmon Berry News

515 W 4th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501

Connect With Us

Alaskan hospitality is rooted in kindness and respect, and we look forward to hosting you on your Alaska vacation to share ours with you. We encourage random acts of kindness, support our visitors shopping local, and follow a simple philosophy… if you see someone without a smile – give them yours!

For our other policies, click here: https://www.salmonberrytours.com/covid-19-updates-from-the-sbt-family/

7 Top-Rated Matanuska Glacier Tours from Anchorage

What are the best Matanuska Glacier tours? Is it worth going to Matanuska Glacier?

Set in the heart of Alaska just 95 miles from the city of Anchorage, the Matanuska Glacier is known for its breathtaking views and stunning ice formations. It’s a natural wonder that lures in thousands of visitors every year, all eager to explore this unique environment!

As locals ourselves, we’re here to tell you that Matanuska Glacier is a bit of an icon to interior Alaska, and no visit to the state’s largest city would be complete without a visit! However, due to its popularity, there are now so many tours and excursions available for visitors to experience the glacier in different ways.

Don’t have time to read the entire post? Just read this!

The Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour is unquestionably the #1 Matanuska Glacier tour on this list!

⭐ Viator’s Badge of Excellence ⭐ All glacier gear (spikes, poles…) ⭐ Free hotel pick-up & drop-off!

But with so many options, which one is actually worth your time and money? Don’t stress, we’re here to help. We’ve vetted each and every tour mentioned on this list by reading countless reviews, asking for recommendations from locals, and ensuring these tours will provide an exceptional day trip to one of Alaska’s most popular sites!

After you pick your tour, don’t forget to read all of our answers to some important questions we’ve included at the end of this post. We explored if taking a guided tour to the glacier is truly worth it, how much you can expect to spend on these tours, how long the drive is from Anchorage to the glacier, and more!

7 Best Matanuska Glacier Tours

1. matanuska glacier hike day tour.

Easily the #1 tour option on this list, the Matanuska Glacier Hike offers an exciting and safe way to explore the glacier!

This tour is perfect for all ages and experience levels, includes all of the proper gear such as shoe spikes, trekking poles, and helmets (typically only used in the summer), and fully inclusive roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Anchorage.

While hiking alongside an experienced and knowledgeable guide, you’ll also learn all about glacial phenomenon, and how this impressive glacier was formed. The optimal choice for anyone looking to truly experience the glacier, this tour includes a full 2.5 hours on the ice, allowing you ample time for photos and exploring.

2. Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour

Slightly shorter than the first tour coming in around 8.5 hours in duration, the Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour still packs in all the excitement and adventure as its counterpart!

This tour is also inclusive of roundtrip transportation from Anchorage and all of the necessary gear, but offers a slightly shorter duration on the glacier at about 1-2 hours on the glacier. Perfect for those a little tight on time who don’t want to miss out on exploring Alaska’s beautiful Matanuska Glacier!

3. Matanuska Glacier Winter Tour

Those visiting Alaska in the winter are in for a real treat (Sean and I absolutely love Alaska in the winter!) Cloaked in snow and icy blue hues, the Matanuska Glacier Winter Tour is incomparable!

Spend the day exploring fields of snow, ice caves, and towering walls of glacial ice. This tour is perfect for those wanting a more adventurous experience as the use of ice cleats over snow and ice is required. Not to worry, the tour provides them! Transportation from Anchorage and a knowledgeable guide are also included in this day trip.

Plus, the tour even includes lunch at a local restaurant! Anyone seeking an all-inclusive Matanuska Glacier tour from Anchorage, this is the top choice!

4. Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Small-Group Excursion

The Matanuska Glacier Small-Group Excursion is perfect for those wanting a more personal and intimate experience on the glacier. With a maximum group size of 14, this tour allows for more one-on-one time with your guide and ample opportunity to ask questions about the glacier and surrounding area.

This tour includes roundtrip transportation, gear, as well as all photos that your guide takes! No need to pay for a photographer, as all photos are free at the end of the tour. Plus, a guided hike of a few miles on and around the glacier ensures you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore.

Pro Tip: if you’re thinking “ 14 people is a lot for a “small group” tour” don’t worry, we agree with you! If you want fewer than 10 travelers on your tour, check out the All Day Matanuska Glacier Hike with Panoramic Bus in Alaska which only allows 9 people.

5. All Day Matanuska Glacier Hike with Panoramic Bus in Alaska

Take in the grandeur of the scenic Glenn Highway and Matanuska Glacier in a truly unique way with the All Day Matanuska Glacier Hike with Panoramic Bus in Alaska !

This tour combines the thrill of glacier hiking with the luxury of panoramic views from a comfortable bus equipped with massive windows, offering an unforgettable experience limited to just nine passengers for an intimate group atmosphere.

Included are all necessary hiking gear and roundtrip transportation from Anchorage, making it a seamless adventure.

6. Matanuska Glacier Summer Tour

The Matanuska Glacier Summer Tour is the perfect getaway for those eager to explore one of Alaska’s natural treasures in the heat of summer! Contrary to popular belief, you can go on the glacier during the summer months, however, helmets are often required due to a higher likelihood of falling snow or ice.

This tour includes roundtrip transportation from Anchorage, gear suited for the summer months, an expert guide, and even a delicious, local lunch! At 8 hours in duration, this tour allows for plenty of time to explore, take photos, and just enjoy the scenery.

7. Matanuska Glacier Winter Hike And Tour – Full Day

The shortest tour on this list lasting between 7-8 hours, the Matanuska Glacier Winter Hike And Tour is perfect for anyone working with less time to see the glacier. This all-inclusive tour provides transportation from Anchorage, all necessary gear, and a knowledgeable guide to take you on an unforgettable trek throughout the glacier’s ice-carved halls!

If you’ll be visiting Alaska during the chill of winter, this excursion is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Matanuska Glacier in all its frozen glory.

FAQ: Matanuska Glacier Tours

In this next section, we’ve answered some essential questions for your glacier trek including if it’s truthfully worth taking a tour, our #1 pick if we had to choose, and even some interesting information about the glacier itself!

Is It Worth Going to Matanuska Glacier?

Absolutely, visiting the Matanuska Glacier is an experience worth every dime for the adventurous soul and nature enthusiast alike . The glacier presents a stunning landscape that is not only awe-inspiring but also ripe with opportunities for unique outdoor activities that range from exploring ice caves to ice climbing!

Taking a guided tour enhances the experience by providing expert insights into the glacier’s geology and history, safety guidance, and equipment which might be difficult to arrange independently.

The value of these tours is in the ease of access thanks to the roundtrip transportation in a vehicle fitted with proper tires, the educational component, and the opportunity to have someone else take photos of you so you can just sit back and enjoy!

Can You Walk on Matanuska Glacier Without a Tour?

Since June 2022, visitors are no longer allowed to access the Matanuska Glacier without a guided tour . The glacier is made primarily of exceedingly dangerous terrain that should only be accessed with proper gear, knowledge, and guidance to ensure safety.

The Matanuska Glacier Park is also privately owned, requiring an entrance fee to be paid by your tour guide when you arrive.

How Much is the Matanuska Glacier Tour?

Generally, prices for Matanuska Glacier tours range from around $250 to $350 per person , however, the cost of these tours varies based on the type of tour, duration, and amenities included.

This price often includes transportation from Anchorage, a local expert guide, all the necessary gear for the hike, and sometimes additional features like meals or special gear for winter or summer conditions.

Similar to Katmai National Park tours or helicopter tours that include glacier landings in Alaska, these tours are going to be pricey… there’s no denying that. But, the experiences they offer well outweigh the budgeting efforts on your end!

What is the Best Matanuska Glacier Tour?

The best Matanuska Glacier tour is, without a doubt, the Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour ! Offering ( by far ) the most amount of time on the glacier, you’ll be able to explore and appreciate the glacier’s vastness without feeling rushed.

This tour is also perfect for adrenaline junkies, as it includes ice climbing on the glacier itself! The added educational component about glaciology and the local area makes this tour incredibly well-rounded. And, with roundtrip transportation and all gear included, if you only have time for one Matanuska Glacier tour, this one should be it!

How Long Is It to Walk to Matanuska Glacier?

Walking to Matanuska Glacier from the parking lot can take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. However, the time can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos, to retire your laces, etc.

Remember, now that guided tours are mandatory, your approach to the glacier will be led by professionals who ensure your safety and provide insightful information, which can also affect the duration of your walk.

It’s a short trek, but it’s packed with beautiful vistas that you’ll want to enjoy before reaching the glacier itself.

How Long Does it Take to Drive from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier?

The drive from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier typically takes about 2 hours and covers approximately 96 miles on the Glenn Highway, a National Scenic Byway .

The journey itself is visually stunning, with opportunities to stop at scenic points along the way, so it’s a good idea to give yourself an extra half an hour for the ride if you’re someone who enjoys taking photos like us!

Travelers should also be prepared for variable road conditions, especially during the winter months when roads can be narrowed and icy.

What Town is Matanuska Glacier In?

Matanuska Glacier is located near the town of Glacier View, Alaska . Nestled within the breathtaking Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Glacier View offers a picturesque and homely base for those looking to explore the natural splendor of the glacier.

The glacier is also only 60 miles from Palmer, and just under 100 miles from the city of Anchorage .

Skip to the end of the post? Just read this!

Other Helpful Alaska Resources

30+ Things To Do in Anchorage Alaska (From Two Locals!) 8 BEST Kenai River Fishing Tours for 2024 12 Exhilarating Mendenhall Glacier Tours in 2024 9 BEST Kenai Fjords Tours in 2024 11 BEST Denali National Park Tours for Adventurers 5+ Top-Rated Fairbanks Ice Fishing Tours for 2023-2024 10 BEST Alaska Northern Lights Tours in 2024 11 BEST Skagway Shore Excursions For An Alaska Cruise Anchorage vs Fairbanks: Weather, Cost, & Activities from a Local 10 Incredible Juneau Whale Watching Tours in 2024 7 BEST Ketchikan Fishing Charters in 2024

Matanuska Glacier is one of the top attractions in the state of Alaska, but there’s so much more to explore!

With any one of these guided Matanuska Glacier tours , you’re already well on your way to seeing the best of what Alaska has to offer thanks to all-inclusive transportation, gear, and expert knowledge!

Emily and Sean Concannon are passionate travelers, photographers, and adventurers at heart. This intrepid duo is always on the move, exploring the wild corners of the world and stepping out of their comfort zone for the thrill of discovery and the majesty of nature.

Their adventures are amplified by their love for wildlife, a passion that drives them to capture the earth's stunning biodiversity through the lens of their camera. Their faithful canine companion, Leska, adds a touch of enthusiasm to their journeys.

Together, they encapsulate the spirit of wanderlust, driven by love, curiosity, and a relentless thirst for life's next great adventure.

Similar Posts

13 BEST Campgrounds in Seward Alaska: Tips from a Local!

Seward vs Homer: The Complete Comparison from a Local

9 BEST Kenai Fjords Tours in 2024

8 BEST Kenai River Fishing Tours for 2024

Can You See the Northern Lights in Anchorage, AK? Advice from a Local!

30+ Things To Do in Anchorage Alaska (From Two Locals!)

Matanuska Glacier Tours

Ice fall trek:.

Our most popular guided Matanuska Glacier tour! If you are able to walk at a very moderate pace for 3 hours or so, this is the trip for you. Take the guesswork out of your glacier experience with our well trained and professional glacier guides. With multiple time slots per day, our Ice Fall Trek fits well into any Alaska vacation.

Since 1999, we’ve helped thousands of visitors explore the Matanuska Glacier on our Ice Fall Trek.

Ice Fall Trek

Our most popular tour. 

This trip is great for families that want to experience a glacier instead of just look at it from a boat or plane.

• Info Small Group Size, no more than 8 participants
• Hiking Hiking Access to Glacier
• Clock 3 Hours
• User Minimum Age 10 years (6 years on Private Treks)
• Dollar $115 + Glacier Access Fee = $160/person

Advanced Trek:

This trip is appropriate for adventurous travelers seeking a full day of glacial exploration. Our experienced guides will take you to a remote area of the glacier and use a variety of rope and anchor systems to safely access some of the most spectacular features on the Matanuska Glacier! Features may include moulins, crevasses, and blue pools.

No previous glacier experience required, although a moderate level of fitness is required.

Skip the hike and take a helicopter with the Heli Explorer. 

Helicopter Explorer

Fly into an Advanced Trek.

Take a helicopter to the “Backcountry” for an Advanced Trek using ropes to access the coolest features on the ice.

• Helicopter Helicopter Access to Glacier
• User Minimum Age 12 years
• Dollar $349/person

Advanced Trek

Go further. Go higher. 

This adventurous trip gets you out to the spectacular features of the “Backcountry” of the glacier.

• Clock 5-6 Hours
• Dollar $225 + Glacier Access Fee = $270/person

Ice Climbing:

A day of Ice Climbing with MICA Guides consists of a progression catered to the skills and endurance of the group. Our professional guides will teach you the basic skills needed to climb on moderate ice slopes, and then help you refine your climbing techniques to move towards more challenging and spectacular terrain throughout the day. No previous climbing experience is necessary, although a strong level of physical fitness is required. This trip is best suited for people looking for the most challenging and technical Matanuska Glacier experience.

Skip the hike and take a helicopter with the Ultimate Heli.  

Ultimate Helicopter Adventure

The best of the Matanuska Glacier.

This private experience flys you to the most spectacular features of the glacier with one of our top Guides.  Climb and explore, the day is yours.

• Clock 6-7 Hours
• User Minimum Age 8 years
• Dollar $650/person*
• Users *Based on a group size of 4

Ice Climbing

You can do it.

We’ve been teaching beginners to ice climb since 1999.  Our step by step instruction will get you climbing.. and get some awesome photos.

• Clock 8 Hours
• Dollar $249+ Glacier Access Fee = $294/person

Helicopter Ice Climbing

Fly over the Glacier to Ice Climbing

Take a helicopter through the mountains and over the river to arrive on a prime Matanuska Glacier Ice Climbing location.

• Helicopter Helicopter Access (Direct flight)
• Hour Glass 6 Hours
• Dollar $499/person

“Glacier Glamping” Overnight Adventure Tour:

Let us help you experience Matanuska Glacier overnight. Have an unforgettable night out under the Alpenglow. Add in ice climbing or exploring the best features of the Matanuska for the Ultimate Alaska glacier experience.

Matanuska Glacier Glamping Adventure

Experience luxury camping on a glacier.

Fly to our remote glacier camp for this unforgettable experience. Cozy tents, great meals and exploring or climbing adventures.

• Clock Overnight
• User Minimum Age 14 years (10 for private bookings)
• Dollar $500/person*
• Users *Based on two person occupancy

Helicopter Glacier Tours:

Enjoy the Features from Above, and Land on the Glacier.  If you choose to do a Matanuska Glacier helicopter landing, you can even schedule a Helicopter Explorer to do a back country Advanced Trek.  You could even do the Ultimate Helicopter Adventure to add a more customized, private, ice climbing adventure.

Private Heli Explorer

Explore. Take photos. Elope.  

This private trip gets your group to one of the most spectacular locations on the glacier for the Advanced Trek, a photo shoot or a wedding!

• Dollar $350/person*

Your responsibilities

We do not take infants on any of our trips under any conditions (backpacks, strollers, or carried in arms). Please call us in advance if pregnant.

All participants on our trips must follow our procedures and sign a waiver. Only parents or legal guardians may sign for minors. You may preview this document and learn much more about our risk management at  Your Safety on the Matanuska Glacier .

Explore the Wild!

Your alaska & yukon travel expert.

Matanuska Glacier Walk Day Tour

Day tour from/to anchorage.

This day tour takes you from Anchorage to the Matanuska Glacier, a frozen 27 mile long river of ancient ice. Thousands of years old, this massive glacier is tucked up into the head of the Matanuska Valley. You will spend over 2 hours directly on the glacier with a glacier guide by your side, learning how the Matanuska Glacier was born and how it shaped the landscape in the Matanuska Susitna Valley. Explore blue meltwater pools, the ice formations and deep crevasses.

Walk on an Alaska glacier!

Small group nature adventure

Transfer from downtown Anchorage to glacier and lunch included

Tour Summary

Your tour starts at your Anchorage hotel where you will be picked up at 8.30AM. From there, your fully-guided transportation takes you to Matanuska Glacier – water and snacks included.

You will spend 2+ hours directly on the glacier with a glacier guide by your side. Be aware that walking on ice is slippery fun, so you are equipped with a helmet, a walking stick and crampons that attach to your shoes. This tour requires you to bring sturdy footwear and suggests that you bring an extra pair of socks. Don’t be surprised that your shoes get filthy with glacial flour. This glacial till is finely ground rock the glacier has created – it makes for great facials! This tour does require walking for about 2 hours.

You will also stop for lunch where you’ll overlook the glacier while enjoying some yummy Alaskan fare. After a day full of adventure you will be dropped off at your Anchorage hotel at 6PM.

Available from January 1 to September 30, 2024

tour available only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Summer departure time: 7:30AM – 5:30PM;  Winter departure time is 8:30AM – Minimum age 8 years

From/to Anchorage

Blackout Dates: March 2-3, April 15 – May 15 2024

CANCELLATION POLICY

Up to 12 days prior a 10% fee + $30 per booking –  later: 100%

Use this form to request a non-binding quote for the Matanuska Glacier Walk Day Tour. One of our destination specialists will contact you shortly with specific pricing and itinerary information.

Related Tours

Anchorage Scenic City Tour

Visit the city of Anchorage and it beautiful landmarks.

Day Trip Train to Whittier with 26 Glacier Cruise

Ride the train along the scenic Turnagain Arm to Whittier, located at the entrance of Prince William Sound. Enjoy a narrated cruise on a catamaran and see impressive glaciers and marine mammals like the adorable sea otters.

Turnagain Turn Tour

The Seward Highway is a National Scenic Highway, and for good reason! This 6-hour tour from Anchorage takes you down the Turnagain Arm to the aerial tram on Mt. Alyeska.

Helicopter & Dogsled Tour

Drive your own sled-dog team on real snow in the middle of summer, surrounded by amazing scenery.

Day Trip to Seward by Train with Whale & Glacier Cruise

Experience the most scenic leg the Alaska Railroad offers, combined with a whale and glacier cruise out of Seward.

Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Transfer & Tour

Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Transfer & Tour

Helicopter Tour Knik Glacier with Glacier Landing

Amazing what the glacier world looks like from above – land in the middle of Knik Glacier and step on the ice for some explorations!

Chinitna Bay Bear Viewing

Located on the southern end of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Chinitna Bay is home to a multitude of brown bears that come to the bay to feed on the protein rich sedge grasses, copious clams and fish the late summer salmon runs.

Bear Viewing at Redoubt Bay Lodge, Day Tour

View Alaska black and brown bears in their natural habitat on a guided, fly-out Alaska bear watching trip to Redoubt Bay Lodge – a small lodge situated in a 171,000-acre critical habitat area

Summer Glacier Walk – Matanuska

$299 + $18 tax & fees – per person, may – september, 2021.

Try a local favorite! The Matanuska Glacier is a frozen 27 mile long river of ancient ice. Thousands of years old, this massive glacier is tucked up into the head of the Matanuska Valley. You will spend over 2 hours directly on the glacier with a glacier guide by your side, learning how the Matanuska Glacier was born and how it shaped the landscape in the Matanuska Susitna Valley. Explore blue meltwater pools, ice formations and deep crevasses.

Walking on ice is slippery fun, so you are equipped with a helmet, a walking stick and crampons that attach to your shoes. You are required to bring sturdy footwear (hiking shoe, waterproof shoe, boot) and suggest that you bring an extra pair of socks. Don’t be surprised that your shoes get filthy dirty with glacial flour. This glacial till is finely ground rock the glacier has created – it makes for great facials! This tour does require walking outside for about two hours with a glacier guide. The fully-guided transportation includes a pick-up at your hotel in Anchorage as well as complimentary water and snacks in the touring vehicle.

SPRING SAVINGS

Save $500 per couple!!

 3 or 4 day cruises with an Alaskan Land Vacation

• Order Status
• Juneau Tours
• Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure
• Mendenhall Lake Canoe
• Dog Sledding
• Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour
• Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
• Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding
• Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Musher's Camp
• Whale Watching & Salmon Bake
• Taku Lodge Flight & Feast
• Things to Do in Juneau
• Skagway Tours
• White Pass Railroad
• Bennett Scenic Railroad
• Yukon Discovery
• White Pass Summit & Beyond
• Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Chilkoot Horseback
• Glacier Point Wilderness Safari
• Wildlife Safari & Bear Viewing
• Things to Do in Skagway
• Ketchikan Tours
• Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument
• Mahoney Falls Extended Tour
• Trolley Tour
• George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast
• Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
• Things to Do in Ketchikan
• Icy Strait Point Tours
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife & Bear Search
• Stream Fishing
• Things to Do in Icy Strait
• Sitka Tours
• Premium Scenic Tour
• Sitka Sound Kayak Adventure
• Whale Watching Tour
• Things to Do in Sitka
• Things to Do

Anchorage Matanuska Glacier Walk Tour

• Photos / Video
• Things to know
• Reviews (0)

Excursion Overview

Don't miss your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore thousands of years of glacial activity.

We'll make our way towards the Matanuska Glacier where you will spend over 2 hours directly on the surface with a guide by your side. You'll learn how the Matanuska Glacier was born and how it shaped the landscape of the Matanuska Susitna Valley. Explore blue meltwater pools, ice formations, and deep crevasses! This tour has a 6:1 guide-to-guest ratio with a maximum of 12 passengers, ensuring a learning experience you will never forget. Walking on ice is slippery fun, so our guests are equipped with a helmet, a walking stick, and crampons that attach to your shoes. We require our guests to bring sturdy footwear and suggest that you bring an extra pair of socks. Don't be surprised that your shoes get covered with glacial "flour." This substance, finely ground rock created by glacial activity, makes for great facials! Our fully-guided transportation includes a pick-up at your hotel in Anchorage as well as water and snacks in the touring vehicle.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Entrance tickets
• Narrated tour with expert guides
• Gear/Equipment: Microspikes, helmet and trekking pole
• Complimentary snacks and bottled glacier water
• Hotel pick-up on request

Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 passengers required to book
• Minimum age: 8 years old
• Must be able to walk 2 hours on uneven ground
• Bring sturdy footwear such as stiff-soled hiking boots or shoes, and an extra pair of socks

Duration: 9 hours (Roundtrip from local tour office.)

• 8 hour - narrated tour
• Up to 30 minutes - transportation

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets at the tour operator's office in downtown Anchorage. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Snacks and water are included on this tour.

Gratuities are not included. The suggested gratuity for our tour guides is 10 USD per guide.

Yes, entrance fees to the Glacier Park are included.

Guests must be 8 years of age or older to participate in this excursion.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 9 hours

Date Required

Time Required

# of Passengers Required

Adult (8+): $ 299.00

Why Alaska Shore Excursions?

• Free Cancellation
• Secure Payments
• On Time Ship Return Guarantee
• Alaska Tour Experts
• Best Price Guarantee
• Chat & Phone Support

Anchorage Blogs

Top 10 Alaska Cruise Excursions

10 Best Things to Do at Denali National Park

10 Best Things to Do in Seward

Related tours.

Anchorage City Trolley Tour

$25.00 / Person

Anchorage Glacier Dog Sledding via Helicopter Tour

$616.97 / Person

Anchorage Heli Packrafting

$999.00 / Person

Anchorage Turnagain Turn Tour

$179.00 / Person

• Copyright 2024 Alaska Shore Excursions

• Winter Vacations
• Northern Lights
• Railroad Vacations
• Self Drive Vacations
• Alaska Cruise Vacations
• Guided Bus Vacations
• Lodge Stays
• Summer in Alaska
• All Day Tours
• Alaska’s Cities
• National Parks
• Alaska’s Regions
• Arctic Circle
• Bear Viewing
• Day Cruises
• Dog Sledding
• Flightseeing
• Outdoor Adventures
• Glacier Tours
• River Rafting
• Sightseeing
• Sport Fishing
• Whale Watching
• First Time Visitors
• Stories from Alaska
• Booking Policies

Matanuska Glacier Hiking Out of Anchorage

Photo Journey:

Home » City-Based Day Tours » Anchorage » Matanuska Glacier Hiking Out of Anchorage

Day Tour Details

What's included:.

• Roundtrip van transportation from Anchorage
• Guide services
• Ice cleats, walking sticks, and helmets
• All taxes and fees

I went in February because my biggest wish, and last on my bucket list was to see The Borealis Aurora. I certainly got my wish, but it was overshadowed by all the other experiences I managed to fit in. Would I recommend this trip - absolutely, and if I went to Alaska... Read more  

Carol | Facebook

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. For more info, read our Privacy Policy Accept & Hide This site uses cookies. Click here to accept.

 907-745-5753   [email protected]

Matanuska Glacier Tour

Glacier | glacier day trips, matanuska glacier, 3 hour tour, $115/person.

+ Glacier Entrance Fee

Adventure Level

Trip minimum, reservation minimum.

*Singles please call our office for availability.

Hicks Creek Facility

38100 W Glenn Highway, Glacier View, AK 99674 *Mile 96.5

June 1 – September 10

Ages 9 – 72, max. size/weight, 250 lbs, girth 50 inches, min. shoe size, 5 us men/ 6 us women.

(to fit our provided boots and gear properly.)

Check-in Time

9:30am, 10:30am and 2:30pm.

Approximately 2+ Hours on the glacier and 3+ Hours total.

Trip Highlights

• No experience necessary!
• Family friendly!
• Great for photos!
• Easy hiking terrain.
• Exposure to the Ice-Falls.
• Walk across a Glacial Lake.

TRIP DESCRIPTION

No experience necessary.

It’s not every day one can take a leisurely hike along the base of a 26-mile long advancing valley glacier. See the wonder and marvel of one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers by foot with NOVA’s popular Glacier Tour. You’ll be outfitted with the necessary gear and transported by vehicle to the glacier terminus at the front of the park. Our experienced guides will inform and guide you through the rock fields of the large terminal moraine and on to the impressive ‘Ice Falls’ area of the Matanuska Glacier. This expanse of dense glacier ice naturally falls over the submerged rock deposit underneath it and reflects back up, creating jagged upward spire formations otherwise known as seracs. There is a small lake at the front of the ‘Ice Falls’ that is the creation point for the water that feeds a powerful river just downstream. Along the way, there are constant views and evolving glacier features to check out. Erratics, flowing moulins and deep crevasses of this glacier create an ever evolving landscape with active geology all around. This is a fantastic tour for families or groups with mixed abilities and comforts.

Depending on the group’s abilities, fitness and relationship. The Glacier Tour is usually a 1:10 guide-to-client ratio, with multiple guides on larger tours. This is an easy rudimentary walk/hike with basic variable glacier terrain and features such as slippery rocks and ice. For those wanting more of a challenge on the glacier, check out our ‘Adventure Trek’ tour. Be sure to bring your water bottle to fill and drink some Glacier water! Along with a camera, jacket and sunglasses!

NOVA provides all glacier tours and equipment based on your physical abilities, condition and desire to walk or hike. See below for details on equipment.

NOVA has small metal chain link traction devices called ‘creepers’ that can also be used with your own (above ankle support) rigid sole hiking boots by attaching to the bottom with rubber. We can provide groups with hiking boots for those without them.

• Waterways and weather can sometimes be cold in Alaska. Please, dress appropriately or bring along some warm synthetic layers and socks for your tour comfort. Cotton layers are not preferred in cold environments or when wet. This is Alaska.
• Please bring a raincoat and your own warm comfortable layers for out on the ice. Once you are traveling on the glacier, restroom breaks are difficult to accommodate, please consider facilities pre-trip.

Glacier Park fee

*glacier park entrance fee.

Matanuska Glacier Park is privately owned and charges per person every time you go through the gate; Alaska State passes do not apply. This outfit has a NO DRONE policy in place for the glacier.

• Teens (13-16): $25
• Adults (17+): $45
• Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30

Cancellation Policy

Please consider the fact that Nova Alaska Guides is a small company in remote Alaska with only 100 days in the year to make our living. It will simply be too late for us to fill the spaces that we have set aside for you. 

CANCELLATION POLICY: Day trip cancellations made at least 5 days in advance will receive a full deposit refund. Groups of 10+ need to provide a 14-day notice for a full deposit refund. Multi-Day trips require 30 days’ notice for a full deposit refund. In the event NOVA cancels, you will receive a full refund of your payments. Any absence of a booked tour that is operating or If cancellations are not made within the timeframes given Nova retains the deposit made. All Nova trips require a 50% deposit except for SIX MILE CREEK which due to high demand requires a 100% deposit. Unless Nova cancels your trip, for all cancellations by customers who booked using our online platform you will be required to cover the 1.9% booking fee cost.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign Nova's trip waiver. 

If you are late for your trip there is a chance we will have to leave without you. If so, we will do our best to reschedule your trip at no additional cost. If you are not interested in rescheduling then missing your trip is considered an absence, resulting in no refund.

This applies to but is not limited to unforeseen circumstances such as unexpected illness or emergencies. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, excellent customer service, and the best guided trips in Alaska. All we ask is that you show up on time for check-in.

Lastly, please make sure your party meets our trip limitations stated on our website. If anyone is outside these limitations, please email our office so we can evaluate the information provided since we know each person is their own unique individual. 

Thank you - Nova team

Inherent Risks

There are inherent risks associated with glacier travel and outdoor activities that everyone must accept and understand. Variable terrain, sharp rocks, slippery ice, and changing weather are common. Some safety hazards will always exist and are beyond human control. Such as major cleaving and shifting, falling ceracs, open crevasses and draining moulins can be dangerous and deadly. Rescue in these environments and features is not only technical and difficult but in some cases not possible at all. Safety standards are in place for these reasons and must be followed. Guides manage risk by interpreting terrain and recognizing hazards that average hikers and guests are unaware of. Many traveling on the ice have a false sense of security because of the friendly inviting nature of the glacier and its moraines. Individuals traveling on the glacier without guides should possess the proper knowledge, experience, and equipment.

**All participants on all our tours must follow our guidelines, procedures and sign a waiver. Only parents or legal guardians may sign for youth minors. We do not allow infants on our tours. We do not allow pets on our tours.

Local Alaskans with proof of State issued ID at tour check-in receive a 10% single discount off the individual tour price.

Make it a COMBO: Add a whitewater rafting trip and save 10% off the highest cost trip!. Add a Matanuska Glacier adventure and save 10% off the highest cost trip! This glacier tour is located in the same area of Alaska as our ‘Lionshead’ rafting tour, great for same day combos.

**Discounts only apply to clients participating on both trips

**Discounts applied at trip check-in with the balance due

ADDITIONAL INFO

• NOVA is an advocate and steward for keeping wild places in Alaska wild. Please follow responsible travel and ‘leave no trace’ ethics when visiting these amazing places.
• NOVA tours operate regardless of most weather conditions, we go rain or shine in Alaska. Glaciers and weather can sometimes be cold in Alaska. Please, dress appropriately or bring along a raincoat with warm synthetic layers and socks for your tour comfort. Cotton layers are not preferred in cold environments or when wet.
• NOVA does not offer any tours that travel through or under ice caves in the warm summer months.
• Glaciers are very active in summer and caves are unsafe and should be avoided for potential cave collapse. Caves are not always present or accessible and should only be approached with caution, preferably in winter when they are the most stable.
• Once you are traveling on the glacier, restroom breaks are difficult to accommodate so please consider facilities pre-trip.

DEPARTS FROM: HICKS CREEK, MAT-SU VALLEY

38100 W Glenn Highway, Glacier View, AK 99674

Located 96.5 miles north of Anchorage, this is the staging area for all Matanuska glacier and river trips.

Nova Alaska Tours

Glacier , Glacier Day Trips

Matanuska Glacier Adventure Trek

Matanuska Ice Climbing

Rave reviews, testimonials.

We had a very pleasant and informative hike with Mattie and Carson on the Matanuska glacier. The glacier was awe-inspiring and made more interesting by the information provided by our Nova Guides. Taking a guided hike to the glacier is definitely the way to see it!

Gregory M.  | Trip date: July 2020

We loved our 3-hour glacier hike with the amazing guide, Maddie. We had the glacier to ourselves as we were the only group out on the glacier at 7 PM. Maddie shared interesting facts about the glacier, taking us to different parts. The ice cave was definitely a surprise and highlight of our trip. Highly recommended when in Alaska!

Race | Trip date: July 2019

Best ever! Arnie and Maddie were beyond fantastic; experienced, knowledgeable, and fun. We hiked further into the glacier than expected and saw amazing views, while learning and laughing! Highly recommend!

Flynn T.  | Trip date:  September 2020

• Year-round Guided Glacier Tours, 2 Hours North of Anchorage, Alaska

Year-round Guided Matanuska Glacier Tours Only 2 Hours from Anchorage, Alaska

• Summer Glacier Tours
• Winter Glacier Tours
• Immersive Glacier Tours
• Matanuska Glacier Access
• Tour Reviews
• Glacier Blog
• Book a Tour
• Directions to Matanuska Glacier
• Matanuska Glacier Weather
• Restaurants Near Matanuska Glacier
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Employment & Internship

Tour Matanuska Glacier

Guide to matanuska glacier, the ultimate guide to matanuska glacier hikes & tours with matanuska glacier tours.

Explore the Marvels of Glaciers and Glacier Hikes in the Mat-Su Valley

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the captivating world of glaciers and experience the thrill of glacier hikes in Alaska? Look no further than Matanuska Glacier Tours , your ultimate guide to discovering the awe-inspiring beauty and adventure that these icy giants hold.

From the fascinating formation of glaciers to the impact of global warming, we delve deep into the secrets of these frozen wonders. Let’s dive into the world of glaciers and glacier hikes with Matanuska Glacier Tours as your trusted companion.

Unveiling the Mysteries: What are Glaciers?

Glaciers may appear motionless, but beneath their serene surface lies a dynamic force of nature. These colossal ice masses are in constant motion, sculpting landscapes and leaving behind a legacy of their journey.

Comprising compacted snow compressed over centuries, glaciers are remnants of the mighty ice sheets that once shrouded our planet during the Ice Age.

The Birth of Giants: How are Glaciers Formed?

The birth of a glacier begins with the accumulation of snow over time, followed by the gradual melting during warmer seasons. This continuous cycle results in layers of firn, a harder form of icy snow.

Over time, these layers accumulate, and around 50 meters deep, the firn solidifies into a massive ice mass. Slowly but surely, the glacier begins its stately march, shaped by the weight of its own ice.

Navigating the Glacial World: Types of Glaciers

Ice caps, outlet glaciers, and ice tongues are the protagonists of Alaska’s glacial drama. Ice caps command the landscape with a dome-like presence, while outlet glaciers extend down valleys, forming glacier tongues that often reach the ocean.

Witnessing the mesmerizing icebergs at Matanuska Glacier is a testament to the magic of these formations.

The Azure Enigma: The Science Behind Glacial Blue

Glacial ice holds a unique charm, appearing blue as sunlight interacts with its translucent depths. The longer path of sunlight through the ice allows blue wavelengths to be transmitted and scattered, revealing the distinctive azure hue that captivates all who lay their eyes on it.

Nature’s Artistry: Common Glacier Ice Features

Crevasses, the deep and narrow cracks that form as glaciers move, are nature’s intricate artwork, both enchanting and treacherous.

Icefalls, resembling frozen waterfalls, cascade down steep sections of glaciers, and moulins, vertical shafts, offer glimpses into the heart of the ice.

Glacier lagoons, nestled at the base of retreating glaciers, bear witness to the ever-changing landscape.

Climate Chronicles: Global Warming’s Impact on Alaska’s Glaciers

In the face of climate change, Alaska glaciers are in jeopardy. Scientists warn that these icy giants could vanish within a century and a half, urging us to treasure their beauty while we can.

Alaska’s Majestic Giants: Exploring the Greatest Glaciers

Unveiling Proximity: The Nearest Glacier to Anchorage Accessible by Car, Truck or R V

The Matanuska Glacier wears the crown of accessibility, making it a favorite haunt for hikers and ice climbers.

It is the largest in the U.S. that can be reached by vehicle and makes for a great day trip from Anchorage.

With a 4-mile wide terminus visible from one of Alaska’s major highways, the Matanuska Glacier is the most popular roadside attraction between Anchorage and Glennallen, and visitors flock to the area in the summer for the glacier’s brilliant views and epic treks.

Guiding Your Adventure: Matanuska Glacier Tours’ Expertise

As you embark on your glacier adventure, trust Matanuska Glacier Tours to be your knowledgeable guide. With a legacy dating back to 1968, we’ve been organizing and leading glacier hikes of the Matanuska Glacier.

Our commitment to safety, expertise, and environmental consciousness sets us apart, ensuring that your glacier hike experience is thrilling and educational.

Embrace the Thrill: Glacier Hike Safety

While the allure of glaciers is undeniable, safety remains paramount. Embarking on a glacier hike with a qualified guide is strongly encouraged.

Our guides undergo rigorous training, equipping them with essential skills in navigation, risk management, first aid, crevasse rescue, and more. At Matanuska Glacier Tours, your safety is our priority.

Dressing for the Glacial Adventure

When stepping onto the glacial realm, proper attire is your shield against the cold. Warm socks, sturdy boots, thermal layers, and waterproofs ensure comfort during your journey. Check out our post: what to wear on a winter glacier hike .

Our guides provide essential equipment like crampons and ice axes, ensuring you’re well-prepared to conquer the icy landscape.

Crafting Unforgettable Experiences: Glacier Hike Tours

Matanuska Glacier Tours offers diverse glacier walking tours that cater to every adventurer’s dream.

Glacier Hike

Spend the day exploring blue and basal ice and learning about the history and glaciology of the Matanuska Valley of Southcentral Alaska. Enjoy a hands-on adventure while having a truly Alaskan experience. Book a summer or winter tour.

From our guided glacier tours, perfect for families and beginners, to the Immersive Tours with Sovereign Light, LLC , immersing you in the grandeur of the Matanuska Glacier promises unique vistas and unforgettable memories each time.

Glacier Painting Class

Inspiration is sparked easily on the glacier, so let your creativity loose with alcohol inks! Learn and practice basic painting techniques on a tile that will become your Matanuska Glacier tour souvenir.

Relaxation Tour with Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Bath

For others, introspection is stirred when surrounded by such beauty. Relax (in a reclining camp chair) and let a crystal singing bowl sound bath deepen your connection with the power of the location. Allow healing frequencies to nurture you while surrounded by ancient ice. It’s an otherworldly glacier experience.

Book a Matanuska Glacier immersive glacier tour directly with Sovereign Light, LLC .

Unveil the Frozen Wonders: Ice Cave and Glacier Walk

Your glacier odyssey: matanuska glacier tours awaits.

The magic of glacier hikes and the allure of Alaska’s frozen landscapes await your discovery with Matanuska Glacier Tours.

Embark on a journey that is not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the power and beauty of nature. Join us and experience the ultimate glacier adventure that promises memories to last a lifetime.

Prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime. Our Alaska glacier guides are ready to explore!

Private Tours Only -- Tour Guide COVID19 Vaccinated

Dr. Sarah's Alaska Tours LLC

Matanuska Glacier Tours

Tours are not being offered this season due to full time engagement with a special science project.       

[email protected] 

Location: 66500 South Glacier Park Rd, Sutton, AK 99674

Dr. Sarah completed her PhD researching the Matanuska Glacier and offers 20+ years of professional science experience

Dr. Sarah provides specialized tours tailored for people excited to discover Alaska with a scientist.  She has been working in Alaska since 1995 where she completed her PhD studying Alaska's stunning glaciers, raging rivers, snow capped mountains, and amazing geology.  She has decades of experience conducting research in Alaska and around the world resulting in 59 publications.  She loves sharing her knowledge with people seeking adventure and discovery in Alaska!

Matanuska Interview on Glacier Melting (NBC)

View a recent interview filmed on Matanuska Glacier discussing global ice melting for an NBC Glacier Climate Change Documentary.

Recent Matanuska Glacier Interview (Alaska NBC)

View a Matanuska Glacier interview and tour provided for NBC Alaska's Endangered Frontiers

Packing For Your Adventure

Read this section to make sure you are bringing the correct gear for the correct season.

• choosing a selection results in a full page refresh

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Glacier Walking Tour

Embark on a scenic two-hour drive north of Anchorage to discover the awe-inspiring Matanuska Glacier, a stunning natural wonder nestled amidst the picturesque valley.

Experience the Matanuska Glacier, a frozen river of ancient ice spanning 27 miles and thousands of years old. Spend two hours trekking the ice with our expert guides, delving into the glacier's history and its profound influence on the surrounding landscape.

Explore blue meltwater pools, the ice formations and deep crevasses that make up the Matanuska Glacier. Walking on ice is slippery fun so our guests are equipped with a helmet, walking stick and cramp ons for your shoes. We require our guests to bring sturdy footwear and suggest bringing an extra pair of socks. Don't be surprised that your shoes get filthy with glacial flour. This is finely ground rock the glacier has created - it makes for great facials!

We will also stop for lunch where we will overlook the glacier while enjoying some yummy Alaskan fare. After lunch, you will begin the journey back to Anchorage where drop-offs will be made at several hotels.

Over 18,000 Happy Guests Since 2009

+1 (907) 947-9425.

Matanuska Glacier Hike 1-Day Tour

Take a once-in-a-lifetime walk on a river of ice!  A true "bucket list" adventure

Offered Year Round

$299/person - includes FREE hotel pickup

Activity Level: Moderate

Departs: 8:30AM

What You'll See and Do:

Travel the scenic Glenn Highway through the spectacular Matanuska Valley.

Spend 2.5 to 3 hours exploring the face of the Matanuska Glacier with an expert glacier guide.

Have amazing photo opportunities!

What's Included: 

Hotel pickup (a $40 value!)

Fully-guided tour

Safety equipment 

Water and snacks

What's not included:

Gratuities ($10 - $20 per person per guide)

Lori is grrrreat!! We walked out on the glacier today and it was spectacular!! Thank you Lori for an amazing Alaska adventure!!

Reserve with confidence with our

Worry-Free Booking & Cancellation Policy!

Check out this cool  Matanuska Glacier tour:

Check out some guest videos:.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ​

Are there any special requirements to participate in this tour?

You will be required to sign two liability releases - one for 907 Tours, one for the Matanuska Glacier Park. Parents of children under 18 will be required to complete a waiver for their child.

How long is the trip to the glacier?

Drive time to the glacier is 2-hours. We'll make a quick rest stop about half way there.

Will there be a lunch stop?

After your glacier hike we will stop at a nearby rustic Alaskan lodge where you can purchase a variety of lunch and dessert items. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

How difficult is the hike? You will be on the glacier approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and walk around 2 miles (3.2 km). The tour requires walking on a slippery uneven surface. The guides at the glacier will provide micro-spikes for more secure footing. These spikes stretch to fit over your boots. You will be walking and stopping to listen to the guides.

What's the weather like? What should I wear?   Winter temperatures can range from -30 to 35 F (-34 to 2 C). Dress in layers. A good parka with a hood, snow pants (insulated, water-resistant pants), gloves and a hat are a must. A face cover, such as a neck gaiter, scarf or balaclava are also good to have. You can borrow additional outer wear, but boots are not available to borrow. Wear warm, water-proof boots and winter socks (preferably not cotton). Dress in layers - always bring more layers than fewer. There is plenty of room for back packs and you can always leave things in the van when you go out onto the ice. See our Summer glacier hike page for suggestions on what to wear in summer.

What kind of shoes should I wear? We recommend warm, water-proof boots maximum comfort. We do NOT recommend tennis shoes/sneakers or other street shoes. You will be outfitted with microspikes that slip over your shoes so no heels, please! Absolutely no flip flops or sandals. 

Is there are age requirement for the glacier hike?

We recommend children be at least 8 years of age to participate. A parent or guardian will need to sign the child’s liability release. 

Visiting Matanuska Glacier: Your two best options

Last Updated on April 10, 2024

Matanuska Glacier is the easiest glacier to get to in Alaska that you can actually walk on – no flight or long gravel road to get there! This makes it one of the most popular glaciers to visit in Alaska and while you can see it from the Glenn Highway , you’ll need to be on a guided tour to step onto this stunning glacier.

I’m a former Alaskan and a current Alaska guide and trip planner as well as the host of the Alaska Uncovered Podcast . I love helping people find the best itinerary and adventures for them on their trip to Alaska. In this article I’ll give you the best two options in my opinion for experiencing Matanuska Glacier. Both of the companies I recommend are small local Alaskan businesses with excellent guides.

Can you walk on Matanuska Glacier without a tour?

While you can see the Matanuska Glacier from the Glenn Highway, if you want to explore Matanuska Glacier on foot you need to be on a guided tour. There are several options, the two I recommend are described in detail below.

The land around the glacier is private property and at the time of this writing the owner of the property only allows access by tour.

I do not recommend hiking on or around any glacier without a guide, but on Matanuska Glacier it’s not optional.

How hard is it to walk on a glacier?

When you go on a glacier tour with a guide, they will provide you with spikes or crampons to attach to your boots to walk safely on the ice. It will still be slower walking than on pavement, but you don’t want to move fast anyway since you’ll be taking so many photos.

Be prepared to walk for a couple of miles over uneven ice. In a typical two hour experience on the glacier, you will probably walk a mile or two depending on the conditions. You’ll be stopping constantly for photos so you’ll appreciate the slow pace.

Make sure to follow your guides directions about where you can and cannot walk. This is for your safety as glacier travel is something to take seriously and your guide will know how to keep you safe.

Restrooms are available before you start your hike out onto the glacier, but there are no restroom facilities on the glacier itself.

How do you get to Matanuska Glacier from Anchorage?

Matanuska Glacier is about 100 miles from Anchorage along the Glenn Highway which goes from Palmer to Glennallen.

No matter how you get to the Matanuska Glacier, it will be a full day adventure. If you are driving yourself, allow 2.5 hours to get there (not including stops or weather/construction delays).

What is the best time of year to hike on Matanuska Glacier?

I personally love doing this in winter, especially late winter (February and March) when temperatures are generally a bit less frigid and there are more hours of daylight.

The tour companies I recommend below offer tours in both winter and summer. Sometimes there is a transition time in fall and spring when the Matanuska Glacier is not safe to access and tours may not be offered.

You can definitely count on being able to do this tour November through March (winter) and late May through September (summer).

Best Matanuska Glacier full service tour from Anchorage

If you are staying and Anchorage and don’t have a car, or if you want to let someone else do the driving (especially in winter on the winding Glenn Highway) and you want a small group experience, then Greatland Adventures is the way to go.

Greatland will pick you up at your downtown Anchorage hotel (or at their office if you’re staying further from town) and take you out for an amazing day where you don’t have to think about a thing while exploring Matanuska Glacier.

With a guide ratio of 6:1 and lunch and snacks included, you will have an amazing day on this tour whether you choose a summer or winter tour. Greatland also offers private tours.

Listen to Steve from Greatland Adventures share about this tour on the podcast:

Best diy or self drive tour of matanuska glacier.

If you’re driving yourself and don’t mind a bit more of a DIY experience with a larger group but a lower price point, I recommend Glacier Tours .

Glacier Tours is located at Matanuska Glacier and does NOT provide transportation. Especially in winter, give yourself plenty of time (at least 2.5 hours) to get there from Anchorage. The road from the Glenn Highway down to the gate is only a mile but it is very steep and winding and gravel, take it slow!

Glacier Tours have a guide ratio of 18:1 and do not provide food. Their excellent guides will still show you an amazing time and do a good job of not giving you plenty of attention, even in a slightly bigger group. This is still a small group size compared to many other types of tours in Alaska.

If you’re self sufficient for driving and eating and are working on a budget, this is a great option for you in summer or winter (extra caution on the access road in winter).

What do you need to wear to hike on a glacier?

Your guide will provide spikes or crampons for your shoes and any other specific gear. You need to make sure that you have boots or very sturdy shoes- hiking boots, rubber boots or winter snow boots. Without this, you won’t have anything to attach your spikes or crampons to.

You’ll also want sunglasses no matter what the weather, any time of year. You’ll also want rain gear or snow gear depending on the time of year and sunscreen unless it’s the dead of winter.

The rain gear provides a nice sliding surface for the ice slides (super fun!) and protects you from wind even on a sunny day. Matanuska Glacier is often quite windy and the weather can change rapidly so you will definitely want this.

Privacy Policy

• Flightseeing (Opens in new window)
• Boat Trips (Opens in new window)
• Glaciers (Opens in new window)
• Fishing (Opens in new window)
• Hiking (Opens in new window)
• Denali (Opens in new window)
• Wrangell-St. Elias (Opens in new window)
• Trail Tips (Opens in new window)
• Wildlife (Opens in new window)
• Marijuana (Opens in new window)
• Downtown Anchorage (Opens in new window)
• Arts & Culture (Opens in new window)
• Anchorage Trails (Opens in new window)
• Dining (Opens in new window)
• Coffee Culture (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Breweries (Opens in new window)
• Juneau (Opens in new window)
• Fairbanks (Opens in new window)
• Mat-Su (Opens in new window)
• Kodiak & Southeast Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Girdwood, Whittier & Seward (Opens in new window)
• Kenai Peninsula (Opens in new window)
• Valdez (Opens in new window)

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.