Explore Alaska's largest road-accessible glacier on a guided hiking tour. Most excursions include round-trip transportation from Anchorage and provide all the essential ice-trekking gear for a safe experience.
Free Cancellation Walk on Matanuska Glacier to see seracs and moulins on a guided trip with a four-hour round-trip drive.
Free Cancellation Walk on Matanuska Glacier's blue ice with a guide, including downtown Anchorage transport and ATV access to the base.
Free Cancellation Walk on Matanuska Glacier, the largest road-accessible glacier in Alaska, on a full-day trip with lunch and fees paid.
Free Cancellation Trek across Matanuska Glacier in a small group followed by a tasting of local Alaskan honey and wines.
Free Cancellation Hike the Matanuska Glacier with a guide and round-trip transport from Anchorage.
Free Cancellation Hike the blue ice of Matanuska Glacier, a 27-mile-long frozen river reachable by car from Anchorage.
Free Cancellation Walk 3 miles across the Matanuska Glacier on a moderate, road-accessible hike 2 hours from Anchorage.
Free Cancellation Hike Matanuska Glacier's ice canyons and caves after a van ride along the river with a local guide.
Free Cancellation Hike across the Matanuska Glacier's terminal moraine to the Ice Falls on a guided trek through crevasses and seracs.
Free Cancellation A two-hour trek on Matanuska Glacier with gear, lunch, and round-trip transport from downtown Anchorage.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Matanuska Glacier — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Matanuska Glacier is a 27-mile-long river of ice located two hours northeast of Anchorage. You walk directly onto a 300-foot-thick ancient ice sheet—rather than just viewing it from a distance. Book a tour that includes crampons and a guide to safely navigate the crevasses.
Deep turquoise shafts called moulins dot the glacier surface. Their color and depth change every season as the ice shifts.
Vertical ice columns rise from the valley floor near the trekking routes. You will often see climbers swinging ice tools up these smooth faces.
The parking area sits on gravel-covered ice that looks like solid ground. Guides often scrape back the surface silt to reveal the blue glacier inches beneath your boots.
The drive from Anchorage runs parallel to the Chugach Mountains. Sit on the right side of the van for the best views of the Matanuska River.
The upper glacier closes in winter due to snow hazards. Guides instead lead groups to the frozen lake beneath the headwall to explore seasonal ice caves.
Tour operators handle the technical gear, but you still need to plan for the private access fees and a long transit day.
Full-day tours from Anchorage take 8 to 10 hours and include round-trip van transport. If you have a rental car, book a 3-hour guided trek meeting directly at the glacier.
The only road to the ice crosses private land at Mile 102. Operators charge a separate access fee of $55 per adult at check-in. State and national park passes do not cover this cost.
Most family-paced tours accept children as young as eight and seniors up to 75. Rental microspikes only fit shoe sizes between US kids 2 and US mens 15. Bring your own traction gear if you fall outside that range.
You can walk a marked trail without a guide during the summer months. Winter, spring, and fall visits strictly require a certified guide due to hidden crevasses and snow hazards.
Katabatic winds blow cold air directly off the ice year-round. Wear synthetic layers, tall wool socks, and hiking boots that cover the ankle. Avoid cotton.
Glacial silt near the terminus acts like quicksand when wet. A boot sunk an inch into the mud can get stuck by suction. Stay on the cone-marked paths across the moraine.
Major operators like NOVA Alaska Guides ban drones within their permitted areas. Leave the drone in your car to avoid flight conflicts with helicopter tours.
Almost all operators offer a full refund if you cancel 24 hours before departure. Weather changes rapidly, so check conditions with the gate office that morning.
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| Full-Day Anchorage Departure | Drive-Yourself Guided Trek | Winter Ice Cave Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8-10 hours | 3 hours | 8 hours |
| Best for | Travelers without a rental car | Road trippers driving the Glenn Highway | Off-season visitors |
| Includes | Hotel transport, microspikes, guide | Helmet, boots, microspikes, guide | Anchorage transport, winter gear, guide |
| Price from | $319 | $115 (plus $55 gate fee) | $330 |
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The private glacier access gate at Mile 102 operates guided tour departures daily between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM during the summer. Common check-in slots run every hour or half-hour.
Unguided trail access is only permitted in the summer. A certified guide is mandatory in winter, spring, and fall.
The state-run Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site at Mile 101 stays open from spring until winter snow and ice close the access road. It has no gate hours restricting daytime viewing.
Matanuska Glacier is 102 miles northeast of Anchorage along the Glenn Highway (Alaska Route 1). The drive takes roughly two to two-and-a-half hours each way.
Pass through Palmer and Chickaloon. At Mile 101, you'll see the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site for viewing only. Continue to Mile 102 and look for a blue 'Glacier Park Glacier Access' sign. Turn here to reach the private access road and parking area.
Allow an extra 30 minutes for the drive. Summer road construction and slow-moving RVs frequently cause delays on the Glenn Highway.
June through August provides the most stable ice conditions for walking. Late June offers up to 19 hours of daylight, and all guided tour companies operate at full capacity.
Avoid April, May, and October. Rapid melting and refreezing make trail conditions unpredictable. Crevasses also reach their widest and most hazardous states just before winter snowfall.
Winter visits between December and February require a certified guide. Temperatures regularly drop below zero, and daylight is extremely limited.
The Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site at Mile 101 is an ADA-compliant facility. It features accessible toilets and a parking area with clear glacier views that require no hiking.
The actual glacier surface is not wheelchair accessible. The trail from the Mile 102 parking lot to the ice crosses loose silt, metal grates, and uneven moraine.
Tour operators do not accommodate wheelchair users on the ice. The walking routes cover 1.5 to 3 miles of uneven terrain with up to 285 feet of elevation change. You need stable footing and moderate fitness.
The Mile 101 state recreation site has 12 gravel-loop campsites, picnic tables, restrooms, and a 20-minute forested nature trail leading to viewing platforms.
The Mile 102 private access area has a parking lot and a check-in office where you sign waivers and pay the gate fee. Tour operators distribute helmets and microspikes here.
Stop in Palmer (Mile 42) for gas and food before heading to the glacier. There are very few services along the highway once you pass Chickaloon.
You must pay a $55 private access fee per adult at the Mile 102 gate to reach the ice. Alaska State Park and America the Beautiful passes are not accepted here.
Never travel off-trail without a certified guide. Hidden crevasses and unstable seracs pose a severe danger, and crevasse rescues are extremely difficult.
Major operators enforce a strict no-drone policy during guided tours. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited before and during all treks.
You can walk a marked trail without a guide during summer conditions after paying the access fee. Winter, spring, and fall visits strictly require a guide from an approved tour company.
Viewing the glacier from the state recreation site costs $7 per vehicle. Walking on the ice requires a private gate fee of $55 for adults, $25 for teens, and $30 for seniors. Guided tours cost an additional $115 to $249 per person.
The glacier access gate sits 102 miles northeast of Anchorage along the Glenn Highway. The drive takes between two and two-and-a-half hours.
The ice is safe if you stay on marked trails and follow your guide. Venturing off-trail exposes you to hidden crevasses and unstable seracs. Glacial silt near the parking area can also trap boots like quicksand.
Wear sturdy hiking boots that cover your ankles to support the provided microspikes. Pack synthetic layers, warm gloves, and a hat. Katabatic winds blow cold air off the ice even on hot summer days.
Most operators accept children as young as eight on their family-paced tours. These routes cover easier terrain over three hours. Children under eight are generally not permitted on the ice.
Major operators like NOVA Alaska Guides ban drones within their permitted areas on the ice. You cannot fly them during guided tours. Check with the specific landowner before launching anywhere else in the valley.
June through August offers stable ice, warm temperatures, and long daylight hours. Spring and fall bring unpredictable melting and wider crevasses.
The glacier is 27 miles long and 4 miles wide at its terminus. It is the largest glacier in the United States that you can reach by car.
The Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site at Mile 101 offers viewing platforms and camping for $7, but no ice access. The private gate at Mile 102 charges $55 per adult and provides the only road to actually walk on the glacier.
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You walk directly on the ice of Matanuska Glacier to see seracs, moulins, and crevasses. The tour price covers both the glacier access fee and the guide. It takes two hours to drive there and another two to get back. You'll stop halfway to buy snacks or lunch at a local shop. Pack a sandwich if you're picky about food. The terrain is uneven and often muddy where the ice meets the silt. Temperatures on the glacier are usually 10 degrees colder than the surrounding valley, and the wind can be relentless. Wear stiff-soled boots and bring extra layers. It’s a long day in a van for a few hours on the ice. The white and blue ice makes for clear photos, so bring a spare battery.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
The tour departs from downtown Anchorage for a 100-mile drive northeast along the Glenn Highway. You'll stop at a local diner on the way to buy lunch—bring a card or cash since it's not included. It's a lot of van time. But the road runs parallel to the Chugach Mountains, and you'll see the Matanuska River for most of the drive. An all-terrain vehicle carries you from the park entrance to the glacier's edge to save your energy for the ice. Once there, guides fit metal crampons to your boots for traction on the 27-mile-long frozen river. You'll spend three hours on foot among blue meltwater pools and deep crevasses. The guides explain the physics of the ice, which moves about a foot every day. The glacier creates its own microclimate. Wear thick wool socks and three layers of clothing even if Anchorage is warm. You'll return to downtown about eight hours after your morning pickup. If you have trouble walking on tilted, slippery surfaces, skip this one. It's for the steady-footed.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Matanuska Glacier spans 27 miles in length and 4 miles in width, making it the biggest ice field in the state you can drive to. You'll spend three hours on the ice after a two-hour van ride from Anchorage. It's a long day. Expect to be away from your hotel for at least nine hours. Guides provide crampons for your boots to help you navigate the frozen ridges and meltwater pools. The terrain is constantly shifting and uneven. If it rains, the ice becomes very slippery, though the moisture makes the blue tints in the crevasses look sharper. Wear synthetic layers. Cotton is a bad choice because it stays damp and saps body heat. Your park entrance fee and a deli-style lunch are included in the price. The van usually stops at a high viewpoint for photos before descending the gravel access road to the glacier’s edge. If you're prone to motion sickness, the winding turns on the Glenn Highway can be a challenge—grab a seat near the front.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Six people or fewer trek across the Matanuska Glacier's ice for roughly two hours. You'll wear provided crampons and helmets to navigate the frozen ridges (and the occasional deep crevasse). Guides provide a safety briefing before you step onto the ice. They explain why the ice moves about one foot per day. It's physically demanding. If you've got bad knees, the uneven terrain will be a struggle. Fireweed honey and local wines are served at the base after the hike. These are bottled nearby in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Try the fireweed honey first. To protect the ice margins, guides stick to established paths. The wind off the ice drops the temperature by ten degrees — bring a windbreaker even if it's clear in Anchorage. Wear waterproof hiking boots to keep your feet dry on the melting surface.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This guided hike takes you onto the Matanuska Glacier for three hours of walking on the ice. You'll use crampons and trekking poles to navigate the frozen surface and view deep blue crevasses. Guides explain the local geology and ice movement as you go. It's cold. Wear thick socks to prevent blisters from the heavy gear. Transport from Anchorage involves a 100-mile drive north in a small van. The trip takes about two hours each way along the Glenn Highway. Ice conditions change daily, and some sections may be closed for safety after a warm spell. If you have your own car, it's cheaper to book a base-to-ice tour instead.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Matanuska Glacier is a 27-mile-long river of ice reachable by a two-hour drive from Anchorage. You'll spend roughly three hours walking across the frozen surface using provided crampons and trekking poles. The ice looks white on top, but deep crevasses and meltwater pools show a neon blue where the air has been squeezed out. It stays chilly on the ice even in mid-summer. Bring an extra layer. The walk starts on the moraine, a messy zone of gray silt and rock that's often slippery. Wear boots you don't mind getting muddy. While the glacier is vast, you'll stick to established paths led by a guide to avoid hidden soft spots. If it rains, the trip still goes. Water actually deepens the blue color of the ice, though it makes the surface slicker. Check the weather for Glacier View, not Anchorage, for an accurate forecast.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Matanuska is the largest glacier in Alaska accessible by road. The drive from Anchorage takes 2 hours. We’ll park within 0.5 miles of the ice face, then spend 2 to 2.5 hours hiking across the surface. You'll cover 2 to 3 miles. The terrain is level with little elevation change, but the uneven ice makes for a moderate trek. That's the one to book if you want ice without a helicopter. We stop halfway through the drive for a restroom break. Use this stop to buy coffee or lunch for the day; it's the only food available before the hike. Bottled water is included. Wear stiff-soled boots to handle the crampons. If it's raining, the ice gets slicker—bring a waterproof shell.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Up to 10 passengers travel in a Mercedes Sprinter along the Matanuska River to reach the glacier. The trip includes a stop for coffee and snacks. It's a reliable choice for those who'd rather skip the mountain driving. Local park guides lead the hike through the glacier’s canyons, peaks, valleys, and caves. They explain the history and scale of the ice. The route is beginner to intermediate, so expect some uneven footing and steady climbing. Watch your step on the descent — the ice is slippery. Pack a windbreaker. The air on the glacier stays colder than the trailhead, even on sunny days.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
NOVA guides lead treks across the 26-mile-long active Matanuska Glacier to the Ice Falls. The company has run this route for 30 years. You can reach the ice on foot without a helicopter, though it's a heavy hike over uneven terrain. Expect to see deep blue crevasses and vertical ice towers called seracs. You'll get ice gear at the base before a shuttle takes you to the glacier's terminus. Once there, the path crosses the rocky moraine before hitting the white ice. Guides point out moulins—holes where meltwater drains into the glacier—and explain how the ice carved the valley. Wear stiff-soled boots, as sneakers are too flexible for crampons. Temperatures on the ice are usually 10 degrees lower than at the trailhead. Bring a windbreaker.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Vans depart downtown Anchorage for a two-hour drive north to the Matanuska Glacier. You'll spend four hours in a van. The drive is long. But Glenn Highway views of the Chugach Mountains make the time pass. Your guide explains the local geology. Sit on the right for the best mountain views. The trek covers two hours on the glacier. Guides provide helmets and microspikes, but you need your own sturdy, over-the-ankle boots. Walking on the ice is moderate. It requires balance and healthy knees to navigate the frozen ridges. If you don't have the right footwear, you won't be allowed on the ice. Lunch is a hot meal at a lodge overlooking the glacier terminus. The van carries snacks and water. Drivers drop you at major downtown hotels in the evening. Pack extra cash for the ice guides; they rely on tips.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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