Matanuska Glacier Full-Day Hike
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Matanuska Glacier's ice formations
- Guided hike with expert instruction
- Round-trip transport from Anchorage
- All necessary hiking equipment provided
- Experience Alaska's stunning natural beauty
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided glacier hike
- Round-trip transportation from Anchorage
- All necessary hiking equipment
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Matanuska Glacier is a valley glacier in the US state of Alaska. At 27 miles long by 4 miles wide, it is the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States. The drive to is approximately 2 hours each direction with 4 hours total along the scenic Glenn Hwy. During the winter season the start time of the tour may vary in order to accommodate the safest driving conditions for our drivers and guests. Your guide will communicate with you prior to the day of departure for the tour.
The Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway follows a path carved by ancient glaciers. Following the braided Matanuska River for over half its length.
During the tour we will stop in Palmer Alaska and allow you time to purchase lunch at a local grocery store. Just 45 minutes from Anchorage, this picturesque little town has agriculture flair. Start your adventure in this ‘country' at the Palmer Visitor Information Center. Don't forget to pick up a downtown walking map while you're there.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness due to the nature of the hike.
- Children under 12 years old are not permitted on this tour.
- Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour will incur a full charge.
Know before you go
- Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and layered clothing suitable for variable weather conditions.
- Bring a backpack with water, snacks, and any personal items you may need during the hike.
- Ensure you have a valid ID for check-in purposes.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Traveler reviews
Matanushka Walk
Excellent arrangements ...from pickup at Anchorage to the actual hike on the glacier ... They arranged for a separate guide for our family to handle the knee injury of my husband and do a slower and safer walk on the ice ... Grateful for that ...
The hike on the Matanuska...
The hike on the Matanuska Glacier was super fun. The two guides (Emory and Dominic) who took us were very knowledgeable and helpful when we had to cross a few truckier spots. The views are amazing but it is an active hike - not for anyone unsteady on their feet. The drive out there was beautiful and we had a fantastic driver - Rexy - who was professional, friendly and offered lots of great information and history of the area. All in all, it was a really great excursion and I would highly recommend making it part of your trip to this area of Alaska
Not a reputable company. Owner is a jerk and not an honest person.
Owner refused to provide a refund after the company canceled a scheduled tour. Told blatant lies about services the company supported to offer and when I asked for proof would not provided. Needed to file a legal complaint with CC company to force them to return the funds. There are many companies that provide similar services, I would recommend that you try another.
It’s an amazing...
It’s an amazing experience,once in a lifetime , and our tour guide was incredible,I felt I had known for ever
Unique and amazing
My wife and I really enjoyed this tour -- one of the highlights of our trip. You feel like you're in another world, unlike anything you've ever experienced. Walking through each crevasse, with huge walls of ice on either side, is exhilarating (and no problem for someone claustrophobic like me, either, somehow). It was also easier and less strenuous for older folks like us (ages 72 and 71) than we expected. We got around quite well actually, and the few times we had to move more slowly and carefully, the guide and the younger people in the group were patient and helpful. Each person is given thick elastic bands that wrap snugly around your boots, with metal spikes attached, and most of the time you're walking on packed snow on top of the ice, hearing and feeling crunch, crunch, crunch, so you feel very secure and have good traction. They've carved steps into the surfaces going up and down hills, making climbs and descents much easier also. We were able to stop and take beautiful photos all along the way, and it was just gorgeous. It's a two-hour ride each way, from Anchorage, but we stopped a few times to pick up food, use the restroom, or take more photos. A great day and we're so glad we did it! You will be too.
