matanuska glacier tour alaska

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 .

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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.

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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/

Ice Fall Trek

Our most popular tour.

Your chance to walk on a glacier! No experience needed. Minimum age: 10 years. Surely an unforgettable experience.

Explore the Matanuska Glacier

Use our winter traction devices to literally “walk on water” as you hike the glacier with a professional guide.

Our most popular tour, visiting the best accessible features of the front glacier and great views of the icefall. Remember, our Guides are out there every day and know where to go!

Glacier trekking (hiking) is for virtually everyone! With proper equipment and an experienced guide, explore the hidden treasures of the Matanuska Glacier.

• Minimum age: 10 years
• No experience needed

We operate with a maximum of 8 guests on our tours but can accommodate larger, private groups.  Check out the Private Trek .  

Perfect for mixed generational families and families with kids ages 6+.

*Our Ice Fall Trek fee does not include the Glacier Park Access Fee, which must be paid upon Check In at the MICA Base. The current fee is $45 per person but is subject to change; we have no control over this access fee.*

• Chevron down What to Expect
• 4 hours in total with an average of 3 hours on the Matanuska Glacier
• Guide narration of exciting glacial features and stunning views from a high point in the ice fall
• Instruction on proper crampon walking techniques (crampons and helmets provided)
• Chevron down What to Bring

For the Ice Fall Trek we require you to have:

• A backpack with room for gear. If you don’t have one, we have some available for you to use!
• Hiking boots that come over the ankle. If you don’t own a pair, we have some available for you to use!

Our recommendations on clothing and gear:

• Quick dry clothing (not cotton/jeans). Usually a good pair of hiking pants works great. Ski pants and jackets are not necessary
• Rain gear, even if it isn’t raining
• Liner gloves
• Tall synthetic or wool socks
• Extra warm layers
• Snacks and water or packed lunch
• Chevron down What NOT to bring
• Chevron down Need Transportation to the Matanuska Glacier?

We recommend Planet Earth Adventures for a great package deal. (There is no public transportation to the glacier.)

• Chevron down Special Promotions

Book now and you’ll receive valuable promotional codes for the following:

• Save 35% on the Extreme Zip Adventure, featuring the fastest zipline in Alaska, the G2

Why explore the Matanuska Glacier with us? Our Guides are out on the glacier every day, often on their days off! We know the best features and how to get you there while managing the risks of hiking on a glacier.

Guided adventures on the Matanuska Glacier since 1999. Go with the Pros!

Looking for more Advanced Tours?

Advanced trek.

More time, more adventure! Explore the glacier’s most amazing features up close and away from the crowds for unique photo opportunities and more.

Private Trek

Our popular Ice Fall Trek exclusively for your group. Your chance to walk on a glacier! No experience needed. Minimum age: 6 years.

Helicopter Explorer

Want more adventure on the Matanuska Glacier? Helicopter to the best of the glacier with one of our highly trained Guides for a half day of exploring.

MATANUSKA GLACIER ACCESS

During the upcoming season, the only way to access the glacier is with a guided tour., glacier tours are available through our partners at glacier-tours.com, have questions please call us directly at  (907) 746-1696, guided glacier tours.

Tour the glacier with Matanuska Glacier Tours

Hours: Daily at 10AM, 11AM, 12PM & 2PM

Experience:  see ancient ice caves (when accessible), moulins, and crevasses up close. enjoy a hands-on adventure while having a truly alaskan experience., start:  matanuska glacier - directions, time: 2 - 3 hours, cost: see pricing, included:  all fees & equipment, provided by our partners: glacier tours, the matanuska glacier is stunning from a distance, but up close you will experience a fairytale environment of constantly changing sculptures. the changing light, infinite shades of blue, and the sounds of the ice make glacier hiking a unique experience., matanuska glacier guided tours depart every day at 10am, 11am, 12pm & 2pm., for quick service please call us directly at  (907) 746-1696, where to find us, glacier access can be found approximately 2.5 hours north of anchorage., 66500 glacier park rd - glacier access, sutton, ak 99674 usa.

Client  Words of Praise

I would highly recommend Matanuska Glacier Adventures Great day trip out onto the glacier. We went out with Matanuska Glacier Adventures. Their guides were very informative and provided a great day for me and my family. I would highly recommend these guys again. Sal

Matanuska Glacier Adventures was Absolutely fantastic! Absolutely fantastic! Unforgettable day! Thank you for introducing me to heaven. Deana D.

The Matanuska Glacier was an Amazing Adventure What an amazing adventure! The tour of the glacier is like nothing you have ever experienced. Bill was our tour guide (and amazing photographer) and he was so great at explaining all about the glacier and making sure we got to see everything. Cindy

The Matanuska Glacier was my favorite part of our trip to Alaska My favorite part of our trip! Wonderful instructor and such a beautiful experience! Krista G.

Matanuska Glacier was the highlight of our Alaska vacation We stumbled upon this place, and it was definitely the highlight of our Alaskan vacation. So great. Reasonable prices. Super fun. Kayla S.

My family of six are long-time Alaskans My family of six are long-time Alaskans. We booked a glacier tour with Matanuska Glacier Park, and were so impressed with both the professionalism of their guide and the inspiring grandeur of the glacier itself. We learned more than we ever knew about glaciers in general and the Matanuska Glacier in particular, even after years Continue Reading Meg H.

I visited the glacier on a recent trip to Alaska and it was a wonderful experience! I visited the glacier on a recent trip to Alaska and it was a wonderful experience! Our guide Bill was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to make our tour fun and entertaining. He spent a great deal of time explaining various aspects of the glacier and was willing to answer all questions. Continue Reading Kim Grose

We had a wonderful time with owner guide Bill. We had a wonderful time with owner guide Bill. There were 4 in our group and we wanted to see the caves. Bill has a great setup with custom made sleighs that he masterfully pulls with a snow machine. My wife and I are long time Alaskans and we will always remember this tour. Our Continue Reading William Marcucci

What an amazing tour! What an amazing tour! Dan and his crew were great! Very informative. This glacier is breathtaking and the views are awesome! We had a blast! Adam Crawford

Amazing experience Amazing experience for people that just want to see the glacier along with those that are more adventure seeking. 10/10 amazing views and a great time guaranteed. Peyton Ferris

 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

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.

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Matanuska Glacier Summer Tour

Book This Adventure

The Matanuska Glacier, located two hours northeast of Anchorage, is Alaska’s most accessible glacier, and a popular destination for visitors. With an experienced local guide, walk on the amazing blue ice of this massive glacier, capture incredible photos as you explore the area in a small group of no more than six adventurers per group in our Matanuska Glacier Tour.

Includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage.

Trip Highlights

• Walk on the ice with an experienced glacier guide!
• Discover wonderful photo opportunities of the stunning blue ice.
• All trips are grouped for six adventurers per guide.
• All glacier hiking equipment is provided
• Hotel pick up and drop off is included from Anchorage

What's Included

• Fully-guided glacier tour
• Professional Alaska tour guide
• Transportation from Anchorage in a clean and comfortable vehicle
• All glacier equipment
• Lunch, snacks, and water

Departure Time

• Departure time: between 7:30-8 a.m. Your guide will contact you between 7-7:30 a.m. with an exact pick up time.
• Duration: 8 Hours

NOT INCLUDED: Guide gratuity (10% of tour price per person recommended)

Important Information:

• Minimum age to join the Matanuska Glacier Tour is eight years old. For those with younger individuals, explore our Private Matanuska Glacier tour option.
• All participants should wear sturdy, stiff-soled footwear for this tour. No exceptions.
• Pick up is only available at Anchorage hotels. We do not pick up at private residences, vacation rentals (i.e. Airbnb or VRBO), or from Alyeska Resort. Guests at these locations may meet at our midtown headquarters (854 E 36th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503), or from the nearest hotel. Please contact us for further information (phone 907-980-8179).
• $325 per person + taxes & fees

Best Price Guarantee

*Book direct with confidence. We guarantee you will receive the best price when booking directly on our website or we will refund the difference + $10! Must show proof of a lower price found elsewhere for the same product and the same departure. Offer valid for tours operated by Greatland Adventures only. Offer not valid for 3rd party products.

Your daylong experience will start with a scenic drive along the Glenn Highway from Anchorage, with magnificent views of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges. Your guide will provide opportunities for photo stops, and share the interesting history and geology of this stunning area.

Upon arrival at the Matanuska Glacier, your guide will assist you in donning ice cleats and a helmet and give some safety instructions before heading out on the glacier’s icy surface to begin our explorations. Generally, tours cover up to three miles of terrain and involve walking on uneven ground, stepping up and over obstacles, and navigating small streams. Your guide will explain in detail the origins of these rivers of ice, and point out the ever-changing ice formations that dominate the landscape.

After your hike, enjoy lunch at a local eatery with plenty of time to relax and share stories of your day spent on the glacier.

Each tour is customized to suit the interests and abilities of guests. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk on a glacier!

Interested in a private experience? Learn more about planning a private Anchorage tour for your close friends and family. This experience is also available as a public Matanuska Glacier Winter Tour .

In an effort to reduce our footprint, we are no longer providing single-use plastic water bottles. Please bring a reusable water bottle! Fresh Alaskan water will be available to you throughout your tour.

Book This Adventure  

Book direct. Best price guarantee!*

What do I need to wear?

We provide the necessary equipment for all tours. Please come prepared with the necessary layers and sturdy footwear.

Do you offer hotel pick up and drop off?

We include Anchorage hotel pick up on all tours that we operate.

#greatlandadventures

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

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LIVING THE DREAM

A Complete Guide to Alaska’s Matanuska Glacier

Published by Guest Blogger . Last Updated on October 9, 2023.

Disclaimers : Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Please check out our Terms and Conditions for more information. Listed prices and attraction details may have changed since our visit and initial publication.

Matanuska Glacier is a 27-mile beast of a glacier tucked away in Alaska’s Chugach Mountain Range. It’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the country, but things get even more exciting if you book a tour to walk across this glacial landscape.

Getting up close and personal with this glacier is the best way to explore its blue crevasses and white ice up against the Alaskan wilderness. At about two hours from Anchorage , it’s also a pretty easy day trip from a city you’ll likely visit on Alaska trips anyway.

This guide will share everything about visiting the Matanuska Glacier on your next visit to Alaska , including whether you need to book a tour to make it happen.

Where is Matanuska Glacier?

Matanuska Glacier is about two hours northeast of Alaska and about an hour east of Palmer in the Chugach National Forest. It’s accessible from Alaska Route 1, or the Glenn Highway.

The most popular viewpoint is at Mile 102 on the Glenn Highway, but you’ll need to book a guide to get on the glacier itself.

If you’re fine with a decent view, the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site at Mile 101 offers a few trails that lead to viewing platforms of the ice. The Edge Nature Trail that starts at the park’s recreation area is a one-mile stroll to the viewing platforms.

Interpretive signage about the glacier’s geological history and wildlife in the park offers some helpful background. Several lodges in the area also offer a nice view of the glacier, but it takes a little more effort to get a closer look.

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Can You Walk to Matanuska Glacier on Your Own?

You can walk to viewpoints of Matanuska Glacier on your own, but access is limited otherwise. The most accessible road to get close to the glacier is on private land. That includes the parking lot at the toe of the glacier.

To get there, you need to pass through a gate that requires a pretty hefty fee, especially if you’re not an Alaska resident. From there, tours on the glacier itself are only available with a guide unless you’re an experienced glacier trekker. It’s been this way since 2021.

A small fraction of tourists access the glacier on fly-in tours or multi-day hikes. This isn’t recommended for newbies who don’t have experience navigating glaciers. Fly-in tours won’t be any cheaper, either.

How Much Does it Cost to Go to Matanuska Glacier?

The cost to go to Matanuska Glacier varies based on the tour you book.

Glacier Tours on the Matanuska, the on-site outfitter, starts at $50 for Alaska residents or military personnel and $150 for non-residents. Tours run at least two hours, but expect to be out on the ice for up to three hours.

NOVA Alaska and MICA Guides are two more options. Tours that include pickup from Anchorage or additional stops along the way are predictably much more expensive.

As we had returned our rental car by the time our tour came around, we booked a full-day adventure with a tour company via Get Your Guide. It was pricey, but it was fun to have some narration all the way to the glacier and a prioritized entry once we got there.

All glacier tours come with all of the gear you need to stay safe while you’re out there. That includes helmets and crampons to put on when the trail gets slick.

You’ll also have access to trekking poles if you think you need them, but our guide suggested poles are less effective than crampons for staying upright.

When to Visit Matanuska Glacier

You can visit Matanuska Glacier year round. Winter means ice caves and a ride out onto the ice, but expect a very chilly visit. Summer is milder with more hiking to get to the glacier’s tongue.

Trekking on the glacier is still considered an easy to moderate hiking experience, but it can be a little disorienting to navigate what our guide called “living mud” at the start of summer hikes.

Navigating the ice is much easier with crampons, but there’s definitely a bit of a learning curve if it’s your first time using toe spikes.

Tips for Visiting Alaska’s Most Accessible Glacier

Matanuska Glacier is a popular excursion for visitors to Alaska, but that doesn’t mean you should go into the experience unprepared. You’ll get some details from any tour operator you book to take you out onto the ice, but here are a few tips so you know what to expect:

• Dress for the ice . Wear layers, even in the summer months, and sturdy shoes with some traction. Waterproof shoes are a great idea, especially if you visit on a warmer day. It gets muddy out there before you get to the ice.
• Make sure your cameras and smartphones are fully charged with lots of space for the images you’ll take while you’re here. The glacier is very photogenic, and you’ll have plenty of time on tours to snap scenic photos.
• Listen to your guide . Be especially cautious around any crevasses, and avoid venturing too far away from your group. A big reason why tours are the main way to see the glacier are a history of safety incidents out on the ice.
• Bring the essentials . Sunscreen and sunglasses are highly recommended no matter what kind of weather you wake up to the morning of your tour. There’s an intense glare on the ice that can mess with your experience and your sightlines.
• Watch your step . The glacier is always changing, even if you’re following your guide closely. Your guide may even point out changes in the glacier’s surface between morning and afternoon tours. That’s how quickly things can change.
• Tip your guide . These guides have the important job of not only keeping you entertained while you’re out there, but keeping you safe. Show them your appreciate with a cash tip at the end of your tour.

Is it Worth Going to Matanuska Glacier?

It’s absolutely worth going to Matanuska Glacier, even if the weather calls for a drizzle on the day of your tour. It’s as if the glacier boasts its own ecosystem, and the sky often opens up to plentiful sun in the glacial valley.

This is one of the most bucket list worthy experiences you can have in Alaska. Drink glacier water. See and touch incredible features carved into the ice. Get to know one of the impressive natural wonders in the country on a visit to Matanuska Glacier.

Images were provided courtesy of Travel on the Reg.

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

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

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Matanuska Glacier Walk

Walk on the matanuska glacier, access, hikes, summer & winter tours… all on alaska’s best glacier, no experience necessary.

Baby, it’s cold outside!  Yes, and that makes for spectacular glacier viewing.  Get your snow gear and join us for an unforgettable hike over the Matanuska Glacier.  Matanuska Glacier Adventures offers daily winter glacier tours, winter activities, and access to Alaska’s largest glacier accessible by road. Immerse yourself in the glacier’s beauty, a vast river of ice surrounded by snowy peaks and wilderness.

When you’re unsure what to do on a brisk winter day, call us to plan a winter glacier hike for your family and friends.

You can’t visit Alaska without experiencing a Matanuska Glacier hike! Matanuska Glacier Adventures offers daily summer fun on the ice with guided trips by knowledgeable tour guides. They know all the best photo ops! Combine the unparalleled beauty of the blue glacier ice with the contrast of lush vegetation on the surrounding slopes. Get a breathtaking view of the Matanuska Glacier, Chugach Mountains, and Talkeetna Mountains all in one place. These are memories that will last a lifetime.

MATANUSKA GLACIER PARK: Year-round Glacier Hiking & Guided Glacier Tours

Join us for a fun-filled day exploring the Matanuska Glacier. “The largest glacier accessible by car in Alaska.” The scenic two-hour drive northeast of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway makes it an easy day trip from Anchorage. The Matanuska is a beautiful valley glacier 27 miles long and four miles wide, descending twelve thousand feet to the terminus. Nestled in the breathtaking Chugach Mountains , our unique location gives us some of the best weather in Alaska.

It is a fifteen to twenty-minute hike to the ice for those who want to explore on their own or a fully guided glacier trek for those interested in learning about glaciology and history. Ice climbing instruction is also available.

MATANUSKA GLACIER ADVENTURES IS LICENSED & INSURED WITH 34 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN BACKCOUNTRY GUIDING!

Book a Guided Glacier Tour Below

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