Matanuska Glacier
A woman looking at the natural pool inside the Matanuska Glacier, Anchorage
A woman looking at the natural pool inside the Matanuska Glacier, Anchorage

Matanuska Glacier Tours and Tickets

595 reviews

Originating within the Chugach Mountain Range, the Matanuska Glacier is a 27-mile-long (43-kilometer-long) river of ice and Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier. A popular day trip from Anchorage, the glacier draws tourists year-round to gaze at the impressive ice formations and go ice climbing among crevasses and glacial water in brilliant meltwater pools.

  • Anchorage, Alaska

Tours and Tickets to Experience Matanuska Glacier

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What are people saying about Matanuska Glacier

Kalyan_a, Aug 2023
Enjoyable Hike on Glacier
Nice experience walking on glacier . Guide was excellent taking care of all of us. Welcome center people are very friendly. Very Clean toilets in boarding area.
Rohan_A, Nov 2023
Enjoyable experience
Our guide was great in making sure we got to experience things like going inside of ice caves and crevices safely. Lots of opportunities to take pictures
Xinye_Q, Nov 2023
Legendary glaciers
A lifetime experience. The glacier views in winter are legendary. Highly recommend. It can be quite cold in some parts of the hiking trip. Consider using hand and toe warmers to increase the comfortable level.
Jackie_A, Nov 2023
Lifetime experience
This was such an amazing experience our driver and guide both named John were great very informative
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
Q:Is the Matanuska Glacier tour worth it?
A:Yes, a Matanuska Glacier tour is highly recommended, but you’ll need to go with a guide if you want to visit. Tours are not only much safer, but also give you a chance to ask questions and learn about the glacier from a guide who knows it well.
Q:Can I go to Matanuska Glacier on my own?
A:No, you can’t go to Matanuska Glacier on your own. You used to be able to take a self-guided tour, however today you have to explore as part of a tour for safety reasons. Most tours include equipment that makes walking on the glacier easier.
Q:How much time do you need at Matanuska Glacier?
A:You’ll need around 2-3 hours at the Matanuska Glacier. This includes the hike in, which usually takes around 20 minutes. Most glacier tours last from morning until evening, to make time for the 2-hour drive each way from Anchorage, so it’s best to budget an entire day.
Q:Can you walk on Matanuska Glacier without a tour?
A:No, you can’t walk on the Matanuska Glacier without joining a tour. In the past, you were allowed to take self-guided tours, but today you need to join a tour to visit the glacier for safety reasons. Most tours include round-trip transport from Anchorage.
Q:How hard is the Matanuska Glacier hike?
A:The Matanuska Glacier hike is not too strenuous and is recommended for travelers with a moderate fitness level—it usually takes around 20 minutes to reach the glacier from the trailhead. The entire loop is 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) long. Make sure you take water, wrap up warm, and wear sturdy footwear.
Q:How long is the hike to Matanuska Glacier?
A:The hike to Matanuska Glacier takes around 20 minutes via the Matanuska Glacier Trail, a loop of 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers). Guided tours usually take a bit longer as they include plenty of time at the glacier to take photos and learn about its geology.