Matanuska Glacier Tour

4.5
(14 reviews)

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

It’s not every day you get to hike along the base of a 26-mile-long active glacier! Join the original guiding company on Matanuska, founded over 30 years ago, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Alaska’s most accessible natural wonders on foot with NOVA’s popular Glacier Tour!

This unique adventure offers an up-close look at a dynamic, ever-evolving landscape. Our expert guides will lead you through the rugged terminal moraine, sharing their knowledge of the region’s formation, natural features, and the forces that have shaped it over thousands of years. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning ice formations, jagged seracs, deep crevasses, and flowing moulins.

You’ll be outfitted with all the necessary gear and transported to the glacier’s terminus at the park. From there, you’ll hike across the moraine and into the breathtaking 'Ice Falls' area, where towering ice cascades over the rocky landscape—truly a memorable experience.

What's Included

Shuttle transportation to and from activity.
Helmet, Boots & Boot spikes
Professional tour guide
Matanuska Glacier Park entrance fee: Teens (13-16): $25 , Adults (17+): $55 , Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30
Gratuity for Guide

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Mile 96.5 Glenn Hwy. At Hick's Creek bridge turn into Trailhead Rd. Follow the driveway under the bridge and proceed to our camp check-in location.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Discover the wonders of Matanuska Glacier on this unforgettable tour!

Begin your adventure with a full gear outfitting, then enjoy a comfortable ride as you’re transported by vehicle to the glacier’s terminus at the park’s edge. From there, your expert guide will lead you across the rugged rock fields of the terminal moraine and into the stunning 'Ice Falls' area of the Matanuska Glacier.

Marvel at the striking spire formations (seracs) as the glacier’s dense ice cascades over the submerged rock below, creating natural towers. At the base of the Ice Falls, enjoy views of a pristine lake—the source of the powerful Matanuska River flowing downstream.

As you explore, your guide will share fascinating insights about glacier formation, the surrounding environment, and the dynamic geology that shapes this incredible landscape. Along the way, you may encounter deep crevasses, flowing moulins, and an ever-changing terrain. Don’t forget to hydrate—there’s even the chance to fill your bottle with fresh glacier water!

After your exploration of the glacier, you'll return to the starting point, having experienced the scale and geology of this stunning natural landscape.

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Shoe size limit: US Men 5, Women 6
  • Not recommended for travelers under 10 yrs, over 73 yrs
Supplied by NOVA Alaska Guides, Whitewater Rafting & Glacier Tours

Tags

Hiking Tours
Winter Sports
Photography Tours
Walking Tours
Glacier Walks
Photo Shoots
Best Conversion
Additional fees
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.5 Based on 14 14 reviews
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