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Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour

10 Hour Duration

From pick up to drop off.

Roundtrip Transportation

From Anchorage, in a comfortable and heated van

3-Hour Hike

Explore the otherworldy landscape with an expert guide

Lunch Stop

Visit the Long Rifle Lodge. Lunch not included

Description

This popular Matanuska Glacier hike day tour is the perfect way to explore the fascinating and other-worldly Matanuska Glacier! As Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier, it’s an easy and affordable tour for those looking to experience the magic of walking on a glacier. But, just because it’s accessible by road doesn’t mean you’ll want to do a Matanuska Glacier hike on your own. Since this giant mountain of ice is constantly moving, it causes the accessible features to change on a weekly basis! Fortunately, your expert glacier guides explore this terrain daily and will safely get you to the best sights and hidden gems!

From a distance, the glacier looks like a solid landscape of ice. But, as you adventure through the glacier’s passages, you realize just how much activity is going on inside! Your knowledgeable guide teaches you about the fascinating features as well as the history of Matanuska as you explore the deep blue crevasses and melt pools. Fill your water bottle with pure glacier water from the many flowing streams of ice melt and gaze upon the dramatic columns of glacial ice. This experience is sure to be one of the most exciting moments of your Alaska adventure!

Your Matanuska Glacier tour from Anchorage begins with pickup at your hotel or other convenient meeting location. Enjoy the scenery while you ride in a Mercedes Sprinter van with big windows, allowing you to take in the sights and chat with your friendly local guide. After about two hours, the glacier comes into view as you arrive at Matanuska. Upon meeting your professional guides, you’ll receive a lesson on glacier safety and gather your gear. Then, excitement builds on your 10-minute drive to the large terminal moraine! Finally, your trek begins at the impressive Ice Falls area with its incredible formations of ancient ice. Don’t forget to have your camera handy for amazing photos during this Matanuska Glacier hike day tour!

After an awe-inspiring three hours on the glacier, you’ll have worked up an appetite! Enjoy lunch at the lodge overlooking the glacier valley while you reflect on the incredible adventure you just had. Your Matanuska Glacier tour from Anchorage concludes with return transport back to town, with memories (and pictures) to last a lifetime! Interested in a glacier viewing tour that includes guaranteed wildlife sightings? Then check out the Glacier and Wildlife Day Tour or the Bears, Trains, and Icebergs Tour from Anchorage!

What's Included

Round Trip Hotel Transportation

Knowledgeable Guides

Light Snacks

Bottled Water

Safety Equipment - Crampons, Helmet, and a Trekking Pole

Admission Fees

Guide Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Are restrooms available?

Restrooms are conveniently located at the entrance of the glacier and at the lunch stop, so we highly recommend taking advantage of them while you have the chance.

What is the Matanuska Glacier hike like?

The glacier hike is approximately two miles and is suitable for most fitness levels. Due to the slippery terrain, you will be outfitted with crampons and traverse the ice at a slow, careful pace. Although the hike is relatively short, it will take approximately three hours to explore the glacier's majestic beauty.

What food options does the Long Rifle Lodge offer?

The Long Rifle Lodge offers an array of delectable sandwiches, burgers, burritos, salads, and vegetarian options. Lunch is not included in the booking fee, and their meals are typically priced around $15. Enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy atmosphere and make this Matanuska Glacier tour even more enjoyable!

Will there be any ice cave exploration on this trip?

No, ice caves aren't common in the area, but don't let that deter you from joining this incredible Matanuska Glacier trip. There are plenty of other awe-inspiring features to explore, and no shortage of breathtaking sights, including the famous ice falls, which your guide will take you to during this excursion.

What's included in this tour? What should I bring?

Your booking includes round-trip transportation from your Anchorage lodgings, expert tour guides, park entrance fees, and all necessary safety and hiking equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. We strongly recommend bringing hiking boots with proper ankle support, tall thick socks - preferably synthetic or wool - long pants, quick-dry clothing (no cotton or jeans), gloves, sunglasses, a hat, and a sturdy rain jacket. Additionally, it is wise to pack a backpack with extra warm layers, a reusable water bottle, and sunscreen. You can bring your own snacks or purchase lunch at an additional cost during our lunch stop for a truly unforgettable experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This tour operates rain or shine, so come prepared with proper rain gear even if it's not raining, as Alaskan weather can be unpredictable and can change rapidly with little warning. If the conditions are deemed too hazardous for the hike, we will work to reschedule or provide a refund.

Could I explore Matanuska Glacier on my own?

Joining a guided tour of the Matanuska Glacier is the safest way to experience this natural wonder. Our local guides are highly skilled and trained to ensure your journey is as safe as possible, and your booking also includes crampons, helmets, and other safety equipment to make it easier to traverse the glacier's uneven and slippery terrain. You can rent the safety equipment in Anchorage, but unless you're familiar with the unique glacial terrain and Matanuska's layout, we wouldn't recommend exploring the glacier on your own. You can rent safety equipment in Anchorage, but unless you are familiar with the unique glacial terrain and the layout of Matanuska, we would not recommend exploring the glacier independently. Even experienced adventurers should take caution when navigating the glacier, as its unpredictable terrain can be hazardous. For those looking to explore the glacier, we suggest joining a guided tour to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 8 years old

Children must be 8 years of age to participate.

Small Group Size.

Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City

Anchorage

Itinerary • 10h 00min • 4 activities

Take in the sights and chat with your guide on your way to the Matanuska Glacier from Anchorage.

Duration

2 hours

Spend three whole hours exploring the icy landscapes of the Matanuska Glacier.

Duration

3 hours

Heat up with a warm lunch in a lodge overlooking the glacier (for purchase).

Duration

1 hour

Kick back, relax, and take in the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness as you head back to Anchorage.

Duration

2 hours