Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour & 3 Landings

Summary

Helicopter over knik glacier with wild landings and ancient blue ice

You’ll fly by helicopter from Anchorage into wild glacier country, landing three times: once above Knik Glacier for panoramic views, then beside a towering ice wall, and finally right on ancient blue ice itself. With a local guide leading your small group, you’ll hear stories and explore melt pools or crevasses up close—moments that stick with you long after you leave Alaska.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever stand on a glacier, let alone three different spots in one morning. But there we were, lifting off from the edge of Anchorage — the rotors thumping so loud my heart was matching the beat. Our pilot, Mike (who’s lived in Alaska for ages), grinned back at us through his headset and pointed out where the Knik River snakes below. The valley just kept opening up wider and wider until suddenly there was this five-mile-wide sheet of blue-white ice. I mean, you see photos, but seeing it tilt up beneath you? It’s something else.

The first landing was right up on an alpine ridge above the glacier — wind biting at my cheeks, even through my jacket. There was this weird silence when the blades stopped spinning. Just crunching snow under boots and that faint mineral smell you get from old ice. Mike showed us how to spot crevasses (I definitely stayed back) and told a story about a moose getting stuck once — he laughed, but I’m pretty sure he wasn’t joking. Then we flew over to this massive wall of ice, maybe a hundred feet high. You could hear water trickling somewhere inside it, like the glacier was breathing.

The last stop was right in the middle of Knik Glacier itself — we actually got out onto that ancient blue surface. I tried to touch one of those melt pools (it’s so clear it almost looks fake), but my glove slipped and I nearly face-planted into the ice. My partner still teases me about that. We had about half an hour each time to wander around or just stare at all these crazy shapes made by sun and wind — honestly, I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter tour with glacier landings

• Fly up Knik River Valley
• Land at alpine glacier viewpoint
• Explore 5-mile wide Knik Glacier
• Land at 100-foot ice wall
• Observe possible ice calving
• Land on Knik Glacier center
• Explore ancient ice and melt pools
• Watch for local wildlife

Top questions

How long is the Knik Glacier helicopter tour?

The total tour time is 2 hours, including 3 landings with about 30 minutes at each site.

Where does the helicopter tour depart from?

The tour departs from the Anchorage area in Alaska.

Do you actually land on Knik Glacier?

Yes, in summer months you land directly on Knik Glacier; in winter (Oct-Apr), landing is next to the glacier due to snow cover.

Is there a guide during the glacier landings?

Yes, a local guide leads your group during each landing for safety and information.

Are meals included on this tour?

No full meal is included; snacks are available for purchase year-round and restaurant service is available onsite May-September.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests must check in 45 minutes before departure time at the meeting point.

Can infants join this helicopter tour?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the flight.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a scenic helicopter flight from Anchorage with three separate landings—one above Knik Glacier for sweeping views, another beside a towering ice wall where you might spot wildlife like moose or mountain goats if you're lucky, and finally right on top of ancient glacial ice (or beside it in winter). All taxes and fees are covered along with a guided glacier hike at each stop; snacks can be purchased onsite year-round if hunger hits after all that cold air.