Anchorage: Matanuska Glacier Hike & Safety Gear with Pickup

Summary

Walk across ancient blue ice with local guides and pure glacier air

You’ll ride north from Anchorage into wild mountain country, gear up for a safe walk on Matanuska Glacier’s blue ice with your local guide, taste pure meltwater straight from the source, and learn how to move across ancient ice fields—boots crunching underfoot—before heading home with fresh stories (and probably cold fingers).

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway up the highway out of Anchorage before I realized how far the city would feel by the end of the day. Our guide, Jamie, handed out spiked boots in the van — heavier than I expected — and pointed north where the mountains looked like they’d been painted on. The air started to smell sharper as we drove into Matanuska Valley, and someone behind me kept trying to spot moose (no luck yet). It was quiet in that way Alaska gets, even with strangers around you.

I fumbled with my helmet straps at the trailhead while Jamie explained how to walk “like a penguin” on the glacier. I still slipped once — not dramatic, just a little wobble — but nobody cared. The ice wasn’t smooth at all; it was pitted and blue in places, almost glowing under our feet. Jamie showed us how to tap with our toes for grip. At one point she stopped to fill a bottle from a little meltwater stream and let us taste it — honestly, that cold sip is still stuck in my memory more than any photo.

There’s this odd silence on the glacier except for boots crunching and wind skimming over everything. Someone asked about crevasses and Jamie just grinned, “That’s why you’ve got me.” We took photos but mostly just stood there watching light shift across ridges. My hands went numb holding my phone so I gave up trying to get it all on camera. The drive back felt slower somehow; maybe because nobody talked much, or maybe because you don’t really want to leave that kind of place right away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glacier hike and scenic drive

• Depart early morning from Anchorage
• Drive north through Matanuska Valley
• Enjoy wildlife viewing en route
• Receive safety orientation and gear
• Put on spiked footwear and helmet
• Hike and explore Matanuska Glacier

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Matanuska Glacier hike?

No, but departure is from downtown Anchorage and public transportation options are nearby.

What safety equipment is provided for walking on Matanuska Glacier?

You’ll be given spiked footwear and a helmet along with a safety orientation before stepping onto the glacier.

How physically demanding is this glacier hike?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; involvement can be adjusted based on your comfort.

Can children join this glacier tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the excursion.

Are photography lessons included during the tour?

Yes, free photography lessons are part of your day on the glacier.

Is bottled water provided?

Bottled Alaska Pure Glacier water is included for participants.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning departure from downtown Anchorage with scenic drive north into Matanuska Valley, professional safety gear like spiked boots and helmets fitted by your guide, bottled Alaska Pure Glacier water to taste right from its source, plus free photography lessons along the way before returning in the afternoon.