Knik Glacier Helicopter Flight & Trek: Anchorage

Helicopter flight over snow-capped peaks, then walk the surface of a 26-mile glacier

A helicopter flight and glacier trek near Anchorage combines 40 minutes of flying over the Chugach Range and braided river valleys with 45 minutes on foot across the Knik Glacier, one of Alaska's largest. You land on over 300 feet of ancient ice, trek past blue melt pools and deep crevasses, and in summer months can polar plunge into glacial pools at no extra cost. Micro spikes are provided. Check in 30 minutes before departure, and note the 300-pound weight limit per seat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight and glacier landing

• Fly over Chugach Range
• Fly over braided Knik River
• Land on Knik Glacier ice
• Explore glacier surface
• Optional summer glacier plunge

The experience

The helicopter departs from the Anchorage area and climbs toward snow-capped peaks, passing over waterfalls, glacial lakes filled with icebergs, and the braided Knik River. From the air you spot wildlife (moose, Dall sheep, spawning salmon, bears) before the pilot lands the helicopter directly on the glacier surface. The Knik Glacier stretches 26 miles in length and 6 miles across at its toe, making it one of the largest in Southcentral Alaska.

Once on the ice, you trek for 45 minutes across the glacier's surface with an English-speaking guide. The landscape shifts constantly: brilliant blue melt pools where glacial water pools thousands of years old, swirling moulins (vertical shafts where water drains into the ice), deep crevasses, and dramatic formations carved by the glacier's slow movement. In summer, you have the option to polar plunge into one of these giant pools. Micro spikes are provided to grip the ice.

The entire experience (flight, landing, trek, and return) takes about 90 minutes. Round-trip transportation from Anchorage to Palmer (where the helicopter departs) is available if you call the office to arrange it. Solo travelers should note that a 2-person minimum may apply, and weight surcharges apply for groups exceeding certain thresholds: 500 pounds for 2 people, 650 pounds for 3, and 900 pounds for 4.

What’s included

• Helicopter flight (approximately 40 minutes).
• guided trek across the glacier surface (45 minutes) with an English-speaking guide.
• micro spikes for traction on the ice.
• optional polar plunge into glacial pools in summer months at no additional cost.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00, 13:00, 13:30 and 16:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (2 to 17 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Outbound Heli Adventures, LLC

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to land on the glacier itself and walk across the ice. Other glacier tours view from the air or ground only.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 17 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do you see and do on the glacier itself?

The Knik Glacier trek takes you across the ice surface for 45 minutes, where you walk past brilliant blue melt pools, swirling moulins (where water drains deep into the ice), and deep crevasses. In summer months you can choose to polar plunge into one of these pools at no additional cost.

How long is the helicopter flight, and what wildlife might you spot from the air?

The flight lasts approximately 40 minutes and passes over the Chugach Range, waterfalls, glacial lakes, and the braided Knik River. From the air you may see moose, Dall sheep, spawning salmon, and bears.

What should I know about weight limits and check-in?

The weight limit is 300 pounds per seat, and groups exceeding certain thresholds (500 pounds for 2 people, 650 pounds for 3, and 900 pounds for 4) may incur surcharges. Check in 30 minutes before departure. Arriving late may shorten, reschedule, or cancel your flight.

Is transportation from Anchorage included, or do I need to arrange my own?

Round-trip transportation from Anchorage to Palmer is available but not automatically included. Call the office to arrange it when you book.

Can I do this activity if I'm not very fit, or if I'm traveling alone?

The trek is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Solo travelers should note that a 2-person minimum may apply, and the operator may reach out to reschedule your time if that minimum is not met.