Matanuska Glacier Anchorage: Glacier Hike & Wildlife Drive

Two hours on Alaska's largest roadside glacier, plus the drive where you might see moose

You drive two hours from Anchorage through wildlife country, stop for coffee halfway, then spend two to three hours hiking on Matanuska Glacier with microspikes and a guide who photographs the day for you. The hike is moderate, covers two to three miles with little elevation change, and includes all gear and guide gratuities. You return to Anchorage in the evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Matanuska Glacier full-day excursion

• Drive 2 hours from Anchorage
• Stop for restroom and snacks
• Pass through Chickaloon town
• Pass through Sutton town
• Hike 2-2.5 hours on glacier

The experience

So you're sitting in a van for two hours heading northeast from Anchorage, and somewhere between Chickaloon and Sutton your guide points out a shape moving through the trees: moose, or maybe a bear if you're lucky. The drive to Matanuska Glacier is half the experience, honestly. You stop halfway for coffee and a bathroom break, which sounds small until you're grateful for it, and then you keep going until the glacier itself comes into view. It's massive. The kind of thing that doesn't photograph the way it looks in person.

When you get out at the trailhead, about half a mile from the glacier face, the guide hands out microspikes: metal grips that clip onto your boots so you don't slide on the ice. The hike itself is moderate, which means it's not steep but it's steady, and you're walking on actual glacier for two to two and a half hours, covering maybe two to three miles. There's little elevation gain, so it's more about the time on the ice and the footing than it is about climbing. Your guide takes photos the whole time and gives them to you free, which is one of those details that matters when you're trying to remember what this looked like.

The whole day is structured around not having to arrange anything yourself. The van picks you up, the microspikes are there, water is provided, and gratuities for the guide are already built in. You show up and walk on a glacier. That's the trade.

What’s included

• Round-trip van transport from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier.
• microspikes for glacier traction.
• bottled water.
• guide gratuities.
• free photos taken by your guide during the hike.
• restroom and snack stop on the way.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 75 years) · Youth (1 to 17 years)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Alaska Adventure Guides

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to walk on Alaska's largest glacier without arranging your own transport or gear: the van, the microspikes, and the guide's knowledge of where to step are what make a moderate hike on ice feel manageable in a single day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (1 to 17 years).

How far is Matanuska Glacier from Anchorage?

About two hours by van. There's a restroom and snack stop halfway.

How long do you actually spend on the glacier?

Two to two and a half hours, walking two to three miles with little elevation change.

What's included in the price?

Van transport from Anchorage, microspikes for traction, bottled water, guide gratuities, and free photos taken by your guide.

What animals might you see on the drive?

Bear, moose, owls, eagles, foxes and porcupines are all possible along the route.

Do I need my own hiking boots?

You should wear sturdy footwear. Microspikes are provided and clip onto your boots for traction on the ice.

Is there food available?

There's a stop halfway to Anchorage where you can buy coffee and snacks. Bring money for that if you want to eat.

What's the difficulty level?

Moderate. The hike is steady but not steep, with little elevation gain. You need a moderate level of fitness.

Are photos included?

Yes. Your guide takes photos throughout the day and provides them to you free of charge.