Matanuska Glacier guided hike from Anchorage: Walk the ice

Walk across ancient ice, explore blue crevasses, return to Anchorage the same day

A full-day guided hike on Matanuska Glacier departing from Anchorage hotels, with certified local guide, all gear provided, and hotel return. You'll walk 2 to 3 miles across the glacier's ice, see its crevasses and features up close, and stop at scenic viewpoints along the Glenn Highway on the drive back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glacier hike and scenic tour

• Pickup from Anchorage hotel
• Stop at Palmer Knik Overlook
• Guided 2-3 mile glacier hike
• Optional lunch at glacier view restaurant
• Photo stops along Glenn Highway
• Return drop-off in Anchorage

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Anchorage hotel and a drive north along the Glenn Highway in a heated Mercedes Sprinter van. You'll stop at Knik Overlook near Palmer to take in the valley views before arriving at the glacier base, where a certified guide meets you with all the equipment you need: ice cleats, helmets, jackets and boots included.

The guided walk covers 2 to 3 miles across the ice, moving at a moderate pace that lets you see the glacier's features: the glittering blue crevasses, the ancient layered ice, the scale of the place. The guide handles the route and the safety. You focus on the landscape. After the hike, you can buy lunch at a glacier-view restaurant on site if you want to warm up and eat with the mountains in front of you, or skip it and move on.

On the return drive, the van stops at several photo spots along the Glenn Highway where the views open up: dramatic peaks, expansive valleys, the kind of landscape that fills a frame. You're dropped back at your Anchorage hotel as the day ends, having spent nine hours on the glacier and the road without arranging transport or gear yourself.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Anchorage hotel.
• transport in a heated van with air conditioning.
• entrance fees to the glacier.
• certified local guide for the glacier walk.
• ice cleats, helmets, jackets and boots for the walk.
• snacks and water throughout the day.
• photo stops at scenic viewpoints on the Glenn Highway.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 40 pickup points.

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Welcome Anchorage Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided tour with a certified guide leading the group across the ice, so you're not navigating the glacier yourself. The guide handles the route and safety while you focus on the experience. It suits anyone who wants to walk on a glacier without the logistics of renting gear, arranging transport or finding a guide on their own.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

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.

How far do you actually walk on the glacier?

The guided walk covers 2 to 3 miles across the ice, moving at a moderate pace that lets you see crevasses and ice features up close without rushing.

What's included in the glacier walk, and what do I need to bring?

Ice cleats, helmets, jackets and boots are all provided by the tour. Bring warm layers under the jacket, waterproof pants if you have them, and a camera. Lunch is not included but available for purchase at the glacier restaurant.

Does the drive from Anchorage take a long time?

The full day is 9 hours total, which includes the drive north on the Glenn Highway, the stop in Palmer, the glacier walk, photo stops on the return, and the drive back to your hotel.

What happens if I'm not very fit or have never hiked before?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The walk is guided and moderate in pace. The guide leads you across the ice and sets the rhythm, so you move at a manageable speed.

Is lunch included, or do I need to pack food?

Lunch is not included. After the glacier hike, you have the option to buy food at a local restaurant at the glacier base with views of the ice fields and mountains. Snacks and water are provided during the tour.