Matanuska Glacier Hiking from Anchorage: Guided Ice Tour

Walk Inside an Alaskan Glacier That's Still Carving Itself

You're picked up from your Anchorage hotel and driven two hours through mountain scenery to Matanuska Glacier, where local guides outfit you with ice clamps and lead you across canyons, caves and ice walls on a beginner-friendly hike. Lunch overlooks the Matanuska River on the return drive, with stops for photos and wildlife spotting. The whole day takes ten hours and includes all fees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Matanuska Glacier hiking and return

• Depart Anchorage for scenic drive
• Stop for coffee and snacks
• Enjoy views of mountains and river
• Meet local guides at glacier
• Put on glacier clamps
• Take guided glacier hike
• Explore caves and ice walls
• Return towards Anchorage
• Stop for lunch by Matanuska River
• Take photos at scenic overlooks
• Watch for moose and wildlife

The experience

The drive out of Anchorage takes two hours, and by the time the Mercedes Sprinter pulls into the Matanuska Glacier parking area, you've already crossed into a different landscape. The road follows the Matanuska River the whole way (mountains stacked behind it, the water running gray and cold), and the guides stop for coffee and snacks somewhere in the middle so you're not arriving hungry or wired. What you see from the road is just the approach. The real thing starts when you meet the local Matanuska Park Guides and they hand you glacier clamps to strap onto your boots.

The glacier changes every season, sometimes every week, so the route shifts. One day there are ice caves deep enough to stand in. Another day the best route cuts through canyons where the walls are blue-white and you can touch them. The guides know what's safe and what's open that particular day, and they walk you through the canyons, peaks and valleys while explaining how the glacier got here, how big it actually is, and what you're looking at when the ice turns that specific shade of turquoise. It's a beginner to intermediate hike. Nothing technical, but you're walking on ice, so the clamps matter. Most people find the rhythm of it meditative. You're moving slowly enough to notice things: the texture of the surface, the sound it makes under your boots, the way light moves through the ice.

On the way back to Anchorage, the group stops for lunch at a spot overlooking the river, and the driver keeps an eye out for moose in the brush. There are photo stops at scenic overlooks if the light is good or if someone wants to step out and breathe for a minute. The whole day (drive, glacier time, lunch, stops) runs about ten hours, and by the end you've seen something that doesn't exist anywhere else the same way twice.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Anchorage.
• scenic two-hour drive along the Matanuska River with coffee and snack stop.
• glacier clamps for traction on ice.
• guided tour of the glacier with local Matanuska Park Guides covering history, size and geology.
• access to ice caves, canyons, peaks and valleys.
• lunch overlooking the Matanuska River.
• scenic photo stops and wildlife viewing opportunities on the return drive.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (14 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 13 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish and Spanish

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 16 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Kelley Thompson

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to walk on a glacier without arranging your own transport, equipment rental or a guide: the pickup, clamps and local expertise come as one package, and the small group size means you're not competing for space on the ice.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 13 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

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's included in the price?

All fees and taxes are included. That covers the hotel pickup, the drive, glacier clamps, the guided tour with local guides, and lunch.

Do I need hiking experience?

No. It's rated beginner to intermediate, and the guides adjust the route based on what's safe and accessible that day. The glacier clamps do most of the grip work for you.

What should I wear?

Warm layers, waterproof jacket and pants, and sturdy boots. The glacier is ice, so even with clamps you want good footwear. Bring a hat and gloves. It's cold up there even in summer.

Will we see wildlife?

Moose are common in the area, especially on the drive back. The guides keep watch, but sightings aren't guaranteed. You'll definitely see the river and mountain ranges.

How many people go on this tour?

Groups are up to 10 guests maximum, so it stays small and manageable on the ice.

Is there cell service on the glacier?

That's not specified, but remote glaciers in Alaska typically have no signal. Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Can I bring my own camera?

Yes. There are photo stops built into the day, and the guides will point out the best angles and light. Bring a camera that can handle cold temperatures.