Matanuska Glacier Tour: Guided Ice Walk in Alaska!

Are you ready to embrace the ultimate adventure in Alaska? The Matanuska Glacier Tour offers an unparalleled experience combining jaw-dropping scenery with a unique adventure. Nestled in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, this guided ice walk is something you can’t miss during your trip!

Matanuska Glacier is a colossal ice formation that descends from the Chugach Mountains. At an impressive 27 miles long and 4 miles wide, it is the largest glacier accessible by vehicle in the United States.

Its dazzling blue ice and rugged terrain create a stark contrast against the backdrop of the surrounding peaks. The sheer scale and beauty of the glacier make it a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s paradise.

The glacier is still active and advances around 80 metres per year. It constantly evolves, creating new ice formations, crevices, and ice caves. That said, it is melting at a rate of 90 metres per year, so although active, this glacier is still technically receding.

This blog post will cover our Matanuska Glacier Tour with Nova Alaska Guides and highlight why you need to add it to your bucket list ASAP!

Where to Stay Near Anchorage

Here are our top accommodation picks in Anchorage:

*By booking accommodation through our tailored maps + links, you support us at no additional cost to you. We appreciate you!*

Do You Need a Tour?

Because we know some of you will ask, let’s address this question first. You cannot explore Matanuska Glacier on your own. This glacier is only accessible with a certified guide. This requirement isn’t just a formality but essential for ensuring safety and maximizing your experience.

The glacier’s terrain is complex, with hidden crevasses and icy surfaces that require expert navigation. Guides are highly trained professionals who know the glacier inside and out, ensuring you stay safe while discovering the most spectacular features of this icy wonderland.

What is Provided on The Matanuska Glacier Tour?

Are you worried about what to wear or what gear you’ll need? Don’t be! The tour company provides all necessary equipment, including crampons, helmets, and a guide with first aid and rescue gear.

We highly recommend wearing layers, including long underwear, a fleece, a down jacket, a rain jacket, a toque, and gloves. If you have hiking boots with you, make sure to bring them. If not, though, Nova Alaska Guides has boots you can wear.

Sunglasses are required, as the reflection from the ice on a bright day can burn your eyes. Depending on the weather, you may also want to bring a snack, water, and sunscreen.

This tour departs from the Hicks Creek Facility, where there is a restroom and coffee shop. After you check in and get suited up with your gear, it’s about a 10-minute drive in one of their vans to get to the glacier.

Tour Options

Nova Alaska Guides offer various tours to cater to different levels of adventure. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed walk on the glacier’s surface or a more challenging ice-climbing experience, there’s an option that fits your needs.

Tours typically range from a few hours to a full day, allowing you to choose the level of exploration that best suits your schedule and spirit.

The Matanuska Glacier Tour

Embarking on the Matanuska Glacier Tour is about witnessing this natural wonder and immersing yourself in an extraordinary adventure. We began with a short hike down a dirt path with stunning glacier views.

Once we arrived at the base, we lucked out with an incredible reflection! After snapping a few photos, we crossed a bridge and got suited up with our microspikes. There are several picnic tables at the beginning of the ice, so you can sit down to do this.

From here, we began hiking on top of Matanuska Glacier. It was absolutely surreal!

Our knowledgeable guide taught us a lot about the glacier and the area. We hiked across crevasses and bright blue glacier pools, stopping for photos and information several times. At one point, we even got to drink fresh glacier water! It was fantastic.

Overall, we felt very safe and well-guided throughout this 3-hour tour. Our guide did her best to keep us away from other tour groups and adjust the walk to our preferences.

This tour costs $115 USD per person plus a park entrance fee of $45 USD per person.

Is The Matanuska Glacier Tour Worth It?

YES! Here’s why the Matanuska Glacier Tour should be at the top of your adventure list.

The opportunity to walk on a glacier is a rare and extraordinary experience. The Matanuska Glacier Tour provides a unique chance to explore a dynamic and ever-changing landscape that few people ever see up close.

With the expertise of certified guides, you can feel confident navigating the glacier safely while learning fascinating insights about its formation, features, and the surrounding environment.

The tour company’s provision of equipment and knowledge means you can focus on enjoying the adventure without worrying about logistics. Everything is taken care of, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the experience.

We hope you have a wonderful time in Alaska! Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments below about your experience at Matanuska Glacier. We would love to hear from you.