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Matanuska Glacier Tour

Guided

Glacier View

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Small Group Sizes

Beginner Friendly

Free Cancellation

Instant Book

Duration: 3 hours

Pricing

Matanuska Glacier Tour

(Glacier Park Fee Not Included)

$115

Description

Matanuska Glacier Tour - Guided Glacier Walk in Alaska

This Matanuska Glacier tour offers one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to explore a massive Alaskan glacier on foot. Located in the heart of the Matanuska Valley, this guided experience takes you across a glacial landscape shaped by ice, water, and time. From towering ice formations to deep blue melt pools, this Matanuska Glacier walk delivers an unforgettable introduction to glacier travel in Alaska.

Your Matanuska Glacier guided tour begins with a short drive to the glacier’s edge before continuing on foot across rocky moraine and onto the ice itself. As you explore, your guide will lead you through ever-changing terrain, including crevasses, ice formations, and the famous ice falls where dense glacial ice pushes upward into jagged formations known as seracs. This dynamic environment makes every Matanuska Glacier hike day tour unique, with new features constantly forming and shifting.

Ideal for travelers seeking a true Alaska experience without technical difficulty, this Matanuska Glacier guided hike is designed for beginners while still offering an immersive and adventurous feel. Whether you're visiting the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site or looking to add one of Alaska’s most iconic landscapes to your itinerary, this tour is a must-do. It also pairs perfectly with nearby rafting trips, making it one of the most popular Matanuska Glacier adventures for a full day outdoors.

Duration

Approximately 3 hours total.

This includes check-in, gear fitting, transportation to the glacier, and a guided glacier walk.

Trips depart daily at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM & 2:30 PM from June 1 – September 10.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the trip waiver and check in.

Location / Where to Meet

Matanuska Glacier tours begin in Glacier View, Alaska, about 2 hours north of Anchorage along the Glenn Highway.

Meeting Address: 38100 W Glenn Highway, Glacier View, AK 99674

Check-in takes place at the main basecamp before transportation to the glacier access point.

Alaska highways can experience delays due to construction, RV traffic, or accidents. Please allow extra travel time to ensure you arrive before your scheduled departure.

Ages & Requirements

This adventure is rated Easy. Requirements include:

Ages 10–72
Must fit provided gear (boot sizes from kids 2 to men’s 15)
Ability to walk on uneven terrain, including rocks and ice
Moderate mobility and balance

No prior experience is required for this Matanuska Glacier Alaska tour. All participants should be comfortable walking for extended periods on natural terrain and following guide instructions. This tour is not recommended for individuals with serious cardiac, respiratory, or mobility-related conditions that could impact safety on uneven or icy surfaces. Participants must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

What's Included

Professional glacier guide
Transportation to and from the glacier access point
Glacier boots
Microspikes (traction devices)
Helmet

This Matanuska Glacier guided tour operates with a low guide-to-guest ratio (approximately 1:10), allowing for a more personalized and adaptive experience. Guides carry medical certifications ranging from Wilderness First Aid to Wilderness First Responder, ensuring a high level of safety and preparedness.

Not Included

Matanuska Glacier Park access fee (paid separately)
- Adults (17+): $55
- Teens (13–16): $25
- Alaska residents, military, seniors: $30
Transportation to the meeting location
Lunch or snacks
Guide gratuities

What to Bring / Wear

Weather on the Matanuska Glacier can change quickly and is often 5–10°F cooler than surrounding areas. Tours operate rain or shine, so dressing in layers is essential.

FAQs

When do you operate Matanuska Glacier Tours?

We operate our Alaska Glacier Tours from June 1st to September 10th.

What is the glacier access fee?

Access to the Matanuska Glacier is managed by a privately owned park, which charges a separate per-person access fee. This fee is not included in the tour price and is collected at check-in.

Are glacier tours safe?

There are inherent risks associated with glacier travel and outdoor activities that you must understand and accept. Variable terrain, sharp rocks, slippery ice, and changing weather conditions are common.

However, for your peace of mind, we maintain high safety standards. Our professional guides have extensive experience in glacier travel, trekking, and climbing. They are certified in Wilderness First Aid and undergo regular training to meet the highest standards in each discipline.

Do I need prior glacier experience to participate?

No prior experience needed for any of our glacier tours! We take lots of first-timers out on our adventures & love introducing them to the world of Alaska ice!

Glacier Tour, Adventure Trek, or Ice Climbing - Which one is best for me?

Matanuska Glacier Tour: This tour includes an easy walk over the moraine to the ‘Ice Falls’ area, the main highlight of the glacier. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views and ever-changing glacier features. Perfect for those looking for a relaxed adventure in nature. 

Matanuska Glacier Adventure Trek: This trek takes you beyond the ‘Ice Falls’ to explore less seen areas of the glacier. It’s a more challenging adventure, covering multiple miles over varied terrain, ideal for those seeking a more active experience. 

Backcountry Matanuska Glacier Ice Climbing: A true challenge for the adventurous, this trip combines a trek to access climbing walls and an introduction to glacier ice climbing. You’ll learn the fundamentals of climbing in a safe, top-rope setup, guided by experienced professionals.

What if I want to hike on the glacier at a slower pace or need to take extra breaks?

Our Matanuska Glacier Tour is our most popular option and accommodates most guests as long as you’re in reasonable condition and able to walk comfortably on uneven ground. If you would like to take a slower pace or need extra breaks, we recommend booking our Matanuska Glacier Family Tour. This option is perfect for multi-generational family groups, including children as young as 8 years old. Alternatively, you can consider booking a private tour, where we can tailor the experience to your pace and needs for a more personalized adventure.

Can I visit the Matanuska Glacier on my own?

The Matanuska Glacier is only accessible through private property and must be visited with a permitted guide.

Do glacier adventures include visits to ice caves?

We do not offer tours that travel through or under ice caves during the warm summer months. Glaciers are very active in this season, making caves unsafe due to the risk of collapse. The safety of guests is a priority, so these areas are avoided to protect everyone.

What is the weather like on the Matanuska Glacier?

Summer daytime temps usually range between 55-70°F, but it can be 5-10°F cooler on the glacier itself.

The weather can change quickly from rain & cool weather to sunshine & warmth then back again in an instant. It’s good to be prepared with layers to keep you warm/dry!

Can I bring my camera on the glacier tour?

Absolutely! There are many opportunities for beautiful photos while out on the glacier!

Drones however, are not allowed on any of our Matanuska Glacier Tours.

Are there restrooms available?

There are bathrooms available at our check-in location at Hicks Creek and also once you arrive at Matanuska Glacier Park, right before heading onto the glacier. Once you’re on the glacier, restroom breaks are limited. We recommend using the facilities before the tour.

Cancellation Policy

Full refund: If you cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the tour.
50% refund: If you cancel between 24 and 48 hours before the tour.
No refund: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour or no-shows will not be eligible for a refund.