Spencer Glacier - Private Hike & Kayak Tour with Heli Dropoff

Guided

Duration: 1 day

Anchorage • Girdwood

Features

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Shuttle Included

Beginner Friendly

Private

Instant Book

$849 Person

(Ages 8+)

Description

Private Spencer Glacier Tour - Helicopter Ride, Hike, Kayak, & Scenic Train

This is Alaska’s ultimate private glacier adventure — a day of flightseeing, hiking, kayaking, and scenic rail travel all rolled into one unforgettable journey. Your day begins with a breathtaking 20-minute helicopter flight from Girdwood over the dramatic peaks and glaciers of the Chugach and Kenai Mountains before touching down beside Spencer Glacier. From there, hike along the glacier’s moraine and across the lakebed to your kayak launch point, where towering ice walls, surreal blue icebergs, and serene alpine views command attention.

After a safety briefing, paddle your way through an ever-changing maze of ice on a 2–4 mile kayak route toward the face of Spencer Glacier — a highlight that truly feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Following lunch at the lakeside basecamp, cap off the day with a spectacular ride aboard the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery Train through the Grandview area — one of the most scenic and remote stretches of rail in the entire state, complete with tunnels, waterfalls, and deep mountain canyons.

This exclusive, private trip is perfect for adventurous travelers looking to combine the best of Alaska’s wilderness in a single day. Available daily with space, it’s also an excellent option for those who can’t join the Glacier Blue Kayak trip on Thursdays or Fridays. For an added thrill, opt for a glacier landing and stand atop ancient ice before your hike begins. Whether you're an experienced paddler or just seeking a unique, immersive backcountry experience, this trip delivers unmatched scenery, solitude, and adventure.

Duration

Full Day (9 hours)

Location / Where to Meet

Chugach Adventures

1553 Alyeska Hwy Girdwood, AK 99587

Ages & Requirements

Age Requirements:

The minimum age for this kayak tour is 8 years old. All children will participate in tandem kayaks with a parent or the most experienced paddler in your group.

Weight Requirements:

The approximate maximum weight is 240 lbs.
The approximate maximum height is 6’3”.
Ultimately it is up to the guide's discretion and the comfort level of the guest if our kayaks will work for a kayak trip. Guests with large foot sizes and guests who cannot sit for up to 1 hour in a touring (sit-inside) kayak may also have difficulty fitting and/or being comfortable in kayaks.
We can provide the same lake tour in a raft for guests who don't meet height/weight limits and/or don't feel comfortable in kayaks. If you think you may opt for a Raft instead of a Kayak for this trip, please note this in the "Mobility Issues or Pertinent Medical History" section at checkout. If you are close to the maximum size considerations, please be advised that we can not guarantee that a kayak trip will work until in the field, and any guide decisions are ultimately made with your safety being the utmost priority.

What's Included

Experienced guides
Heli landing next to Spencer Glacier
All kayak equipment, including splash tops, spray skirts, and Personal Flotation Devices (life vests)
Catered sack lunch, drinks, and snacks
Alaska Railroad train tickets
Return transportation to Girdwood

Not Included

If you need transportation from Anchorage, the cost is an additional $125 per person- please email us to let us know after booking.
Optional Glacier Landing Add-On:

$400 Glacier Landing Add-On (per booking party of up to 3 guests) -please email us to let us know you'd like to add this option after placing your online order
The normal Landing Zone for this trip is NOT on the glacier ice but on the glacier moraine (a gravel surface directly adjacent to Spencer Glacier where we start our hike to basecamp)
If you would like to walk on the glacier ice, this add-on will cover the cost of a 15-minute glacier landing before a short flight to the landing zone where we start your hike

Guide Gratuity

What to Bring / Wear

Hiking Boots with good tread.
Warm clothes (synthetic or layers)
Rain Jacket
Warm hat
Gloves
Binoculars
Camera
Trekking Poles (provided if needed)

Cameras are highly recommended. We can’t guarantee that they won’t get wet, although most guests do bring their cameras.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Chugach Adventures

FAQs

Helicopter Glacier Kayak & Grandview Itinerary:

8:00 AM - Girdwood Arrival Time (If you need transportation from Anchorage, the cost is an additional $125 per person- please email us to let us know).
8:40 AM - Alpine Air Helicopter Departure
9:10 AM - Heli Landing next to Spencer Glacier
9:15 - 11:00 AM - Short Hike next to Spencer Glacier (.5 Miles) and back 2 Miles back to our kayak basecamp
11:30 - 1:00 PM - Iceberg Kayak on Spencer Glacier Lake (2 to 4 Mile Kayak Paddle)
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch
2:00-5 PM - Scenic Train Ride to Grandview through the Upper Placer River Gorge Canyon- The Most Scenic Section of the AK Railroad
5:15 PM De-board Train at Portage Station for the shuttle back to Girdwood
5:45 PM Return Arrival to Girdwood
6:45 PM Return Arrival to Anchorage for Anchorage Guests

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions at lunch?

Yes, please let us know ahead of time of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available). There is a space at checkout to let us know.

Alpine Air Helicopter Charter Weight Policy Information:

The max weight limit for a helicopter seat is 290 lbs. If a guest does not meet this weight seat limit and the Helicopter company is unable to fly, the Helicopter charter cost for the trip will still be incurred by the guest. If an R66 Helicopter is utilized for a guest or guests in which the total guest weight + a guide is unable to stay below 600 lbs (total maximum weight limit for an R44), there will also be an additional charge of $200 for the party to cover the cost of the more expensive R66 Helicopter Charter.

What if the weather is bad?

Water levels, wind, and other natural factors beyond our control may cause us to alter your trip for your safety & enjoyment. For example on windy days, if you have booked a Kayak trip, we reserve the right to have you join us on a rafting trip.

Landing zone locations and the extent of our glacier hiking & moraine treks are dictated mostly by the weather of the day and the group’s activity level & speed.

Chugach Adventures does not cancel trips due to inclement weather, nor provide refunds when adventures are adjusted based on weather.

If Alpine Air Alaska Helicopter Charter Company cancels the Helicopter for the day due to extreme weather, then you will be provided a Refund, and the option to change to an alternate adventure trip for the day to visit Spencer Glacier. Flight delays are also possible up to 12 Noon with Helicopter flights.

Should I tip my guide?

Our guides are expected to go above and beyond for this trip and greatly appreciate any & all gratuities.

How long is the hike?

It is a short Hike next to Spencer Glacier (.5 Miles) and back 2 Miles back to our kayak basecamp.

How long is the kayaking portion of the trip?

The iceberg kayaking on Spencer Glacier Lake is a 2 to 4.4-mile kayak paddle.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are 90% refundable.

Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.

Availability

August 2025

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Reviews

Location

Address

1553 Alyeska Hwy

Girdwood, AK, 99587

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