7 Incredible Matanuska Glacier Tours from Anchorage
What are the best Matanuska Glacier tours? Is it worth going to Matanuska Glacier?
Set in the heart of Alaska just 95 miles from the city of Anchorage, the Matanuska Glacier is known for its breathtaking views and stunning ice formations. It’s a natural wonder that lures thousands of visitors every year, all eager to explore this unique environment!
As locals ourselves, we’re here to tell you that Matanuska Glacier is a bit of an icon to interior Alaska, and no visit to the state’s largest city would be complete without a visit!
However, due to its popularity, there are now so many tours and excursions available for visitors to experience the glacier in different ways.
Don’t have time to read the entire post? Just read this!
The Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour is unquestionably the #1 Matanuska Glacier tour on this list!
⭐Viator’s Badge of Excellence
⭐All glacier gear (spikes, poles…)
⭐Free hotel pick-up & drop-off!
But with so many options, which one is actually worth your time and money? Don’t stress, we’re here to help.
We’ve vetted each and every tour mentioned on this list by reading countless reviews, asking for recommendations from locals, and ensuring these tours will provide an exceptional day trip to one of Alaska’s most popular sites!
After you pick your tour, don’t forget to read all of our answers to some important questions we’ve included at the end of this post. We explored if taking a guided tour to the glacier is truly worth it, how much you can expect to spend on these tours, how long the drive is from Anchorage to the glacier, and more!
7 Best Matanuska Glacier Tours
1. Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour
Easily the #1 tour option on this list, the Matanuska Glacier Hike offers an exciting and safe way to explore the glacier!
This tour is perfect for all ages and experience levels, includes all of the proper gear such as shoe spikes, trekking poles, and helmets (typically only used in the summer), and fully inclusive roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Anchorage.
While hiking alongside an experienced and knowledgeable guide, you’ll also learn all about glacial phenomenon, and how this impressive glacier was formed. The optimal choice for anyone looking to truly experience the glacier, this tour includes a full 2.5 hours on the ice, allowing you ample time for photos and exploring.
2. Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour
Slightly shorter than the first tour coming in around 8.5 hours in duration, the Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour still packs in all the excitement and adventure as its counterpart!
This tour is also inclusive of roundtrip transportation from Anchorage and all of the necessary gear, but offers a slightly shorter duration on the glacier at about 1-2 hours on the glacier. Perfect for those a little tight on time who don’t want to miss out on exploring Alaska’s beautiful Matanuska Glacier!
3. Matanuska Glacier Winter Tour
Those visiting Alaska in the winter are in for a real treat (Sean and I absolutely love Alaska in the winter!) Cloaked in snow and icy blue hues, the Matanuska Glacier Winter Tour is incomparable!
Spend the day exploring fields of snow, ice caves, and towering walls of glacial ice. This tour is perfect for those wanting a more adventurous experience as the use of ice cleats over snow and ice is required. Not to worry, the tour provides them! Transportation from Anchorage and a knowledgeable guide are also included in this day trip.
Plus, the tour even includes lunch at a local restaurant! Anyone seeking an all-inclusive Matanuska Glacier tour from Anchorage, this is the top choice!
4. Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Small-Group Excursion
The Matanuska Glacier Small-Group Excursion is perfect for those wanting a more personal and intimate experience on the glacier. With a maximum group size of 14, this tour allows for more one-on-one time with your guide and ample opportunity to ask questions about the glacier and surrounding area.
This tour includes roundtrip transportation, gear, as well as all photos that your guide takes! No need to pay for a photographer, as all photos are free at the end of the tour. Plus, a guided hike of a few miles on and around the glacier ensures you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore.
Pro Tip: if you’re thinking “14 people is a lot for a “small group” tour” don’t worry, we agree with you! If you want fewer than 10 travelers on your tour, check out the All Day Matanuska Glacier Hike with Panoramic Bus in Alaska which only allows 9 people.
5. All Day Matanuska Glacier Hike with Panoramic Bus in Alaska
Take in the grandeur of the scenic Glenn Highway and Matanuska Glacier in a truly unique way with the All Day Matanuska Glacier Hike with Panoramic Bus in Alaska!
This tour combines the thrill of glacier hiking with the luxury of panoramic views from a comfortable bus equipped with massive windows, offering an unforgettable experience limited to just nine passengers for an intimate group atmosphere.
Included are all necessary hiking gear and roundtrip transportation from Anchorage, making it a seamless adventure.
6. Matanuska Glacier Summer Tour
The Matanuska Glacier Summer Tour is the perfect getaway for those eager to explore one of Alaska’s natural treasures in the heat of summer! Contrary to popular belief, you can go on the glacier during the summer months, however, helmets are often required due to a higher likelihood of falling snow or ice.
This tour includes roundtrip transportation from Anchorage, gear suited for the summer months, an expert guide, and even a delicious, local lunch! At 8 hours in duration, this tour allows for plenty of time to explore, take photos, and just enjoy the scenery.
7. Matanuska Glacier Winter Hike And Tour – Full Day
The shortest tour on this list lasting between 7-8 hours, the Matanuska Glacier Winter Hike And Tour is perfect for anyone working with less time to see the glacier.
This all-inclusive tour provides transportation from Anchorage, all necessary gear, and a knowledgeable guide to take you on an unforgettable trek throughout the glacier’s ice-carved halls!
If you’ll be visiting Alaska during the chill of winter, this excursion is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Matanuska Glacier in all its frozen glory.
Travel Tips for Visiting Matanuska Glacier
Whether you’re taking a shore excursion in Anchorage or planning your whole road trip around getting to the glacier, there are some tips you should keep in mind before you go:
- Dress in layers! Especially if you’ll be walking on the glacier, the temperatures are quite different out on the ice compared to the rest of the region.
- Waterproof boots for best for traction and for keeping your feet dry.
- Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from the intense glare bouncing off the ice.
- If you want to get some good photos of the glacier, bring your phone or camera in a waterproof shell in case you drop it.
- The earlier your tour, the better! Crowds typically arrive after 10AM, so try to book an early tour if you’re up for it.
- Pack snacks and water for the ride back to your accommodation. Some tours last half a day or more and you’ll be happy to have something with you to hold you over until you get back to Anchorage.
- Please be respectful of the environment and follow all instructions from your guide! The glacier is a delicate landscape that requires careful management to preserve, so let’s not trash it. Carry in, carry out!
FAQ
In this next section, we’ve answered some essential questions for your glacier trek including if it’s truthfully worth taking a tour, our #1 pick if we had to choose, and even some interesting information about the glacier itself!
Is the Matanuska Glacier Hike Worth It?
The Matanuska Glacier hike is an experience worth every dime for the adventurous soul and nature enthusiast alike. The glacier presents a stunning landscape that is not only awe-inspiring but also ripe with opportunities for unique outdoor activities that range from exploring ice caves to ice climbing!
Taking a guided tour enhances the experience by providing expert insights into the glacier’s geology and history, safety guidance, and equipment which might be difficult to arrange independently.
The value of these tours is in the ease of access thanks to the roundtrip transportation in a vehicle fitted with proper tires, the educational component, and the opportunity to have someone else take photos of you so you can just sit back and enjoy!
Can I Walk on the Matanuska Glacier?
You can walk on the Matanuska Glacier as long as you’re on a guided tour.
Since June 2022, visitors are no longer allowed to access the Matanuska Glacier on their own without a guided tour. The glacier is made primarily of exceedingly dangerous terrain that should only be accessed with proper gear, knowledge, and guidance to ensure safety.
The Matanuska Glacier Park is also privately owned, requiring an entrance fee to be paid by your tour guide when you arrive.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Matanuska Glacier?
Generally, prices for Matanuska Glacier tours range from around $250 to $350 per person, however, the cost of these tours varies based on the type of tour, duration, and amenities included.
This price often includes transportation from Anchorage, a local expert guide, all the necessary gear for the hike, and sometimes additional features like meals or special gear for winter or summer conditions.
Similar to Katmai National Park tours or helicopter tours that include glacier landings in Alaska, these tours are going to be pricey… there’s no denying that. But, the experiences they offer well outweigh the budgeting efforts on your end!
What is the Best Matanuska Glacier Tour?
The best Matanuska Glacier tour is, without a doubt, the Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour! Offering (by far) the most amount of time on the glacier, you’ll be able to explore and appreciate the glacier’s vastness without feeling rushed.
This tour is also perfect for adrenaline junkies, as it includes ice climbing on the glacier itself! The added educational component about glaciology and the local area makes this tour incredibly well-rounded.
And, with roundtrip transportation and all gear included, if you only have time for one Matanuska Glacier tour, this one should be it!
How Long Is It to Walk to Matanuska Glacier?
Walking to Matanuska Glacier from the parking lot can take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. However, the time can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos, to retire your laces, etc.
Remember, now that guided tours are mandatory, your approach to the glacier will be led by professionals who ensure your safety and provide insightful information, which can also affect the duration of your walk.
It’s a short trek, but it’s packed with beautiful vistas that you’ll want to enjoy before reaching the glacier itself.
How Long Does it Take to Drive from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier?
The drive from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier typically takes about 2 hours and covers approximately 96 miles on the Glenn Highway, a National Scenic Byway.
The journey itself is visually stunning, with opportunities to stop at scenic points along the way, so it’s a good idea to give yourself an extra half an hour for the ride if you’re someone who enjoys taking photos like us!
Travelers should also be prepared for variable road conditions, especially during the winter months when roads can be narrowed and icy.
What Town is Matanuska Glacier In?
Matanuska Glacier is located near the town of Glacier View, Alaska. Nestled within the breathtaking Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Glacier View offers a picturesque and homely base for those looking to explore the natural splendor of the glacier.
The glacier is also only 60 miles from Palmer, and just under 100 miles from the city of Anchorage.
How Do I Get to Matanuska Glacier from Fairbanks?
To get to Matanuska Glacier from Fairbanks, you have a few options depending on your preference for driving or using public transportation. The most common route involves a road trip of approximately 332 miles, which typically takes around 6 to 7 hours by car.
You’ll start by taking the Richardson Highway (AK-2 E) towards Delta Junction. From there, continue on the Alaska Highway (AK-4 S) until you reach Glennallen, where you’ll switch to the Glenn Highway (AK-1 S) that leads directly to the Matanuska Glacier.
Alternatively, you can also fly from Fairbanks International Airport to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and then take a guided tour or rent a car from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier. This option is more time-efficient but might be costlier depending on the season and availability of flights.
Skip to the bottom of the post? Just read this!
The Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour is unquestionably the #1 Matanuska Glacier tour on this list!
⭐Viator’s Badge of Excellence
⭐All glacier gear (spikes, poles…)
⭐Free hotel pick-up & drop-off!
Matanuska Glacier is one of the top attractions in the state of Alaska, but there’s so much more to explore!
With any one of these guided Matanuska Glacier tours, you’re already well on your way to seeing the best of what Alaska has to offer thanks to all-inclusive transportation, gear, and expert knowledge!
