Day Tour from Anchorage (7-Hours)
Trip Highlights
A truly Alaskan Adventure on the Matanuska Glacier.
Discover the amazing Blue Ice, Crevasses and other unique formations.
Stand on a high-point with amazing views of the great Ice Fall.
Stand on 1,000 year old Ice.
This is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
About the Glacier and the Hike
Glaciers are responsible for shaping and forming this great land, and Alaska has more than one thousand of these frozen rivers. Since the Matanuska Glacier is so accessible, we help visitors explore this wonderful environment on many different levels. Our guides are chosen for their experience and their desire to work and play in bold environments. A zest for life and a caring attitude make all of us proud to share this unique Alaska experience.
Glacier hiking is for virtually everyone! With proper equipment and an experienced guide, explore the hidden treasures of the Matanuska Glacier. The Matanuska Glacier is one of the few Alaskan glaciers accessible by car. It is located 2 hours NE of Anchorage. With just a short hike, you can be standing on an enormous river of ice, exploring the natural wonders of the majestic glacier. Glacier hiking is an all weather activity. However, when the weather is bad in and around Anchorage, it is often sunny on the glacier. This is due to a phenomena in which the cold air off the glacier forces the warm valley air upward and into the surrounding peaks causing a weather hole. So come to the sunny Matanuska Glacier for an unforgettable experience.
Matanuska Glacier Ice Fall Trek - 3 Full Hours on the Ice!
What You Need To Know
Our most popular hike, featuring close-up views of crevasses, seracs and unique ice formations. With the use of crampons, you'll enjoy trekking to a high point on the glacier which overlooks the ice fall as well as getting up close. The glacier is in a constant state of change, and your guide can point out various features as you navigate the intense surface. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience. No experience necessary. Minimum age 8 years.
Length of this Hike: Approximately 3 hours. Total tour time is 7 hours approximately from Anchorage.
Prices subject to change without notice. Please inquire at time of booking. Prices are per person, includes round-trip transportation from the Anchorage area. We do not stop for lunch. Please bring heavy snacks and water with you. This tour returns to the Anchorage area between 5 - 6pm. This activity is guided by our partner MICA Guides.
Departs Anchorage area at 7:00am - Glacier Trek starts at 9:30am. You will return to Anchorage at around 5pm (May through September*)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like on the glacier?
The weather varies quite a lot around here. In general, it is about 5-10 degrees cooler down on the glacier. There is not an accurate forecast for the area, so don’t worry about checking the weather ahead of time. The weather can and does change quickly so we recommend being prepared for both rain and shine.
What if it is raining on the day of my trip?
Our trips go out rain or sunshine. We ask that you come prepared with a rain jacket and possibly rain pants, for a comfortable experience on the glacier. If you do not have these items, we can provide you with our rain gear at no additional fee.
Are your trips safe?
There are inherent dangers on the glacier, and anything could happen out there. Our guides are highly experienced and trained to spot these dangers and manage risks appropriately.
How many people will be on our trip?
We try to keep the guest to guide ratio at 6 or 7 guests to 1 Guide. If there are more than 6 people in the group, we may send another guide on the trip.
Can I bring my camera out on the glacier?
Absolutely! There are many opportunities for photographs on all of our trips.
What should I wear for the Ice Fall Trek?
Quick dry or hiking pants and extra warm layers are suggested. You must wear long pants, no shorts. Even if it is not raining, we suggest bringing rain gear as the weather can change any time. Bring thick socks that come up over your ankle and your own hiking boots that come above your ankle. Also bring snacks, water and a small day-pack if you have one. Keep in mind that this hike will carry over lunch, so please make sure you bring snacks along. There will be an option to eat lunch after your hike at a nearby restaurant.
What if I don’t have hiking boots?
If you are going on the Ice Fall Trek and don’t have a pair of hiking boots which fit at or above your ankle, we will lend you one of ours.
For Ice Climbing trips, we will lend you a pair of our ice climbing boots.
Do I have to pay extra if I borrow your boots or other gear?
No. All of the gear rentals are included in your trip price.
What can I expect on this hike?
Watch the two minute video below . . .
NOTE: THIS VIDEO SHOWS THE TYPE OF TERRAIN ON WHICH YOU WILL BE TRAVELING BUT NOT NECESSARILY THE EXACT ROUTE WHICH WE WOULD BE TAKING. THE GLACIER AND THE TERRAIN ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING AND WE CHANGE AND ADJUST OUR ROUTES ACCORDINGLY AS NEEDED.
TOUR DATES, COST & TOUR INFORMATION
TOUR DATES: Daily Departures at 7:00am from the Downtown Anchorage Area (MAY 15 - SEPTEMBER 10)
TOUR COST: $299 per person. Minimum Age: 8. All groups are subject to a minimum group size in order to depart.
WHATS INCLUDED:
Small Group Experience
1 to 6 guide to guest ratio while on the glacier
Certified Wilderness First Responder Guides
Admission into Matanuska Glacier Park
Approximately 3-hour guided hike to and on the Matanuska Glacier
Optional lunch at a local lodge overlooking the Matanuska Glacier
Photo stops along the way
Complimentary snacks and water are available throughout the tour
Mountaineering crampons
Helmet
Trekking pole
Loaner Hiking Boots
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
Day Pack
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Heavy Snacks
Bottled Water
Gloves
Clothing Layers
Rain Gear
NOT INCLUDED:
Guide Gratuity (Not expected but appreciated by your glacier guide)
ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE: Guests should be able to walk short distances on uneven ground. Trails surfaces vary from flat to uneven natural terrain. Tour participants must be able to walk at least 2 miles and be able to get in/out of the tour vehicles with minimal assistance. We strongly recommend that guests requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing assistance. Neither Planet Earth Adventures nor our suppliers may physically lift or assist guests onto transportation vehicles or otherwise.
YOUR SAFETY ON THE GLACIER: The Matanuska Glacier is an extraordinary place to experience beauty and adventure in the wilderness of Alaska. As a professional guiding service operating in a hazardous and variable glaciated environment, your safety is always our top priority. There are inherent risks associated with glacier travel. Rocky terrain, slippery ice, and changing weather are just a part of being out there. Some hazards found on the glacier, such as crevasses, can be dangerous and even deadly. Our safety standards are based on the fact that rescue from these features is not only difficult and complex but in some cases impossible. The Matanuska Glacier is very accessible, which may give the inexperienced trekker a false sense of security. Our guides are trained to identify hazards that most visitors do not recognize, whether big or small, and to manage risk appropriately for the entire group. All you have to do is follow their instructions and enjoy the trip!
CHILDREN ON THIS HIKE: We do not allow children carried in arms, backpacks, strollers or anything else. Our age limits are based on over 15 years of experience, with the well-being of your children in mind. Minimum Age is 8 years old.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES: Our trained professional guides cannot control all hazards or prevent all risks on the glacier or zipline. You must understand and accept the inherent risks of these adventure activities. All participants on our trips must follow our procedures and sign a waiver. Only parents or legal guardians may sign for minors. You may preview this document by clicking here.
CANCELLATION POLICY: A MasterCard or Visa is required to make your reservation online. Your card will be charged when you book your trip. We require at least 48 hours notice for cancellations otherwise a cancellation fee of 50% may be charged. No-shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will not be eligible for a refund.
Late arrivals that miss the departure will be considered a no-show. *Hike start/stop dates vary, please call us if you have questions.