Matanuska Glacier

The basics

Along Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway, the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site provides easy hiking trails with scenic glacier views. Visitors wanting to experience the glacier up close can explore the private Matanuska Glacier Park on their own in summer or as part of a guided hiking tour year-round.

Unguided glacier access is limited to only a small area of the glacier, so those who want to explore more of the glacier will need to book a guided tour. Tours are available for all ability levels, and most tours cater to the physical abilities of the group.

Things to know before you go

• A visit to the Matanuska Glacier is a perfect day trip from Anchorage.

• Unguided access to the glacier is only available during the summer months.

• Guided tours include the use of crampons, helmets, and trekking poles—but it’s a good idea to bring hiking boots.

• Don’t forget sunglasses, as light reflecting off the glaciers can be blinding.

How to get there

The Glacier lies near the Matanuska River about two hours northeast of Anchorage via the Glenn Highway. You’ll be able to spot the glacier for miles as you approach the park, and there are several scenic viewpoints along the highway where you can stop and enjoy the views. If you’re without a rental car, glacier trekking tours can include round-trip transportation from Anchorage.

When to get there

Matanuska Glacier tours are available year-round, but unguided access is only available in the summer. The glacier functions as a weather hole, forcing warm air from the valley upward, meaning visitors during the summer months can expect sunnier skies and warmer temps than the valley below. Winter tours may require the use of a snowmobile to get to the base of the glacier, and it can definitely be chilly, so dress in plenty of layers.

Glenn Highway attractions

The Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway stretches 135 miles (217 kilometers) from downtown Anchorage into the mountains, glaciers, and wilds of Alaska. The Glenn Highway follows a path cut by the ancient Matanuska Glacier and is considered one of the most scenic drives in Alaska. Highlights include the Caribou Creek Recreational Mining Area, Sheep Mountain Dall Sheep Reserve, and the Lionhead, once the site of an ancient volcano.

Is the Matanuska Glacier tour worth it?

Yes, a Matanuska Glacier tour is highly recommended, but you’ll need to go with a guide if you want to visit. Tours are not only much safer, but also give you a chance to ask questions and learn about the glacier from a guide who knows it well.

Can I go to Matanuska Glacier on my own?

No, you can’t go to Matanuska Glacier on your own. You used to be able to take a self-guided tour, however today you have to explore as part of a tour for safety reasons. Most tours include equipment that makes walking on the glacier easier.

How much time do you need at Matanuska Glacier?

You’ll need around 2-3 hours at the Matanuska Glacier. This includes the hike in, which usually takes around 20 minutes. Most glacier tours last from morning until evening, to make time for the 2-hour drive each way from Anchorage, so it’s best to budget an entire day.

Can you walk on Matanuska Glacier without a tour?

No, you can’t walk on the Matanuska Glacier without joining a tour. In the past, you were allowed to take self-guided tours, but today you need to join a tour to visit the glacier for safety reasons. Most tours include round-trip transport from Anchorage.

How hard is the Matanuska Glacier hike?

The Matanuska Glacier hike is not too strenuous and is recommended for travelers with a moderate fitness level—it usually takes around 20 minutes to reach the glacier from the trailhead. The entire loop is 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) long. Make sure you take water, wrap up warm, and wear sturdy footwear.

How long is the hike to Matanuska Glacier?

The hike to Matanuska Glacier takes around 20 minutes via the Matanuska Glacier Trail, a loop of 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers). Guided tours usually take a bit longer as they include plenty of time at the glacier to take photos and learn about its geology.

Ways to explore

There are three main ways to experience the Matanuska Glacier. With your own car, you can drive to the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area, where you can take a short 20-minute walk to the observation point offering a panoramic view of the valley below. If you want to walk on the glacier, it’s mandatory to have a guide—you can drive yourself to the Glacier View area to meet your certified guide, or book a tour with included transport. Depending on your activity level, choose from tours that include hiking, climbing, or ATV drives around the glacier.

Accessibility

Some of the trails at the State Recreation Area are wheelchair accessible; however, the tours of the glacier are not.

Age limits

Depending on how you’re visiting the glacier, some activities may be too challenging for younger children.

What to pack

Sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snacks, cash to tip guides

What to wear

Weather-appropriate outdoor gear, hat, hiking boots

Not allowed

Access to the glacier without a guide is not permitted, as you must pass through private land.

Amenities

The State Recreation Area offers washrooms, picnic tables, and firepits, along with paid parking and camping spots.

Address

Two hours northeast of Anchorage by car, you can reach the Matanuska State Recreation Area via the AK-1 N highway. Paid parking is available there, or at the headquarters of the outdoor outfitters that run guided tours of the glacier.

Driving

From central Anchorage, follow the AK-1 N highway east until you see signs for the glacier, which will be on your right.

Public transportation

No public transport is available to take you to the glacier; however, there are plenty of tours that include transport from Anchorage.

Best times to visit

If you're going on a tour, arrive a bit before the start time. With Alaska's extended summer daylight hours, you can stop by the roadside viewing site almost around the clock.

Best days to visit

You’ll be able to find a tour on almost any day, depending on weather and the outfitter you pick, so make your decisions based on the conditions.

Best months to visit

Summer and winter visits offer different experiences, but guided tours run year-round. The Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site closes in winter once snow and ice occur.