Matanuska Glacier Day Trip from Anchorage
Walk on Alaska's largest road-accessible glacier with a private local guide. Pickup from Anchorage airport or your Mat-Su Valley lodging included.
About the Matanuska Glacier
The Matanuska Glacier is a 27-mile-long valley glacier fed by the Chugach Mountains in southcentral Alaska. It is the largest glacier in the United States accessible by road, making it one of the most popular day trip destinations from Anchorage. The glacier's terminus sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation, where visitors can walk directly onto the ice with a certified guide.
Located along the scenic Glenn Highway in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, the glacier is roughly 100 miles northeast of Anchorage. The drive itself passes through dramatic mountain scenery, including views of Pioneer Peak, the Chugach Range, and the Matanuska River valley. Many visitors combine the glacier hike with scenic stops along the route.
MatSu Compass offers private guided glacier trips departing from Mat-Su Valley lodging or directly from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). Unlike large group tours, our private trips allow you to set your own pace, spend more time on the features that interest you, and avoid crowded time slots.
Difficulty Levels
Choose the experience that matches your fitness level and adventure appetite.
Easy Walk
Stay near the glacier's edge with a short guided walk on the moraine. Great for families with young children or those with limited mobility.
Moderate Glacier Hike
Strap on crampons and walk onto the glacier surface. Explore ice features, crevasses, and moulins with your guide. Our most popular option.
Advanced Ice Trek
Extended glacier exploration reaching deeper formations. Includes technical terrain, ice climbing elements, and remote glacier features most visitors never see.
What to Wear
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support (no sneakers)
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
- Waterproof outer shell / rain jacket
- Warm hat and gloves (glacier surface is colder than air temperature)
- Sunglasses with UV protection (ice glare is intense)
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
What's Included
- Certified glacier guide
- Crampons, trekking poles, and safety gear
- Round-trip transportation from Mat-Su Valley lodging
- Snacks, water, and hot drinks
- Full safety briefing and orientation
- All glacier access fees
Pricing
| Experience | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Easy Walk (3-4 hrs) | $175 |
| Moderate Glacier Hike (6-8 hrs) | $275 |
| Advanced Ice Trek (8-10 hrs) | $375 |
| Anchorage Airport (ANC) pickup add-on | +$75 |
Prices are per person. Private group discounts available for 4+ guests. All gear, transportation from Mat-Su, and glacier access fees included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Matanuska Glacier from Anchorage?
Matanuska Glacier is approximately 100 miles northeast of Anchorage along the Glenn Highway, roughly a 2-hour drive. The drive itself is spectacularly scenic, passing through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley with mountain views the entire way.
Do I need glacier experience?
No prior glacier experience is necessary. Your guide provides all equipment and a thorough safety briefing. We offer easy, moderate, and advanced difficulty levels to match your fitness and comfort.
Can children go on the glacier?
Children ages 8 and older are welcome on the moderate glacier hike. Younger children can enjoy the easy walk option near the glacier's edge. We provide appropriately sized crampons and gear for kids.
What if the weather is bad?
Light rain is typical in Alaska and does not stop operations — the glacier is spectacular in all weather. For severe weather (high winds, lightning), we reschedule at no extra cost or offer an alternative scenic drive experience.
Is Anchorage airport pickup available?
Yes. We offer direct pickup from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and can build the glacier trip into your arrival day. An additional transfer fee of $75 applies for ANC pickup.
When is the best time to visit Matanuska Glacier?
The glacier is accessible for guided hikes from May through September. June and July offer the best ice conditions and longest days. Late season (August-September) may have more limited access routes but smaller crowds and fall colors along the drive.
Book Your Matanuska Glacier Day Trip
Tell us your travel dates and group size, and we will build a private glacier trip around your schedule. Anchorage airport pickup available.