Mat-Su Valley Guided Tours & Private Day Trips
MatSu Compass provides private guided tours, glacier hikes, fishing trips, and scenic drives throughout the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
Your Guide to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley
The Matanuska-Susitna Valley is one of Alaska's most diverse outdoor destinations, stretching from the glacier-carved Glenn Highway corridor to the remote foothills of the Alaska Range. With over 23,000 square miles of mountains, rivers, glaciers, and boreal forest, the Mat-Su offers everything from roadside scenic stops to genuine backcountry wilderness.
MatSu Compass provides private guided tours, glacier hikes, fishing trips, and scenic drives throughout the Matanuska-Susitna Valley including Talkeetna, Palmer, Wasilla, Hatcher Pass, Byers Lake, Petersville, Willow, and the Susitna River Valley.
Every trip is private — just your group and your guide. We design custom itineraries around your travel dates, interests, and fitness level, with door-to-door transportation from your Mat-Su lodging or directly from Anchorage airport.
Areas We Serve
Private guided tours and transportation throughout the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
Talkeetna
Historic mountain town at the doorstep of Denali. Home to flightseeing, river walks, local dining, and a vibrant arts community.
- Denali Flightseeing
- Downtown Walking Tour
- Riverfront Trails
Palmer
Mat-Su Valley hub known for the Alaska State Fair, historic colony farms, and access to the Glenn Highway scenic corridor.
- Musk Ox Farm
- Colony Village
- Glenn Highway Access
Wasilla
Gateway to the Mat-Su Valley with easy access to lakes, trails, and connections north to Talkeetna and Denali.
- Iditarod HQ
- Lake Access
- Parks Highway Corridor
Hatcher Pass
Alpine paradise with Independence Mine, wild blueberry picking in season, wildlife viewing, and stunning mountain scenery.
- Independence Mine
- Berry Picking
- Alpine Hiking
Byers Lake
Quiet lakeside destination inside Denali State Park with kayaking, hiking, and public-use cabins surrounded by wilderness.
- Kayaking
- Kesugi Ridge Trailhead
- Denali Views
Petersville
Backcountry road leading into the Alaska Range with remote views of Denali, winter snowmachining, and off-grid exploration.
- Denali Views
- Backcountry Access
- Winter Trails
Willow
Iditarod restart town with river access, fishing opportunities, and a laid-back community along the Parks Highway.
- Willow Creek Fishing
- Iditarod Restart
- River Access
Susitna River Valley
Vast river corridor stretching across the Mat-Su with salmon runs, wildlife corridors, and scenic riverside stops.
- Salmon Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Scenic Overlooks
Explore Our Guided Experiences
Learn more about the specific tours and services we offer throughout the Mat-Su Valley.
Matanuska Glacier Day Trips
Walk on Alaska's largest road-accessible glacier with a private local guide.
Talkeetna Day Trips
Explore the historic mountain town at the base of Denali with scenic stops along the way.
Winter Ice Fishing
Year-round fishing including guided winter ice fishing on Mat-Su Valley lakes.
Anchorage Airport Transfers
Private pickup from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport to your Mat-Su lodging.
Scenic Glenn Highway Drives
One of America's most scenic drives with glacier views, mountain passes, and wildlife.
What We Offer
Private Glacier Tours
Walk on the Matanuska Glacier with certified guides. Easy, moderate, and advanced options available.
Scenic Day Drives
Glenn Highway, Hatcher Pass, Parks Highway to Talkeetna, and custom scenic routes with photo stops.
Fishing Trips
Salmon fishing, trout fishing, and winter ice fishing on Mat-Su Valley rivers and lakes.
Winter Adventures
Ice fishing, snowshoeing, scenic winter drives, and northern lights viewing from October through April.
Airport Transfers
Private pickup from Anchorage airport to any Mat-Su Valley destination with optional scenic stops.
Custom Itineraries
Multi-day trip planning combining lodging, activities, and transportation designed around your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas does MatSu Compass serve?
We serve the entire Matanuska-Susitna Valley including Talkeetna, Palmer, Wasilla, Hatcher Pass, Byers Lake, Petersville, Willow, and the Susitna River Valley. We also provide transfers from Anchorage and Ted Stevens International Airport.
Are all tours private?
Yes. Every MatSu Compass tour is a private experience for your group only. We do not run shuttles or shared group tours. This allows us to customize the pace, stops, and itinerary to your interests.
Can you combine multiple destinations in one day?
Absolutely. Many guests combine a scenic drive with a short hike, a town stop, or a fishing trip. We design custom day trips that can include multiple Mat-Su Valley destinations based on your interests and the time available.
Do you offer winter tours?
Yes. We operate year-round. Winter experiences include ice fishing, snowshoeing, scenic winter drives, and northern lights viewing trips. The Mat-Su Valley is spectacular in winter with fewer crowds and unique seasonal activities.
How far is the Mat-Su Valley from Anchorage?
The Mat-Su Valley begins approximately 40 miles north of Anchorage. Palmer and Wasilla are about a 45-minute drive from ANC airport. Talkeetna is roughly 2 hours north. We provide door-to-door transportation from Anchorage for all tours.
What is the best time of year to visit the Mat-Su Valley?
The Mat-Su Valley is a year-round destination. Summer (May-September) offers long daylight hours, glacier access, fishing, and hiking. Winter (October-April) brings ice fishing, snowshoeing, and northern lights. Each season offers a completely different Alaska experience.
Plan Your Mat-Su Valley Adventure
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and interests and we will build a custom private itinerary throughout the Mat-Su Valley. Anchorage airport pickup available.