On the Living Ice: A Day Trek to Matanuska Glacier from Anchorage
A road-trip-to-ice adventure that balances big scenery with accessible, guided glacier hiking.
The Glenn Highway wakes early. It slips past spruce and birch, tracing the Matanuska River as if it were an old friend. In the van’s window, ridgelines rise and the road leans into them, climbing toward the blue spine of ice you’ve heard about for years but never met. Two hours from Anchorage, after coffee in Palmer and a long look at the braided river, the glacier appears—broad-shouldered, slow-breathing, and very much alive. Today you’ll walk on it.
Trail Wisdom
Walk Flat-Footed
On ice, keep your feet flat and widen your stance. Let the microspikes bite and follow the guide’s steps exactly.
Pack a Real Lunch
You’ll spend 2.5–3 hours on the glacier—bring a sandwich or grab food in Palmer so you can picnic after the hike.
Gloves With Grip
Light gloves protect hands when steadying against textured ice or holding a rope. Thin, grippy palms work best.
Respect the Blue
Blue pools and moulins are beautiful but hazardous. Photograph from a safe distance and heed your guide’s boundaries.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site viewpoint (Mile 101 Glenn Hwy) for a wide-angle panorama
- •Lion’s Head pullout for a classic river-and-ice vista and potential Dall sheep sightings
Wildlife
Dall sheep, Bald eagles
Conservation Note
Glaciers are dynamic and fragile—walk only where guides lead, avoid disturbing formations and meltwater pools, and pack out all trash to minimize impact.
Traveling the Glenn Highway traces ancestral Ahtna and Dena’ina lands; today’s route follows historic river corridors that enabled trade and seasonal movement.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Firmer morning ice, Quieter trails
Challenges: Changeable weather, Wind chill on the glacier
Spring brings bright snow patches and firm surfaces early in the day. Dress in layers and expect microclimates.
summer
Best for: Longest daylight, Vivid blue ice features
Challenges: Glare and meltwater channels, Variable temperatures
Peak season with extended daylight and dynamic features. Sunglasses and a sun layer are as important as a wind shell.
fall
Best for: Crisp air, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Early frost, Shortening days
Cool, stable conditions and rich valley colors. Plan earlier starts for ample light and bring a warmer midlayer.
winter
Best for: Quiet solitude, Stable ice formations
Challenges: Very cold temps, Limited daylight
Guided trips may run year-round; expect subfreezing temps and serene, crystalline features. Pack serious insulation.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof Hiking BootsEssential
Warm, supportive footwear keeps feet dry and stable on uneven ice with microspikes.
Windproof/Water-Resistant ShellEssential
A light shell blocks gusts on the glacier and handles spray from meltwater features.
Lightweight Insulated MidlayerEssential
A synthetic or fleece layer adds warmth during breaks and in shifting shoulder-season weather.
UV-Protective SunglassesEssential
Glare off snow and ice is intense; polarized lenses reduce eye strain and improve contrast.
Common Questions
How long is the drive from Anchorage to the Matanuska Glacier?
Plan on about 2 hours each way along the Glenn Highway, with a short rest stop roughly halfway in Palmer.
How strenuous is the glacier hike?
Expect a moderate effort: about 3 miles on uneven, slippery ice over 2.5–3 hours, with frequent stops for guidance and photos.
What ages can participate?
Children must be at least 8 years old, and a parent or guardian must sign a waiver for minors. All guests sign standard liability releases.
What’s included and what’s not?
Hotel pickup, transportation, admission to the glacier, an on-ice guide, helmets, microspikes, snacks, and bottled water are included. Lunch and gratuities are not.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers: a base layer, fleece or light insulated jacket, windproof shell, long pants, and warm socks. Light hiking boots are recommended; sneakers work in summer. No sandals or heels.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours run in variable weather; guides adjust routes for safety. Winter and shoulder seasons can be colder and windier. Standard cancellation allows a full refund up to 24 hours prior to departure.
What to Pack
Waterproof hiking boots for traction and warmth; a windproof shell for glacier gusts; sunglasses and sunscreen to counter intense glare; a hearty lunch and extra snacks to fuel a 3-hour ice walk and full-day outing.
Did You Know
Matanuska Glacier is Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier—approximately 27 miles long and 4 miles wide—and its terminus is visible from the Glenn Highway.
Quick Travel Tips
Bring or buy lunch in Palmer to maximize time on the ice; Dress in layers and carry a warm hat and gloves year-round; Keep your phone in airplane mode near the glacier—service is spotty and it preserves battery life; Carry a small daypack to stash layers, water, and your camera safely.
Local Flavor
On the way out or back, grab coffee and a pastry at Vagabond Blues in Palmer, or a sit-down meal at Turkey Red. Celebrate the day in Anchorage with a pint and a glacier’s-worth of carbs at 49th State Brewing or Matanuska Brewing Company’s taproom.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC). Pickup: Anchorage hotels/lodging. Drive time to glacier: ~2 hours via Glenn Highway (AK-1), ~100 miles. Cell service: Reliable in Anchorage and Palmer, spotty near Glacier View. Permits/fees: Admission to the glacier park and safety gear included by the operator; waivers required.
Sustainability Note
This guided hike takes place on a living glacier—follow Leave No Trace, stay within guide-marked routes, avoid disturbing delicate ice formations, and pack out all microtrash to help keep the valley pristine.
Continue Reading
Blue Ridge Parkway by Jeep: Asheville’s Big-View Drive Without the Footslog
Trade trail dust for ridge-line views on a guided Blue Ridge Parkway Jeep tour out of Asheville. Over 3–4 unhurried hours, hop between classic overlooks, craft stops, and story-rich vistas—no hiking boots required.
Asheville, North Carolina
Into the Lower Canyon: 6.5 Days Oaring the Colorado’s Big Water
Start before dawn on the South Rim, hike 9.5 miles to the Colorado, and settle into six and a half days of oar-powered whitewater, side canyons, and starlit camps. This Lower Canyon journey pairs big water with smart logistics—and ends in a helicopter lift out of the heart of the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona