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Alaska Helicopter Hiking & Glacier Rafting Adventure - Anchorage

Alaska Helicopter Hiking & Glacier Rafting Adventure

Girdwoodmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

6–8 hours

Fitness Level

Moderately fit individuals comfortable with hiking on uneven glacier terrain for several hours

Overview

Take flight over Alaska’s Chugach and Kenai Mountains with a helicopter hiking and glacier rafting tour that ends aboard the Glacier Discovery Train—an all-in-one wilderness experience.

Anchorage, Alaska

Comet Heli Hiking & Rafting Tour

Ages 8+ • Up to 8 People • 9.5 hours

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About This Adventure

Embark on a thrilling private helicopter hiking adventure in Alaska! Experience a breathtaking 20-minute flight over the stunning Chugach and Kenai Mountains, followed by a customizable hike and a unique glacier rafting trip. Conclude your day with a scenic ride on the Glacier Discovery Train, creating unforgettable memories in nature.

Full day adventure!

Duration

9 hours

About

  • Private Trip – Customized for your Adventure Level
  • 9 Hour Full Day Adventure
  • Scenic Helicopter Flight
  • 3 to 7 Mile Chugach Hike
  • 4 Mile Glacier Rafting Trip
  • Alaska Railroad Train Ride on Glacier Discovery Train

This will be your best full-day Adventure in Alaska! Get lifted up into the beautiful Alpine of the Chugach National Forest in an Alpine Air R44 Helicopter. View Cirque Glaciers, Hanging Glaciers, Rock Glaciers, Retreating Mountain Glaciers & more. Land 2,000 feet high next to Comet Glacier & work your way hiking downhill to Spencer Glacier Lake for a Rafting Iceberg Tour. Jump on the AK Railroad – Glacier Discovery Train – at the end of the day for a return to Girdwood at 5:45 PM. This trip is Guaranteed PRIVATE per booking party for the Helicopter and Hiking Portion of the Tour – Just you and a guide to lead you on your journey.

More Info

Heli Hiking & Rafting Itinerary:

  • 8:00 AM – Girdwood Arrival Time (If needing transportation from Anchorage, the cost is an additional $125 per person).
  • 8:40 AM – Alpine Air Helicopter Departure.
  • 9:10 AM Comet Glacier Landing into Spencer Bench Alpine (Dependent on Time of Year) Helicopter Landing Zone dependent on Weather and Snow Pack Conditions
  • 9:15 – 1:30 PM Comet Heli Hiking to Spencer Lake (6+ Miles Mostly Downhill Hike).
  • 3 Mile Alpine Hike Thru Snow (In June/July), Alpine Lakes & Creeks, No Trails.
  • 3 Mile Hike Down US Forest Service Spencer Bench Cabin Trail
  • For a Shorter Hike, we can land closer to the Spencer Bench trail and Spencer Glacier Overlook. Please let us know your hiking experience to determine if you are ready.
  • There is no easier way to get from the Chugach Alpine down to Spencer Lake, than by utilizing this spectacular trail
  • The Spencer Bench trail was completed in 2011. Catered Lunch & Hot Drinks are provided along the hike.
  • 2:00-4:30 PM Explore the Icebergs on Spencer Lake and Raft up to the Spencer Glacier Terminus Face.
  • 4:45 PM Board the AK Railroad Glacier Discovery Train to Portage Station
  • 5:15 PM De-board Train at Portage Station for CA Shuttle to Girdwood
  • 5:45 PM Return Arrival to Girdwood

Additional Details (Heli Hiking and Rafting Trip):

Minimum of 2 Guests per booking party.

This trip is Guaranteed PRIVATE per booking party for the Helicopter and Hiking Portion of the Tour. The Rafting portion of this tour may be a shared experience if fewer than 3 guests book this trip. We keep the Rafting portion of the tour Private for Groups with more than 4 Guests.

A 20-minute unforgettable scenic flight of the surrounding Chugach Mountains to Comet Glacier. Additional Scenic Flight Time is available for an additional cost. Please let us know if you’d like a longer scenic helicopter ride.

Catered sack lunch, drinks, and snacks are provided. Please let us know ahead of time of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available)

Rain ponchos, rubber boots, and personal flotation devices/life jackets are provided for the rafting portion of the tour. We have a base camp at Spencer Lake with this equipment.

Placer River is a Class I & II (With High Water) braided river, with no big rapids. Most guests will not get splashed with water. If you are concerned about getting splashed you can request a spot in the raft that is NOT “splashy” when speaking to your guide. This trip is suitable for ages 12 & up.

What to Bring:

  • Hiking Boots with good tread.
  • Warm clothes (synthetic or layers)
  • Rain Jacket
  • Warm hat
  • Gloves
  • Binoculars
  • Camera

Please let us know what you have and what you will need to get fully outfitted and prepared for the trip. Trekking Poles and Snowshoes (provided if needed) Alpine Air Helicopter Charter Weight Policy Information: The max weight limit for a helicopter seat is 290 lbs. If a guest does not meet this weight seat limit and the Helicopter company is unable to fly, the Helicopter charter cost for the trip will still be incurred by the guest. If an R66 Helicopter is utilized for a guest or guests in which the total guest weight + a guide is unable to stay below 600 lbs (total maximum weight limit for an R44), there will also be an additional charge of $200 for the party to cover the cost of the more expensive R66 Helicopter Charter.

Adventure Tips

Pack layered clothing

Alaskan mountain weather changes rapidly; dress in layers to stay comfortable from helicopter to glacier.

Bring waterproof gear

Glacier rafting can get wet—waterproof jackets and pants keep you dry and warm during river stretches.

Know your fitness level

Glacier hiking involves uneven terrain and elevation gain; moderate physical fitness is important for safety and enjoyment.

Use sun protection

High altitude and reflective ice increase UV exposure; sunglasses and sunscreen are must-haves.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Mountain goats navigating rocky cliffs
  • Bald eagles soaring above the river valleys

History

The Chugach Mountains have long been inhabited by the indigenous Dena’ina people, whose stories tie closely to these lands.

Conservation

Operators follow Leave No Trace principles to protect sensitive glacier environments from human impact.

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Adventure Hotspots in Anchorage

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sturdy hiking boots

Essential

Required for traction and ankle support on rocky and icy terrain.

summer specific

Waterproof shell jacket

Essential

Protects against glacier spray and sudden rain or snow.

summer specific

Sunglasses with UV protection

Essential

Protect eyes from strong sun and reflective ice surfaces.

summer specific

Insulating layers

Essential

Keeps you warm during elevation changes and cold glacier winds.

summer specific