Matanuska Glacier Ice Fall Trek: Guided Glacier Hike from Anchorage
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
Approximately 7 hours (3 hours on glacier)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to walk 2–3 miles on uneven, icy terrain and handle short steep sections
Overview
Walk on blue ice, peer into crevasses and stand below an ice fall on this guided 7-hour trek to Matanuska Glacier. With crampons, helmets and local guides, it’s a hands-on introduction to glacial terrain that’s accessible for fit beginners.
Matanuska Glacier Ice Fall Trek: Guided Glacier Hike from Anchorage
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The van eases off the Glenn Highway and the air shifts—crisper, metallic, carrying the faint scent of crushed stone and meltwater. By the time the glacier appears, a hulking river of blue-white, you feel its scale more than see it: an ice field that dares you to measure it. On the Matanuska Glacier Ice Fall Trek, guides rope groups into helmets and crampons, hand out trekking poles, and lead you onto ice that still remembers the weight of winter.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Footwear and crampons
Wear stiff, ankle-supporting hiking boots; guides provide crampons but they work only with proper boots.
Bring substantial snacks
Lunch is not included—pack calorie-dense food because the guides only provide light snacks and water.
Shield your eyes and skin
Sunlight off the ice intensifies UV—use sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Know the health limits
Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious heart/back issues; minimum age for shared tours is 10.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagles
- Moose (in the outwash plains and valley)
History
The Matanuska Glacier is a classic valley glacier formed during the Pleistocene; the surrounding valley was a travel corridor for Indigenous peoples and later settlers.
Conservation
Glaciers are sensitive to foot traffic and warming temperatures—stay on guide-selected routes, pack out waste, and avoid fragile meltwater channels.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Stiff ankle-support hiking boots
Necessary for crampon compatibility and ankle support on ice.
Insulating layers and windproof shell
Choose non-cotton layers to manage cold, wind, and wet conditions on the glacier.
Sunglasses with good UV protection
Protects eyes from intense reflected sunlight and snow glare.
summer specific
High-energy snacks and water bottle
The tour provides light snacks only—bring a substantial lunch or energy bars.