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Glacier Tours

4.1 (51 reviews)
Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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The tour bus we used to get to Matanuska Glacier.
Seth A.

Matanuska Glacier!! I am so happy I came here, walked on and got to experience it. What amazing memories! Matanuska Glacier is one of these marvelous wonders that boasts clear white jagged peaks and edges with crystal blue tints of coloring...and best of all is that you can come here and walk on it through a guided tour, rather than viewing it from a boat out on the water. I chose an all day tour with Salmon Berry Tours Company, located in downtown Anchorage, AK. I spent $299 for the daytrip to be chaperoned out to Matanuska Glacier with 2 experienced guides. The tour departed from Anchorage at 8:30am and although scheduled till 5:30pm, we actually didn't return till 6:30pm. So...the guides along the way gave me and my tour group enough time to appreciate and admire all that is Matanuska Glacier...even if we did return almost 1 full hour later than planned. And I think that's what was best about this tour... Well, the fact that you can walk onto Matanuska Glacier for smack, in your face exposures of the incredibly setting being in the heart of a 27-mile long glacier... And just that my 2 tour guides were there for myself and my group, to provide the best possible experience for us...to happily take as many photos for us, never saying "no" to anything we wanted, always being accommodative to our every interests was so fulfilling. Matanuska Glacier is located almost 100 miles east of Anchorage. We did make a stop for bathrooms along the way in the town of Palmer, AK. Upon arriving at Matanuska Glacier...or at least the trailhead/parking lot...I believe the land around it is privately owned so we did have to stop inside a check-in lodge/house to receive permission to venture out onto the glacier. I signed a waiver for incidentals. Plus, you can purchase some small souvenirs as mementoes. Then it was time to park the guide bus and walk towards the "toe" of the glacier. For my tour group, it was myself and about 9 others for a total of 10 of us with 2 guides. Before leaving the parking lot we received micro spikes or otherwise known as crampons for our feet to gain traction while on the glacier. We had to wear helmets just in case we slipped and fell. We were offered sunglasses because the brightness of the sun reflected strongly onto the ice. We were also offered hiking poles to take with us but the guides said they wouldn't be necessary. For exploring at Matanuska Glacier for July 9th, 2022...I had 2 long sleeved shirts on and pants. I didn't wear shorts nor did I take a jacket. It was pretty ideal conditions for being here, not too hot or cold, but I did bring a backpack with me including a rain jacket and an extra layer just in case. We got to spend almost 2 - 2.5 hours walking around a pathway on Matanuska Glacier. It was a great route for exploring, catching what appeared to be all the best highlights. And my tour group wasn't the only ones hiking. There were plenty of other groups doing the same exact thing. So at times, we did have to pause and wait for the group ahead of us to continue their hikes. This was not a problem because just hanging out and standing/looking around Matanuska Glacier was simply wondrous...lol, I didn't want the feeling to end. I was happy to go slowly. My tour never really had any challenging aspects of the hike to climb. It was simple and efficient. Maybe we trekked for a few miles at most. Along the way, there were some incredibly photogenic opportunities to immerse ourselves in the massive glacial surroundings. It's hard to describe but strolling about this primary section of Matanuska Glacier where in the background it featured hypnotic zigzags and extensions of ice branches veering off in all sorts of directions...it was like an artist's Picasso Painting! So mesmerizing! The guides gave us plenty of time to take our best pictures. We completed one large circle in and out of Matanuska Glacier. Overall, so beautiful, so humbling. I feel blessed to be able to write about it, lol. And now returning to the tour bus, our day wasn't finished. We then headed right nearby to the Long Rifle Lodge to have a late afternoon/early dinner overlooking the Matanuska Valley with the glacier shining in the distance. (Btw, this meal was included with price of admission). The Long Rifle Lodge had your typical all-American foods like burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads, soups, etc... Sitting down and eating after hiking about Matanuska Glacier was a terrific way to put an exclamation point on the day. Finally we hopped back onto the tour bus and returned the 100 miles to Anchorage. Before walking to my car which I parked in a lot nearby for $12 for the day...I gladly tipped my 2 tour guides $25 each. They were fantastic and really added to the momentous occasion. I can't recommend doing this hiking tour onto Matanuska Glacier enough! It was the true essence for standing on top of a vintage, colorful, jaw dropping Alaskan Glacier.

Beautiful day for a walk on the glacier
Alia G.

This was day 2 of our organized tour with AAU (Alaska Adventure Unlimited). It's not a trip to Alaska if you don't see, touch or soar over a glacier all in 1 trip. This visit was a Touch the glacier kind of experience. Our guide/driver was also our guide out onto the glacier. Apparently, this is only allowed for AAU. All other folks do a guided tour with an experienced guide who knows the glacier intimately. Because we were with our own AAU guide, we also didn't venture as far onto the glacier. As we learned, the Glacier changes daily so knowing where the changes are and the potential danger areas is very necessary. The "trail"... and I use the word "trail" loosely... is muddy, gravely, icy, crunchy and sometimes all at the same time. Some mud areas will really suck your shoes so step lightly and don't linger... keep moving. The longer you keep your foot in the sticky mud, the tighter the hold. There are areas of the trail that you walk across wobbly planks and have to step over very small fissures or water rivulets. So... sure footing and good balance are necessary. ( My mom who is 74 didn't particularly enjoy this adventure since the footing was unstable... and slippery in many areas. ) Our guide did provide us with crampons for our shoes and a walking stick. These did help some. The walk out onto the actual glacier is a little under a mile. I won't call it easy, but it's not hard. You just have to be mindful of where and how you place your feet. I enjoyed the trek and would enjoy going out a bit further with the local 'everyday' guides. We saw several groups much farther out on the glacier. They also had much more aggressive / serious-looking ice crampons. We also got super lucky with the weather. It was clear, sunny and warm. To the point where I wished I was in shorts and a short sleeve shirt instead of long leggings, long sleeve and shirt. I was pretty much a sweaty, muddy mess when I got back to the van. But it was worth it. Because we had such a pretty day, the pictures and memories are beautiful! Note: I would NOT attempt this trip when raining... I'd think it would be too dangerous and just miserable.

I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking for an adventure. Our guide Naomi was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot of cool facts about the glacier throughout the trek. They provided crampons to wear on our shoes and even had backpack baby carriers available to borrow. Tour guide Maguire was a huge help with teaching me how to use the baby carrier for my toddler and ensuring that she was safe. A big thank you to both of these guides and to all of the friendly staff we met throughout our experience there!

Matanuska Glacier
Abigail W.

Wow, what an awesome glacier tour! A short 2 hour drive north of Anchorage, it is a must stop if visiting. Additionally, they offer great deals for Alaska residents and military, and each of those categories can get two visitors at a discounted rate as well. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and shared her knowledge throughout the tour. The trail was well marked and could be adjusted depending on fitness level. Highly recommend stopping in the next time you're in town!

Climbing on the public lands of the glacier
Andrew H.

This page has been fraudulently claimed by a business located miles away from the glacier, I hope this doesn't happen to The other nine glaciers I've reviewed on Yelp.

Shawn P.

Once you get past the somewhat confusing directions and entrance process, the guided tours of the glacier are a nice way to spend two hours. The tours are easy to book via phone or text, and are discounted for state residents and a few other groups. The tours cover the history of the glacier, it's geology, and of course plenty of impressive sights. The glacier can get a bit busy with tours leaving every hour, but there's plenty to see so it never feels too crowded. Ice spikes are provided for your shoes for traction on the white ice parts of the glacier.

The muddy hike on the way to the glacier
Tick...tick...tock...Clock C.

Was it kind of a rip off. Yes. Was I glad I got to do it. Yes. Would I do it again. No Pretty close to Anchorage- We stayed North of Anchorage and it took us about 1 hour to get there I think from Anchorage it take about 2 hours. You are going to pay 30-100$ per a person (which is kind of a rip off but it is on private land so therefore they can charge whatever the heck they want and trust me they do-30$ for the self guided and 100$ for the guided). If you look at the reviews from 2015ish (yes the price of entry has gone up). If you are an Alaska Resident the price is 25$. The people that you have to deal with and pay in the little gift shop before you go in are OK-They aren't nice but they aren't mean either-you can tell they have been doing this day in and day out and I am sure are tired of repeating themselves and dealing with people. You drive down this gravely dirt road to get there first so don't be worried that you are going on the road to nowhere then after you pay the admission it is a bit to get to the glacier area. It is one heck of a bumpy ride on the way to the place you pay the admission as well as to the actual glacier site. After you sign your life away you drive to the glacier area and start your trek to the actual glacier. The admission place gives you this information sheet that they run off of a printer (part of the $30 for the self guided tour-I am being sarcastic of course ). Each cone denotes some information on the glacier..not really interesting...but I took the paper and followed along. You basically follow the cones to the trail to get to the actual glacier...it starts off warm and obviously as you get closer to the glacier it gets much cooler (remember to dress appropriately). We went on a semi clear day so it was pretty nice and we went in the early afternoon. With the 100$ guided tour you do get to see some places on the glacier that the 30$ tour you do not get to see which I think is a bit of a joke. Also with the 100$ guided tour you get to rent crampons, a helmet and supposedly a walking stick which I didn't see anyone with. There were 2 guides on the trail that day and I was listening as I hiked past and her name was Michelle (I think) and she left on telling her group "you may know more things than me, so if you do let me know"...as a guide shouldn't she know pretty much everything about the Glacier considering she works there? I thought it was odd...if I just spent 100$ the guide better know everything. She basically socialized with her group and was the official picture taker for her little pack...so glad I'm didn't pay for the guided tour. I would wear appropriate shoes something with a little more tread on the bottom...I did see some lady wearing ballerina flats...yeah bad idea...it does get slippery and muddy as you get closer. I've hiked some other trails in the US but never ever ice and it was quite the different experience. I have done Moab, Angels Landing, The Narrows and the Coyote Buttes all dry (except for The Narrows) and this was a different experience being on the ice... be prepared, it was like one big slip and slide for me. For the unguided we were done in about 2.5 hours. Don't rush it-you should enjoy it-If you do not live in Alaska it is kind of a once in a lifetime experience... Prepare to get muddy and dirty and don't wear anything that is too precious to you...I also brought a pair of extra socks and shoes in the car just in case. and I am glad I did as my feet were wet and muddy by the time I got back to the car. I would also bring some snacks and water in your car there isn't really a lot around there-unless you want to get something like a candy bar and water at the gift shop.

Kelli H.

Pretty good time! It's nice that you can completely walk to this glacier and not have to take a boat or hike miles on end. I was able to take my 67 year old dad with me and he had no issues making the hike. Our tour guide was Rhiannon who was absolutely adorable and really knowledgeable. If you aren't used to driving the steep mountainsides, then the drive out from Palmer is pretty stressful. The road is very narrow and steep with very few guard rails so if you're afraid of heights, you might want to let someone else drive lol. We did this hike in early August. I don't know if they are seasonal, but I think I would have preferred to do this with a little snow on the ground/mountains. Overall, a good experience.

Thanks, sign!
Jenny P.

There really aren't any words for this. Nor do the pictures do it justice. I've neve seen anything like this in my life. Just looking at a glacier was on my bucket list, but we got to walk right up to Matanuska Glacier and touch it. Maybe even lick it. Not that I did that. For a mere $25 ($20 for residents), you can drive to the trailhead and hike 1.25 miles, give or take, to the glacier. Since it's winter we couldn't hike right up to the largest mass at the base of the glacier, unless we were on a more expensive guided tour (plus we had an infant), but we got close enough to see some of the smaller ice formations off the glacier. Simply breathtaking. It was worth the money and the drive and just everything. I couldn't believe my eyes. Tips: Obey the signs on the trail! On the Glenn highway, follow the signs for glacier park, and drive to the yellow shack "Wickersham Trading Post" that marks the glacier view. It'll be one or two miles past the 102 mile marker on the Glenn highway. There's a road you can take down to pay your fee and continue to the trailhead. There's a real helpful lady to answer questions. She has a parrot but I got over it. California has nothing even close to as cool as this. Apparently Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier in the US that you can drive (almost) all the way up to!!!

Getting ready to hike this glacier!
Loreto D.

This place is AWESOME! I'm really happy I was able to experience this place because you really get to see a lot. When I look back at the pictures I took here, I can't help but just be in awe. I would definitely recommend that you dress warm. We came here during the end of winter and I totally did not have the right shoes; that's what I get for trying to look all cute! Our guide, Mike, was really nice and offered my husband and I some warmers that you can put in your shoes and gloves - they are like little pouches. I've never seen or heard of anything like these pouches but they warm your feet and hands up. Anyway, the hike is about two hours and you get to slide down a glacier; walk through cave-like glaciers; see little spots of icy waters and beautiful formations of glaciers. I had plenty of time to take pictures and the experience is just totally worth it! TWO THUMBS WAY UP!

Glacier

We accidentally stumbled upon this tour by following the second set of brown glacier access signs of coming from the south. We followed the brown signs down a long road thinking there would be a viewpoint, but they led to a gift shop to sign up for tours. Due to a generous/supportive local and active military discount, we decided to do the tour. We were not disappointed. Jason was our tour guide and he was awesome! His energy and excitement/passion for the glacier was authentic, and he did a fantastic job connecting with the youngest child in the group up to the oldest adult to ensure everyone had a good experience. Thank you to the manager who also tries to pair people together in groups to have similar hiking paces. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by the guided tour which covers about 2 miles and lasts about 2.5-3 hrs. It goes by fast! Thank you!

Matanuska and all of it's beauty.

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Amazing experience! Super professional and every guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I couldn't recommend this place enough.

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Ask the Community - Glacier Tours

Review Highlights - Glacier Tours

and best of all is that you can come here and walk on it through a guided tour, rather than viewing it from a boat out on the water.

Mentioned in 11 reviews

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MICA Guides

MICA Guides

4.8(38 reviews)
0.8 mi

Highly recommend MICA's Advanced Trek to someone who wants to hike on the glacier for a closer look…read moreand experience some ice climbing. Our guide Quinn is passionate, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. We really like him and it was fun and exciting going on the tour following his lead! My friend and I (both female in our late 30s) went on the Advanced Trek in late-June. It was a sunny day, around low to mid-60 degree Fahrenheit on the glacier. The entire tour including the gear-up time was about 6.5 hours. We arrived 30 minutes prior to the start time to check in (sign the waivers and pay the glacier access fee). The participants to guide ratio was 3:1 in our group, allowing us to move efficiently and have all our questions and needs taken care of throughout the tour. Before heading to the field, Quinn brought us to the gear room and thoroughly walked us through the gears: microspikes, crampons, harness, and helmet... etc. Next we took a 10-minute car ride to the glacier trailhead. We first hiked for about 2 miles on the moraine which didn't feel like a long walk probably due to our quick pace. During the time on the ice we saw a beautiful blue glacier lake, walked on a shallow glacier stream, climbed an ice slope about 3 or 4-story high, and hung on a slope to see a moulin (vertical well-like shaft) from above. It was incredibly fun to get the close look and feel of the glacier! There were also snack breaks when Quinn was building the rope system and stairs. Kudos to him for working so hard while we were on breaks. During our time in Alaska, we had seen glaciers from an overlook on a trail and from a cruise in Seward, and they were both really great experience. However, going out and actually stepping on the glacier is another level and a very unique, memorable experience. I recommend doing it if you feel adventurous and have the energy to explore in the wild!

We had a fantastic time camping on the glacier (the only place in the world where one can do that)…read more Everyone we encountered at Mica Guides was friendly, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to make our experience great. I was fearful about the ride on the tiny helicopter, but it was smooth and quick. The pilot is obviously very good at his vocation and was patient with us. Our guides spoiled us with cocktails, dinner and breakfast in the morning, and gave us fuzzy blankets to wander around in when it got very chilly. The tent is still a tent, but they did put a nice bed with a real mattress in there. We made s'mores and had great conversations during the evening time. The glacier itself is magical. We loved exploring on it and learning more about its history and its geology. I highly recommend glacier camping with MICA.

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MICA Guides - Glacier

Glacier

MICA Guides
MICA Guides

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Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge

Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge

4.1(7 reviews)
11.2 mi

A couple hours northeast of Anchorage lies a stretch of highway that has become one of our happy…read moreplaces! Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge has become another reason for this! Nestled in the trees, you turn off the road into a little slice of Eden. The lodge is a spectacular log cabin style building with a huge deck overlooking the valley below - one that houses a spectacular river flowing from the Matanuska glacier. The days included sleeping in very comfortable beds, first in a solo cabin and then in one of the rooms within one of the larger lodges which have a few room inside. The lodge was nicer, but we liked the solo cabin a bit better. The common area in the lodge was nicer however. Very potato/potahto. They have a dining area and a full service restaurant/bar in the main building and it's a delight! Many meals are buffet style, and they have single to order items available as well. The Cioppino one evening was spectacular! In addition to the comfortable beds, they have a massive hot tub available for adults to use, a huge deck off the back of the main building and a rec room type building with a large TV and a big table for meeting up. The small refrigerators are located in the rec building and the lodges. It's enough room for snacks and a night of leftovers. One evening we were all sitting outside of the deck chatting around 10:30/11:00 and because the sun never sets, we saw a lovely rainbow just before heading to bed. Staff are great, there are tons of hiking/walking trails in the area and the place is even graced a couple dogs who love to keep you company! We'll be here again! In their little slice of the wilderness, it's a big piece of heaven!

Terribly noisy in the basement of the main lodge. Owners should try to sleep in room 9 when the…read morelodge is full. It's like a megaphone from guests upstairs. Sounded like thumping furniture, past midnight. If you stay here book a cabin or try the adventure lodge rooms.

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Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge
Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge
Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge

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Glacier Tours - tours - Updated July 2026

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