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    NOVA Alaska Guides

    4.8 (63 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    Nate was an amazing guide and was thoughtful to a family member of mine who has chronic illnesses and needed extra consideration on the glacier tour. Tyler and Nate clearly both love what they do and it was really educational without being lecture-y. We'd considered exploring the glacier without doing a tour but it was well worth it to pay for the tour.

    Scenic float - stopped to stretch our legs
    Alia G.

    We did the Matanuska Scenic Float. Class 1-2. If you sit in the back, it's a nice, calm, float. If you sit in the front, you're sure to get a little bounced around and wet. Definitely wet. Not 30 seconds into our ride and we had a wave come over me. Because I was not wearing the rubber jacket, my left arm was soaked. My bottom and feet were perfectly dry so no worries. I was wearing a thin, quick-dry top since it was a warm day so no issues. The cold glacier water was Very Refreshing! Travis (our guide) was awesome. Our only job was to hold on and not fall out of the boat. Easy enough. My mom and I enjoyed this. I know my husband would prefer to do the more stimulating ride.... the Class 3-4. So, if I go up again with him, we'll give that a whirl!

    Ruby H.

    It's our first day in Alaska. We have some rock climbers in the group so we were very excited to observe the glacier and try out ice climbing. Our guide David was awesome! He is knowledgeable, patient, insightful and takes awesome pictures lol. He is such an experienced climber and also gives clear instructions. We learned a lot about the glacier as well as ice climbing. He shared some of his personal experience and those are the best stories that I've ever heard about expedition. He truly enjoys helping people and inspiring people to try out new things. A little bit about the tour. It was a 6-hour ice climbing tour that 80% of it was hiking on the glacier. All the gear were provided. The actual ice climbing was straightforward but really tiring. The hiking part was also fun. It was my first time walking on a glacier so I was just so stoked this entire time. I would recommend this tour to people who don't mind hiking but also curious about climbing some steep ice.

    View from being lowered into a crevasse with a harness
    Matthew G.

    We used Nova to book a combo package of two experiences: the Matanuska Glacier Adventure Trek, and Six Mile Creek 3 Canyon Whitewater Rafting. Both were awesome! Our guide for the glacier trek, Coffey, did a great job of making sure safety was the first priority, while also allowing good opportunities for exploration and adventure on the glacier. We got to try some harnessed ice climbing for the first time, including being lowered partially into a chasm/crevasse, and rappelling down the side of a long ice face. This is a great trek to do if you want a little sampler of some of the more advanced, technical ice skills, while also having a chance to do some basic glacier hiking. We weren't sure whether to do the 3-canyon or 2-canyon Six Mile Creek rafting, but we're so glad we chose the thriller that included Canyon 3. All three of the guides were experienced pros, and we immediately felt like we were in good hands. They did a good job of communicating the techniques and expectations, while also keeping safety first and monitoring everybody's ability to handle what was coming up, starting with a swim test before you even embark on the raft. This river run is great, because there are very few "lulls" (about half an hour stretch between two of the canyons), and the excitement and challenge just keeps building gradually as the trip goes on. I highly recommend both of these activities, as long as you are physically fit enough to handle them (I am 42 years old and my father who came with me is 61, and we're not super athletic, just moderately healthy.)

    Ratish K.

    Highly recommended!!! This was not our first experience with river rafting but it was certainly our best! ... we capture on video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTWflccora8 1. Prerequisites: have a good lunch and also pack some snacks of having them after the river rafting. you need energy before and after you are done! 2. Swimming Suits You reach the parking lot as stated by them. you are not allowed to keep any of your valuables like mobiles, wallets with you. if you do want to carry them, it's better to be a very high waterproof packet as you are going to get in the deep river. The swim suits cover you from neck to toe and protect you from water at all times. 3. Swim Test Nova River Rafting starts off with a River Swimming test! you put on your life jackets and jump in the river! you are asked to swim for 200 meters in the open river and reach a destination. my wife is afraid of water and this was a gigantic task for her! she lost the shoes in the process. This river test wakes you up from all your slumbers and jolts you! one of the best parts of Nova River Rafting is that you feel safe, there are two safety boats, one at the start and one at the end to ensure anyone who falls are picked up! 4. Rafting We signed up for Level 3, 4 & 5. The initial level 3 & 4 are completed first and you do have the option to opt out if you are not comfortable with being in water any longer. The level 5 rafting is much more thrilling and adrenaline rushing waters! 5. do you fall from the raft? yes, I did! and like me, there were many who fell on many occasions. they were easily rescued by their fellow rafters! 6. Photos & Videos they offer photos for $40 which comes in a pen drive. we loved the photos. No videos are offered but we took our GoPro Hero5. Videos are available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTWflccora8

    Too many pics to choose from
    Clayton M.

    This is my first, but won't be my last, trip to the great state of Alaska. Booked my tour as a "must do" and am very glad I did. The staff were awesome, especially Matt. I was a solo traveler in a large group of smaller groups. Everyone asked for a group photo and he offered to be my group. Little touches like that make a HUGE difference to an already awesome trip. I can't say thank you enough! I'll be back with more time for the rafting and ice climbing.

    Ken N.

    We had 10 in our group so two boats on the 6 mile river adventure from Hope. Our group was from 15 to 60 year olds and Everyone agreed it was something we'd all do again. The river itself is a great mix of relaxing beauty and awesome powerful rapids. The guides were amazing! They obviously love what they do and did a fantastic job. Their humor relaxed a nervous bus full of us at the beginning and their attention to safety made it seem like a Disney ride instead of crazy class V rapids. NOVA out of Hope should be on everyone's summer Alaska plans!!

    Fantastic adventure on the ice !! We went for the ice climbing, and our guide David did an excellent job to make our experience unique. He is patient, and full of enthusiasm. He explained a lot of glacier knowledge, like how the glacier moves the rocks, how the ice cone is formed. He is full of experience, we feel very safe with him on the ice wall. The whole trip was just extraordinary. We actually finished the ice climbing ahead of time, and David brought us to see the 'blue ice canyon', where we knocked down a huge piece of ice, and saw it falling into the deep whole. It was really really fun experience. Huge thanks and shout out to David, and definitely recommend him as your guide.

    Our guide James throwing us off a mountain (in the best way possible).
    Esther Y.

    Best ice climbing experience ever. Super cool folks (Thanks, James and Mitch!) who showed us the ropes and challenged us to go beyond the "easy" climbs. Also, it was just as educational as it was fun. Much stoke was had. I'd say this is a must for anyone visiting Alaska.

    Ice glacier
    John L.

    Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Highlight of my trip. Price- Not bad. I researched NOVA against 3 other competitors and it was cheaper, that's why I picked it. Quality- Fantastic! We had Reese as our guide for the glacier hike. GET THE GLACIER HIKE. Reese showed us a cool ice cave that he''s never shown anyone. I was debating between this and the ice climb, but I heard the climb is just climbing. The tour took us further out onto the glacier and we got some great climbing too. DO IT. Quantity- Lots of ice Atmosphere- Very chill family. They are very cool and relaxed, but will take care of you. Staff- Like I said, Reese was a great guide and loves what he is doing. If you think it's a lot of money, it's actually cheap compared to an airplane ride over the glacier and you get to explore for about 5 hours! Honestly, highlight of my trip. Don't have a cold heart like the glacier- go out to this with NOVA and make some friends.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - NOVA Alaska Guides

    Review Highlights - NOVA Alaska Guides

    He explained a lot of glacier knowledge, like how the glacier moves the rocks, how the ice cone is formed.

    Mentioned in 21 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Lion’s Head Trail - Matanuska Glacier

    Lion’s Head Trail

    4.5(2 reviews)
    8.4 mi

    Lion's Head looks brutal from The Glenn…read more It looks like there is absolutely no way to get to the top without some technical rock climbing. Lies. It's a front! There is a hiking trail to the summit, and it's pretty short. It does get quite steep in parts though. However the path is pretty easy to follow. Walk up the service road for a little bit, when you near the big antenna, fork right. You'll see a cairn (hiker speak for a pile of rocks) marking the start. The trail(s) wind up the west side of Lion's Head. It splits at points, but don't fret about which way to go: all roads lead to the top! There are stunning views of the Matanuska Glacier from the top. It's about 2 miles round trip, it's the perfect hike to breakup your drive down the Glenn Hwy. Just be warned, this is AT&T land, you gotta call the number on the gate and get permission.

    From the gate and the phone number, about 1/4 of a mile to a Y. Take the right, and brushy road…read more(much less used one). Lots of trails that get you to the top. Just keep heading up. Use the trees and plants to help stabilize. Or bring some Kahtoolas to help with avoiding of pulling up trees and shrubs. Not a long hike, but it is steep. The views from the top are superb. Great views of Matanuska Glacier and the River. It is a shear drop off at the top. Be careful. After the hike go drive in toward Glennallen and look back to see just how shear. This hike is certainly worth the 75 minute drive from The Valley. Bring a lunch and enjoy the views. Lots of rocks and places to sit. There's even space to throw a tent up for the night if you want. Bet the stars would be marvelous.

    Photos
    Lion’s Head Trail - Matanuska Glacier

    Matanuska Glacier

    Lion’s Head Trail
    Lion’s Head Trail - Lion's Head from the parking lot.

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    Lion's Head from the parking lot.

    Pioneer Falls - Leftover berries

    Pioneer Falls

    4.0(2 reviews)
    40.1 mi

    Joy G's review is bang-on!…read more There is so little info (beta, as we say in climbing) about this hike, that I'm shocked it is actually marked on google maps. (the previous map-marker was off, I put in a fix, you should be able to navigate to this spot from Yelp now) Not only is the trailhead marked, so is the trail! (on google maps, NOT in real life) I did this on a frigid winter day. The (very short) road to the trailhead is not plowed, so use good judgement if you don't have good: tires, clearance, etc. (but it's so short, you can park on a pullout and walk in) There is no sign marking this trail either. Most of the falls was under snow when I was here. The falls were at least partially frozen underneath. Still, this is a nice place to go. It's shockingly short and feels shockingly remote. I'll be back in the summer, I wonder how far up you can wade?

    I have no idea why, but Pioneer Falls is one of the best kept secrets in the valley. People who've…read morelived here their whole lives have never heard of it, it's not in any guidebooks, it doesn't have an address, and the sign is so inconspicuous it's like they WANT you to miss it. The falls is absolutely lovely and is very very close to the road, but not visible from the road. From the little parking lot, it is a Very short walk to the base of the falls. The walk to the base is an easy walk less than a city block's distance the should be accessible to anyone on foot. The falls is (guessing here) is probably about 800 feet, but cannot be viewed in its entirety from any one vantage point. The trail isn't maintained, but if you have good footwear and a walking stick if you like, you can leapfrog over rocks and fallen logs up a few hundred feet (less than a half mile) to the widest part of the falls. At this point you can go no further because the canyon walls close in. I would LOVE to see these falls from above. We did find ourselves in need of bandaids after this little jaunt due to bare legs and leaping over fallen logs. I've got crappy knees and the was also one little spot I had to scooch down on my but because if I had tried to step down I probably would have blown out my knee (hence why I use a walking stick ) I think most people wouldn't have this issue though. These falls are exceptionally beautiful in my opinion, second in the Anchorage area, only to Thunderbird Falls. However, I wouldn't make the trip to the Valley solely for the falls, since it's such a short little hike. I suggest if you drive out that way, visit other nearby sites such as Knik River Public Use Area, Eklutna Tail race, the reindeer farm, Pyrah's U-pick, or Austin Helmers Pioneer Ridge Trail. Enjoy.

    Photos
    Pioneer Falls - Getting ready to go down

    Getting ready to go down

    Pioneer Falls - "Parking lot"

    "Parking lot"

    Pioneer Falls - Going up

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    Going up

    Eklutna Tailrace - North side of the tailrace

    Eklutna Tailrace

    4.7(3 reviews)
    45.8 mi

    I'm with Joy G, this place is like a liquor store for Baptists: a place everyone goes, but no one…read moretalks about going to! I had only heard about it when my brother was visiting. He's a avid fisherman and did extensive research, and stumbled upon this area. Now that I've finally visited, I recognize it as the place where a lot of drone videos posted on social media are shot. There's a well-maintained parking lot with no fee. From here, you can go right to the water and fish. There's also a very short, but very well-maintained hiking trail. (maybe ¼ of a mile) The highlight here for me is the small bridge. It's right at the start of the hiking trail, over a milky-turquoise canal, and Pioneer Peak almost perfectly frames the scene in the background. It's an easy-to-take show that will blow away all your non-Alaska friends. If you're a tourist: this place is a must-visit. If you're a fisherperson: this place is a must-visit. If you're an avid hiker: this place is a must-visit...once. It's probably a good place to look for the Northern lights though! Decent sky views and you can stay close to your (warm) car!

    Wanted to visit this area after reading great reviews from Elite Yelpers. I call the road you need…read moreto take to get there the "Palmer back road." Growing up religious we had these yearly summer camp meetings and that road is the only road I know to use to get there. Funny, I never noticed the sign for this place before, which is pretty large and obvious. Any way, it was my birthday and I wanted to get some fresh air with my family. We get there about 10am on a Monday morning. I was surprised to see a lot of fishermen in spots all around. I think they were just as surprised to see us. We started off strolling my youngest then found it easier to put her in a carrier. This place is breathtaking. The water is so calming and so tranquil. Love the bridge and as other yelpers mentioned, it is super close to the parking lot. Luckily it was sunny and we enjoyed the short hike through the wooded area. We were definitely the only people there not fishing. Greatful to have found this place.

    Photos
    Eklutna Tailrace
    Eklutna Tailrace
    Eklutna Tailrace - Map of the land in the area

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    Map of the land in the area

    East Twin Peak - going downi

    East Twin Peak

    5.0(1 review)
    46.4 mi

    You've probably seen this peak a million times if you've ever driven up to Palmer…read more It's the second most-notable peak in the area, behind Pioneer (which is sits right next to). The twin peaks vaguely resememble a pint-sized version of the Tetons if you squint your eyes just right. To get to the tops of them, you need to start at Eklutna Lake: https://www.yelp.com/biz/eklutna-lakeside-trail-eklutna Take the trail that goes *away* from the lake, you'll quickly start gaining some elevation. Eventually you'll come to one of the most scenic trail benches in Alaska. Keep going up! The trail will end and you'll see an expanse of tundra in front of the craggy Twin Peaks. You want to go for the one on your right. (if you continue up the "hill" behind you, you'll summit pepper peak, which is a walk-up) You've got two options for summitting East Twin: East Ridge: this is on your (climber's) right. It's got some pretty exposed 4th class terrain and maybe one or two 5th-class moves. The climbing is easy but the consequences of a fall could be dire. (there are a couple spots where a fall might be fatal) Just keep making your way up the ridge, scrambling through the path of least resistance, until you can't anymore. If there is still snow on the ridge, you may need crampons. Main South Gully: this is a garbage chute of loose rock located roughly in the middle of the Twin Peaks massif. It's the descent route for the East Ridge route as well. This is the most common way people take to access the summit. While the movement isn't anywhere near as exposed as the East Ridge, rock fall can be a serious issue. The scree/talus here is very loose. If there are people ahead of you, they could easily knock stuff down on you. In winter/early spring, this gully is filled with snow and is probably more pleasant, however, avalanches would be a very real concern. It took us about 9 hours roundtrip, going up the East Ridge and down the Main South Gully. The views from the summit are incredible. Eklutna Lake and Bold Peak dominate the area and there is also a backside view of Pioneer Peak. On clear days, Denali can easily be seen. You'll also probably see lots of Dall Sheep on the way up/down. Summit post is a great resource for topping out on East Twin: http://www.summitpost.org/east-twin-peak/753392

    Photos
    East Twin Peak - Summit, Eklutna Lake, Bold Peak

    Summit, Eklutna Lake, Bold Peak

    East Twin Peak
    East Twin Peak - Approaching the ridge

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    Approaching the ridge

    Pioneer Ridge - Austin Helmers Trail - going up!

    Pioneer Ridge - Austin Helmers Trail

    4.8(5 reviews)
    38.0 mi

    I really like this trail. It's the type of trail that you can't pin the direction it's going to go…read more You're kind of just weaving your way up and around. The trail (in October when we went) gets progressively more muddy as the you get higher. Most of the first couple miles are in the trees and shrubs. Around the 2.4 mile mark you come to a picnic table and an open viewing area. All that said, it's really not a great trail when it's muddy. Scary in places really. Especially coming down. Excited to try it out in summer after a couple really warm, really dry days.

    Probably the most brutal hike in the Anchorage bowl!…read more It's short on mileage but HEAVY on gain. Trail has great views of the Knick Glacier as well as some nice wild flower-sprinkled tundra near the end. The trail ends at a ridge that eventually reaches the shorter of Pioneer Peak's two summits. I would not recommend this section unless you are very comfortable with exposed scrambling and/or you are a confident rock climber. Once on the South Summit you can glimpse at the slighty taller, "true" summit: the North Summit. Our intentions were to downclimb from the South Summit and then go upthe North...but after climbing down the ball bearing scree with sickening runouts, we decided to go get breakfast in Palmer instead. It's very tough to get to the true summit from this trail head, best options would be: 1) Do it when there is snow on the summits, might be easier to downclimb and then climb up the other side if there is enough snow. At least you could arrest a fall with an axe. 2) Climb the North Face route, which leads directly to the North Summit. This is best done in late spring. There is considerable avalanche risk if conditions aren't perfect. 3) Have bigger balls than us and just go for it when it's dry.

    Photos
    Pioneer Ridge - Austin Helmers Trail
    Pioneer Ridge - Austin Helmers Trail
    Pioneer Ridge - Austin Helmers Trail

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    NOVA Alaska Guides - rafting - Updated May 2026

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