All Glacier Tours
Discover breathtaking glacier adventures in Alaska with our expertly guided tours. Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike or a scenic day trip, explore the stunning beauty and wildlife of the Alaskan wilderness on our unforgettable glacier tours.
Southern Glaciers Tour
The Southern Glaciers Tour is an 8-hour adventure available year-round, priced at $189 per person. The tour begins with a drive along the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet, offering chances to see wildlife like Dall sheep, moose, and beluga whales. It includes a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can observe native Alaskan animals. The journey continues to Portage Valley, where you’ll see multiple glaciers, making it a comprehensive day trip from Anchorage.
This tour is ideal for those looking to experience Alaska’s wildlife and glaciers in one day. It includes round-trip transportation from Anchorage hotels, bottled water, and flexibility for food stops. Guests should prepare for varying weather by dressing in layers and bringing essentials like a hat and sunglasses. The tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing and glacier exploration, making it a great option for those with limited time in Alaska.
Matanuska Glacier Hike
The Matanuska Glacier Hike is a year-round tour priced at $299 per person, lasting from 8 AM to 5 PM with 2-3 hours spent hiking on the glacier. Participants explore the largest glacier accessible by road, experiencing features like crevasses, seracs, and glacial erratics with a professional guide.
This moderate hike includes transportation from Anchorage, safety gear, and bottled water. Guests should wear waterproof footwear and dress in layers to stay comfortable. The tour is not recommended for those with significant health concerns.
Raven Glacier Hike
The Raven Glacier Hike is a challenging 12-hour adventure available from May to September, priced at $249 per person. The tour begins with an 8 AM pickup from your hotel in Anchorage and includes a 6-7 hour hike. You’ll cover about eight miles, gaining 2,300 feet in elevation as you trek through a scenic alpine valley. The hike leads to the stunning Raven Glacier, where you’ll spend about an hour exploring the icy terrain with microspikes provided for safety.
This hike is ideal for those with above-average fitness, as it involves significant physical exertion. The trail offers opportunities to see wildlife such as mountain goats, moose, and bears. Participants should wear waterproof footwear and dress in layers to stay comfortable in variable conditions. This hike is not recommended for anyone with serious medical conditions, as there is no cellular service or easy access to medical treatment in the area.
Glaciers in Alaska
FAQs
Some of the best glaciers in Alaska include Matanuska Glacier, Portage Glacier, Byron Glacier, Exit Glacier, and Raven Glacier. These spots are known for accessibility, scenic views, and a range of activities from short walks to full-day hikes.
Matanuska Glacier is the most popular option for a guided glacier hike in Alaska. It’s large, dramatic, and accessible by road.
Portage and Byron Glaciers are two of the closest glaciers near Anchorage, perfect for sightseeing or a short glacier walk.
Exit Glacier near Seward is well-known for its trail access and visitor center.
Raven Glacier offers a more challenging alpine hike with fewer crowds.
We offer tours to several of these, including the Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour, the Southern Glaciers Tour (which visits glaciers close to Anchorage Alaska), and a guided Raven Glacier Hike. All of these tours start in Anchorage, making them easy to reach.
Alaska has over 100,000 glaciers, but only about 600 of them have names. Most are deep in the mountains or hard to reach, but several are easy to visit on a glacier tour from Anchorage.
Whether you’re after a full-day adventure or a quick one, there’s no shortage of options. Our glacier tours in Alaska make it easy to explore this massive part of the landscape, even if you’re starting in the city.
The most accessible glacier from Anchorage is Portage Glacier, It’s less than an hour’s drive from the city. Visitors can view it from a boat, nearby trails, or as part of a guided glacier walk.
If you’re up for a full-day adventure, the Matanuska Glacier Hike day tour offers guided access to one of the largest road-accessible glaciers in the U.S.
For quick trips, we also offer half-day tours from Anchorage that stop at glaciers in close range. All of our tours offer pick up in Anchorage, making all of the glaciers fairly accessible.
Yes, many glacier hikes in Alaska are beginner-friendly, especially when guided. Popular options like the Matanuska glacier hike day tour include all the gear and support you need to stay safe, even if it’s your first time on the ice. These tours are led by our trained guides who walk you through every step of the experience.
No matter your skill level, stick with guided options like ours for the safest experience.
Wearing the right gear makes a big difference on a glacier hike in Alaska. Here’s what to bring:
Base layers – Moisture-wicking top and bottom to stay dry
Insulated jacket – Keeps you warm even when the wind picks up
Waterproof outer shell – A must for snow, rain, or icy mist
Waterproof hiking boots – Essential for traction on slippery terrain
Gloves and a hat – Protect your hands and head from cold air
Sunglasses – Glare off the ice can be strong, even on cloudy days
Backpack with snacks and water – Especially on longer hikes
Our guided tours often provide crampons, helmets, and extra safety gear. Even if you’re just doing a shorter glacier walk, dress in layers and plan for changing weather.
Yes, you can visit some glaciers all year. The Matanuska Glacier is open in every season and is one of the few spots where a guided glacier hike in Alaska is possible even in winter. Our popular Matanuska Glacier Hike day tour runs year-round and includes all the safety gear you need.
Other locations, like Portage and Byron, are seasonal and harder to access in colder months. These glaciers near Anchorage are best seen on day tours during summer and fall.
The best glacier to visit in Alaska for hiking is the Matanuska Glacier. It’s one of the few road-accessible glaciers that allows guided access year-round. Our Matanuska Glacier Hike day tour is a top choice for travelers looking for a safe and exciting glacier hike in Alaska with expert guides and gear included.
For those looking to explore more challenging terrain, some anchorage glacier tours also include access to alpine routes like Raven Glacier. But for most visitors, Matanuska Glacier hiking offers the best mix of accessibility, scenery, and safety.
Wildlife is a big part of the experience on many glacier tours in Alaska, especially those near Anchorage. Depending on where you go, here’s what you might see:
Moose – Common along roads and trails.
Dall sheep – Often spotted on cliffs along Turnagain Arm.
Bald eagles – Seen soaring over valleys or perched near water.
Beluga whales – Sometimes visible from the shoreline.
Bears and caribou – Frequently viewed at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which is included in one of our tours.
Smaller mammals and birds – Common on trails near the Matanuska glacier hiking area
On most glacier tours in Alaska, temperatures on the ice range from 20°F to 40°F, depending on the season and wind. Even in summer, it stays chilly, especially with wind blowing across the glacier surface.
Expect colder conditions once you’re on the ice. Wind chill can make it feel 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the forecast. That’s why most glacier hiking tours recommend wearing insulated layers and waterproof outerwear.
Yes, if you’re planning a glacier hike in Alaska, going with a guide is the safest option. Glaciers have hidden crevasses, unstable ice, and shifting terrain. Professional guides know how to navigate these risks and provide the right gear.
Our tours include crampons, helmets, and trained staff to keep you safe. Even shorter options are best done with a guide. Our glacier tours from Anchorage include transportation, equipment, and expert instruction.
For our tours, prices range from $189 to $299 per person. The Southern Glaciers Tour is $189 and includes visits to glaciers near Anchorage as well as wildlife stops. The Raven Glacier Hike costs $249 and offers a more challenging alpine route. The Matanuska Glacier Hike day tour, a full glacier hike experience, is priced at $299 and includes transportation, gear, and a guided trek on the ice.
For any glacier hike in Alaska, staying warm, dry, and safe on the ice is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Waterproof hiking boots – Critical for traction and keeping your feet dry
Insulated layers – Base layer, warm mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell
Gloves and hat – Even in summer, it gets cold on the ice
Sunglasses – The glare off the glacier can be intense
Backpack – To carry water, snacks, and extra layers
Crampons or microspikes – For grip on the glacier surface
Helmet – Required on most guided hikes for safety
If you join a guided tour like our Matanuska Glacier Hike day tour, gear like helmets and crampons are included.