Raven Glacier Hike
- 12 hours (6-7 hours hiking)
- May - September
- 249.00 per person
Description
If you’re looking for less driving and more hiking than the Matanuska Glacier, this may be the hike for you! This trip takes us south of Anchorage along the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet to the Girdwood area. We’ll hike four miles and gain 2,300’ in elevation through a gorgeous alpine valley to reach Raven Glacier. We’ll spend about an hour walking on and exploring the glacier. Microspikes are included for traction on the ice – these fit over your hiking boots. We’ve seen mountain goat, Dahl sheep, moose, black bear, and brown bear on this hike. Difficulty is rated as challenging – this hike is recommended for guests with above average fitness levels.
Itinerary
An Alaska Adventure guide will pick your group up at your hotel by 8am the day of your Raven Glacier tour.
We’ll drive about an hour south of Anchorage and start our hike by about 9:30. We’ll hike the southern reaches of the Crow Pass trail, about four miles each direction, climbing about 2,300ft, to reach Raven Glacier.Microspikes will be provided so you’ll be able to walk safely on the glacier. Trekking poles are available upon request.
Hike duration can vary considerably based on participants’ skill and fitness levels, but we’re usually back in Anchorage by between 7 & 8 pm.
Notes
- Especially in Spring (April and May), melting snow causes wet and somewhat muddy conditions. Reasonably waterproof footwear that you don’t mind getting dirty is recommended.
- You can check the weather for the Girdwood area HERE.
- Dress in layers. When the weather turns out a little different than forecast, the sun comes out, or wind picks up, the ability to adjust to the conditions can make your time in the mountains much more enjoyable.
- Bring a small backpack or other means of carrying the few things you may want to keep available while we’re out, a hat, gloves, and water bottle for example.
- Bring your shades. It can be surprisingly bright on the glacier, with the sun’s rays reflecting from every direction. A hat with a bill in summer months, when the sun is at its peak, can also be helpful.
- This hike is rated as CHALLENGING and is NOT RECOMMENDED for guests with any serious medical conditions. There is NO CELLULAR SERVICE in the area and access to medical treatment is very limited.
- the river, with the sun’s rays reflecting from every direction. Polarized sunglasses will help you see fish through the glare of the water’s surface. A hat with a bill can help keep the sun out of your eyes and ease the eye strain from a long day watching the water. Both hat and sunglasses are a strongly recommended safety precaution in case a salmon lets go of your lure and sends it back in your direction.
- We’ll have bottled water, bug spray and sunscreen in the van. You’re welcome to bring your preferred variety.
- Feel free to give us a call if you have additional questions or concerns.
Includes & Excludes
- Round Trip Transportation from Anchorage area hotels
- Microspikes for traction and safety while on the glacier
- Bottled drinking water
- Lunch – We will make a stop along the way where you can purchase lunch.
- Footwear – no clothing items, jackets, or boots are provided
Customize Your Tour
FAQs
The Raven Glacier hike is Alaska Adventure Guides’ most rigorous activity. We’ll hike about 8 miles, climb, and descend a little over 2,000 feet. It’s a long, amazing day where your group of active explorers will see much more than the average tourist. This hike is not recommended for people with significant health concerns.
Plan on being outside in the elements all day. We recommend dressing appropriately for the temperature in layers that can be added or removed as conditions change. The van always has room to bring a backpack with extra clothing. Good hiking boots or trail shoes are strongly recommended.
As with all Alaska Adventure Guides’ tours, The Glacier tour operates rain or shine, cold or not. However, it will be canceled if the weather presents a safety concern. This is an authentic Alaskan adventure!
While the Alaskan wilderness in general, and glaciers more specifically, have inherent dangers and risks, as long as you’re aware of your surroundings, listen to instructions from your guides, and act responsibly, little risk is involved.
Yes, you need some special gear to hike on a glacier, but we provide the essentials so you don’t have to bring everything yourself. On the Raven Glacier hike in Alaska, here’s what’s needed:
Microspikes – provided on the tour; fit over hiking boots for traction on ice.
Sturdy waterproof boots – not provided; required for safe footing and to keep feet dry.
Warm layered clothing – base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell.
Gloves and hat – protect against cold and wind.
Sunglasses – reduce glare from the sun reflecting off the ice.
Small backpack – carry water, snacks, and personal items.
With microspikes supplied and proper clothing brought by guests, glacier hiking is safe and manageable without technical climbing gear.
On the Raven Glacier hike in Alaska, you may encounter a range of wildlife in the Chugach Mountains and surrounding valleys. Sightings vary with the season, but some of the animals you might see include:
Mountain goats – often spotted on steep rocky slopes.
Dall sheep – common in alpine areas along the trail.
Moose – sometimes seen grazing in valley bottoms.
Black bears and brown bears – live in the area; guides are trained for safe encounters.
Marmots and arctic ground squirrels – active in the summer months.
Bald eagles and other birds of prey – frequently seen overhead.
While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, the Raven Glacier hike offers a real chance to see Alaska’s animals in their natural environment.
Raven Glacier is located in the Chugach Mountains near Girdwood, Alaska, about an hour south of Anchorage along the scenic Turnagain Arm. The glacier sits high in an alpine valley and is reached by a challenging hike that gains over 2,000 feet of elevation in about four miles. Unlike roadside glaciers such as Portage, Raven Glacier requires a guided trek, making it less crowded and more rewarding for active travelers. The trail to the glacier passes through forested areas and open valleys before reaching the ice, where hikers can spend time exploring with microspikes for traction.
The Raven Glacier hike in Alaska takes about 6 to 7 hours of hiking time, with a total tour length of around 12 hours including travel from Anchorage. The trail is roughly 8 miles round trip and gains about 2,300 feet in elevation, which makes it one of the more challenging glacier hikes near the city. Most groups spend about an hour on the glacier itself, exploring the ice with microspikes for traction before returning down the same trail. The exact pace depends on weather, trail conditions, and group fitness levels, but guests should plan for a full-day adventure. Because of the distance and elevation gain, the Raven Glacier trail is best suited for travelers with above-average fitness who enjoy longer hikes.
Yes, transportation from Anchorage is included with the Raven Glacier hike, making it easy for guests to join without worrying about driving or parking. Your guide will pick you up directly from your Anchorage hotel at 8 a.m. in a comfortable van and drive south along the scenic Turnagain Arm toward Girdwood. The ride takes about an hour and includes opportunities to enjoy the mountain and inlet views before starting the hike. After the tour, you will be returned to your hotel the same evening.
No, the Raven Glacier hike in Alaska is not recommended for young children because it is a challenging, full-day hike with significant elevation gain and limited access to services. The trail covers about 8 miles round trip and requires above-average fitness, making it best suited for adults and older teens who have hiking experience. There is also no cell service in the area and medical access is very limited, which increases the need for participants to be prepared and capable of completing the hike. Families with younger kids may want to consider other options, such as the Matanuska Glacier tour or wildlife and glacier viewing trips near Anchorage, which are easier and more accessible while still offering a memorable Alaskan adventure.