Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour
5
Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour
By Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises - Tours
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About
Experience the natural wonder of Alaska's Matanuska Glacier with our full-day guided tour. Beginning with a convenient pickup from downtown Anchorage, you'll embark on a scenic two-hour journey, driving through landscapes of towering mountains. Along the way, we'll stop at local eateries, offering you the chance to purchase lunch.
Upon reaching the glacier, a seasoned guide will equip you with crampons, making glacier navigation safe and manageable. Then, an all-terrain vehicle will transport you to the glacier's base. Here, you'll set off on foot to explore the glacier's icy expanse, discovering fascinating ice formations and gaining insight into the glacier's natural history from your knowledgeable guide.
After this unforgettable experience, we'll journey back to Anchorage, ensuring a comfortable drop-off in downtown. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, education, and scenic beauty, offering an in-depth encounter with one of Alaska's most impressive glaciers.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 8-100, max of 14 per group
Duration: 8h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Glacier Walking Equipment
- Transportation From Downtown Anchorage
- Knowledgeable Glacier Guides
- Entry/Admission - Matanuska Glacier
What's not included- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Start:
- 546 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USAWe meet all travelers at the Visit Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Center in Downtown Anchorage. Street parking downtown is limited to 2 hours so we suggest parking at 5th & B Street Garage (420 B St Anchorage, AK), within a 10-minute walking distance of our pickup point.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 36672P22- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 36672P22
From
$310.00
per adult
Select date and travelers
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Itinerary
- 546 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USAWe meet all travelers at the Visit Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Center in Downtown Anchorage. Street parking downtown is limited to 2 hours so we suggest parking at 5th & B Street Garage (420 B St Anchorage, AK), within a 10-minute walking distance of our pickup point.
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Christine C0 contributionsAmazing service!Service was on time and gave very clear directions. Safe driver:). Would recommend! Driver friendly and helpful with luggage. Had flight delay and company was flexibleWritten March 14, 2025
- washinmd0 contributionsPrompt, informative & friendly!!Amazing communication, very spacious vehicle, and Melissa was a delight. I recommended this service to my AirBnB for folks looking for transportation from the Anchorage airport to Girdwood/Alyeska Resort. Melissa provided excellent information about key points along our drive from the airport and we were delighted to have her pick us up again five days later. Truly fabulous customer service. We will reach out again next year when we come back!!Written March 12, 2025
- Abbyferrara0 contributionsSaved my Family Trip on Short NoticeI had an incredible experience with Alaska's Finest Tours and Adventures. I needed a last minute driving service, and they truly came through for me when family arrived late into Ted Stevens International Airport and I didn't want to make a two hour roundtrip drive from Girdwood in the middle of the night. Not only did they accommodate my request with very little notice, but their pricing was surprisingly affordable and was hundreds of dollars cheaper than the other companies I considered. I highly recommend Alaska's Finest Tours and Adventures, with a special shout out to Martin for helping me to coordinate!Written March 10, 2025
- Barbara_on_the_Move0 contributionsGreat one-stop shop for everything TurnagainArmWe had a great experience with Alaska's Finest twice in March 2025: First, they helped us quickly pull together an excursion for a group of 22 from the Alyeska Resort to see the tidal bore on the Turnagain Arm, one evening. While waiting and speculating whether and when to would indeed come in, they drove us to different viewpoints - and, in the end, just before it got too dark, the magic happened: We saw it! Thanks for that! :-) Second, we had a most amazing excursion for a smaller group of people to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, combined with glimpses over Portage Lake and a walk along Brines Creek towards the glacier where it originates. We tremendously enjoyed the knowledgeable guide and driver who explained to us what we saw in the context of the geological and historical experiences in Alaska! Once again, thank you, AF!!Written March 9, 2025
- peterdN6793QQ0 contributions5/5 Stars - Recommended Transportation To/From Alyeska to AirportUsed AK Finest for transportation from Anchorage airport to Alyeska resort in Girdwood. Booked a day in advance for 2 at $50 per person. Service communicated well, retrieved us promptly from the airport, used a large commercial passenger vehicle with ample room for ski bags, and delivered us promptly to the destination. Exactly what I would want at an affordable price.Written March 9, 2025
- CristhalB20 contributionsWonderful Alaska tourThe tour was amazing! We got to see wildlife animals in the reserve, it was a unique experience. Our tour guide Matthew was very helpful, and so understanding. We drove from Fairbanks to Anchorage for this tour, we weren’t able to make it on time due to the snow, and Matthew went out of his way for us to still experience the tour! Thank you a million, We are looking forward having more tours with you guys!Written March 9, 2025
- Y6321NEnikkib0 contributionsAn amazing dayAbsolutely amazing experience. Matthew was great, such a perfect day! Saw bears out, sheep, Eagles and wildlife centre is recommended!Written March 4, 2025
- ebsabeff0 contributionsAwesome, informative, educationalMatthew was great tour guide. I had one day of unexpected free time, and this tour was perfect. Matt was informative, friendly, and helped make a great dayWritten March 3, 2025
- B6363VUlizag0 contributionsWinter wildlife and glaciersThank you for an unforgettable tour! Matt was an excellent guide. He shared interesting background stories of the animals we encountered at the Conservation Center, stopped at Explorer Glacier where we got to see the view that was the subject of Bob Ross's paintings, and visited the massive Portage Lake, where all sense of perspective/scale went out the window. We (me, 45 yo and my hard to please 12 yo and 10 yo sons) had a great time!Written February 25, 2025
- randolphd20250 contributionsAwesome tour - Awesome tour guideMelissa was a wonderful and very helpful tour guide. She did a wonderful job explaining facts and history of the area. She also took us to some wonderful places and assisted in taking photographs. We did not feel rushed and we had a great time, enjoying the experience. I highly recommend this tour. The sausage and chocolate was delicious.Written January 1, 2025
- N1567OBmanuelal0 contributionsBest tour in alaska/anchorage!Our guide Melissa was awesome 10/10💘 it was really fun and the views were just amazing, our guide stopped in the right places for us to take the best picturesWritten December 3, 2024
- edilynm20240 contributionsExcellent!Michelle was so friendly, the tour was very informative as well. Thank you! We enjoyed the tour and the company so much ❤️Written December 1, 2024
- Climber419190465720 contributionsVery goodGreat tour, would give it a 5/5 but our driver talked WAY too much, like an uncomfortable amount of forced conversation . She wouldnt turn off her mic even when having a private conversation with one of the other tour goers in the copilot seatWritten November 9, 2024
- Extross0 contributionsWinter wonderland with MelissaIt was snowing heavily so it was beautiful even though visibility was restricted. But we got to see a bull moose. But it was Melissa who made it so wonderful, homely and fun in a really comfortable environment. IrwinWritten November 1, 2024
- deborahrY624KR0 contributionsPerfect in AlaskaTour guide was great. Offered tons of information and allowed us to spend ample time in each location. On our way back from the tour, my husband spotted an eagle. She offered to circle back so that we all could see and take pictures (two eagles with a baby eagle and a magpie). The weather was perfect! We also saw Belugas- once you knew what to look.Written October 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Popular mentions
5.0
51 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
4
Average
0
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0
Terrible
2
Vivian
New Jersey4 contributions
Amazing experience! Ben and Carl were both extremely accommodating and informative tour guides and the glacier was an amazing sightseeing opportunity. It was so nice to be driven all the way there and back with stops along the way and back to see different views and photo opportunities.
I would highly recommend booking this tour as it is extremely well worth it to have them take you to the glacier and tell you a bunch of interesting information about Alaska. We will definitely be booking through Alaska’s Finest Tours and adventures for any future upcoming Alaskan adventures.
I would highly recommend booking this tour as it is extremely well worth it to have them take you to the glacier and tell you a bunch of interesting information about Alaska. We will definitely be booking through Alaska’s Finest Tours and adventures for any future upcoming Alaskan adventures.
Written January 12, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul B
11 contributions
Thank you Jason for being a great guide!
The trip starts in downtown Anchorage where a passenger van scoops up people and heads north out of town. First stop is in Palmer to use facilities and buy for for lunch later in the day.
Then off to the Matanuska glacier to meet up with an on-ice guide. Walk a bit, attach spikey bits to your shoes and march out onto the ice for fantastic scenery and a decent bit of exercise. Haley was out on-ice guide and with her background in geology, she answered any/all questions while also keeping the pace at an active level. Company guide Jason also hiked with us and between the two, Haley and Jason helped in any cases where guests may have been uncomfortable on the ice.
I did this in mid-September and even though it was rainy in Anchorage, the weather was brilliant near the glacier. Definitely bring layers. Like me, you may well want to shed a layer or two as you warm up, and having a small day pack to stow clothing and water is a good idea. Among your layers, bring a rain jacket in case your adventure takes you under some falling water.
After the glacier hike, Jason brought us to a bunch of great places to take in scenery and he also showed us a stream where salmon were doing crazy salmon things
The trip starts in downtown Anchorage where a passenger van scoops up people and heads north out of town. First stop is in Palmer to use facilities and buy for for lunch later in the day.
Then off to the Matanuska glacier to meet up with an on-ice guide. Walk a bit, attach spikey bits to your shoes and march out onto the ice for fantastic scenery and a decent bit of exercise. Haley was out on-ice guide and with her background in geology, she answered any/all questions while also keeping the pace at an active level. Company guide Jason also hiked with us and between the two, Haley and Jason helped in any cases where guests may have been uncomfortable on the ice.
I did this in mid-September and even though it was rainy in Anchorage, the weather was brilliant near the glacier. Definitely bring layers. Like me, you may well want to shed a layer or two as you warm up, and having a small day pack to stow clothing and water is a good idea. Among your layers, bring a rain jacket in case your adventure takes you under some falling water.
After the glacier hike, Jason brought us to a bunch of great places to take in scenery and he also showed us a stream where salmon were doing crazy salmon things
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelvida
Las Vegas, NV75 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Our driver was courteous and met us right on time at the meeting area. Nice van, packed with 13 people and a great driver that got us safely to Matanuska Glacier. We made a grocery store / pee stop at a town (Palmer) to buy some snacks for after the hike and we used the nice restrooms there for about 15 mins, then back on the van proceed the drive. The view on the way there and back is beautiful, wish we could've stopped quickly for photos.
Once we arrived at the glacier, a quick stop to sign the waivers then back on the van to the second & final stop (with restrooms) where you get your helmets and meet your guide. Your driver isn't your tour guide at the glacier, the glacier has its own people who take you on hike. We had Thomas (the most experienced/been there the longest guide) on the hike, although he's pretty funny and likes to make jokes, I see other guides/tours were making other photo stops at different parts of the hikes and the guides were helping people take photos as many travelers don't want to bother other travelers. Thomas only made 1 official photo stop that he took pictures of each couple/group, the rest we were on own own for photos. He's definitely more entertained on finding rocks and throwing it on the glacier lakes to see what sound they make than anything else.
We were there on an overcast day in early Oct, and he was very honest to tell the group that we were there at the worse time of the year. What a nice way to ruin everyone's trip even though it's probably the truth in his mind. Saying how summer time the glacier is more beautiful and does its summer things with flowing water, and how awesome winter time is when the lake beds are hardened and they could actually walk on it, but we came in the ugly fall season where it's muddy and don't see the beauty of the glacier. Way to go, let's upsell the experience, shall we? Why ruin it for everyone's on the tour, not everyone can come at the peak and perfect season as he think they are, but no need to make the experience sound awful from the start. And he wasn't even joking about it at all.
I do have to warn if you go in the "not so perfect weather" day, the walk from the trailer where you get helmets down to the actual glacier is via dirty road and gets totally muddy and DO NOT wear your pretty and clean hiking shoes as they'd get dirty. Not like a quick rinse later at your hotel won't clean them off but still they get completely muddy as you're walking through pretty deep wet black mud.
Once we arrived at the glacier, a quick stop to sign the waivers then back on the van to the second & final stop (with restrooms) where you get your helmets and meet your guide. Your driver isn't your tour guide at the glacier, the glacier has its own people who take you on hike. We had Thomas (the most experienced/been there the longest guide) on the hike, although he's pretty funny and likes to make jokes, I see other guides/tours were making other photo stops at different parts of the hikes and the guides were helping people take photos as many travelers don't want to bother other travelers. Thomas only made 1 official photo stop that he took pictures of each couple/group, the rest we were on own own for photos. He's definitely more entertained on finding rocks and throwing it on the glacier lakes to see what sound they make than anything else.
We were there on an overcast day in early Oct, and he was very honest to tell the group that we were there at the worse time of the year. What a nice way to ruin everyone's trip even though it's probably the truth in his mind. Saying how summer time the glacier is more beautiful and does its summer things with flowing water, and how awesome winter time is when the lake beds are hardened and they could actually walk on it, but we came in the ugly fall season where it's muddy and don't see the beauty of the glacier. Way to go, let's upsell the experience, shall we? Why ruin it for everyone's on the tour, not everyone can come at the peak and perfect season as he think they are, but no need to make the experience sound awful from the start. And he wasn't even joking about it at all.
I do have to warn if you go in the "not so perfect weather" day, the walk from the trailer where you get helmets down to the actual glacier is via dirty road and gets totally muddy and DO NOT wear your pretty and clean hiking shoes as they'd get dirty. Not like a quick rinse later at your hotel won't clean them off but still they get completely muddy as you're walking through pretty deep wet black mud.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorna P
Australia3 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
Way to expensive, if you have a car or don't hire one it'll be cheaper, drive out and book you own ticket..
Only had 1.5hrs on the glacier more than 20mins waiting for someone to pick up one person that at the start told the guide they didn't want to go all the way, there were more stops for long periods making the hiking glacier shorter and extremely underwhelming..
We didn't venture into the glacier as the photos indicated based on the pictures and description, I expected a more challenging and adventurous experience. It felt like we barely touched the glaciers
For the price of this tour, it didn't meet expectations, and there are better options available for true glacier exploration.
The only good thing was the tour bus driver.
Only had 1.5hrs on the glacier more than 20mins waiting for someone to pick up one person that at the start told the guide they didn't want to go all the way, there were more stops for long periods making the hiking glacier shorter and extremely underwhelming..
We didn't venture into the glacier as the photos indicated based on the pictures and description, I expected a more challenging and adventurous experience. It felt like we barely touched the glaciers
For the price of this tour, it didn't meet expectations, and there are better options available for true glacier exploration.
The only good thing was the tour bus driver.
Written October 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laila A
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Friends
It was amazing, the glacier itself is beautiful and a really cool adventure to do. To make this even better, Ben the driver was amazing and Alisa the guide in the glacier itself was AMAZING! She explained everything, let us have time for pictures and in the big frozen lake she let us just play and have fun for a bit before heading back, it was a wonderful experience and i recommend it to everone!
Written December 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kris m
4 contributions
What a wonderful trip with Jason! The best choice you could get for glacier sightseeing. Our guide is helpful, kind, and experienced. Not only he helped us find wild animals along the road, took photos for us, and introduced Alaska and glaciers, but also helped us schedule our future trips and recommend nice restaurants for us. 5 stars for Jason's warm heart and a great trip!
Written June 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lance S
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We had reservations for 8/20 with another tour group for the glacier tour, but it was canceled the night before. We were able to get on this tour late the night of 8/19. Our drive from Anchorage to Matanuska was very enjoyable and informative. Our driver, aunt Gary was great both driving there and coming back. The glacier hike was beautiful. Our guide (forgot his name) was extremely informative on glaciers and led a safe hike through the glacier. The price was worth it and definitely recommend the trip.
LS
LS
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacob C
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Solo
The tour guide picked us up in downtown, Anchorage in the early morning. He is so friendly and nice to talk to which kicked off the day with a blast. We took around 2 hours from downtown to glacier and we dropped by a local supermarket for grabbing lunch as we were informed that food is not available on the site. The glacier hiking tour will be around 2-3 hours long. You have to make sure yourself in warmth with good pair of gloves, beanies and good socks. You will get colder and colder if the sun is shading by the cloud. The glacier is quite a massive one and you will definitely enjoy it a lot. Make sure yourself have a portable charger for your phone on the way back as the cold temperature around glacier is going to drain your battery so much quicker than you thought.
The overall experience is nice and full of amazement. The tour is well organized with good transportations and tour guides. Last but not least, the tour guide gave us a good list of recommended restaurants and showed us where they locates before dropping us off.
The overall experience is nice and full of amazement. The tour is well organized with good transportations and tour guides. Last but not least, the tour guide gave us a good list of recommended restaurants and showed us where they locates before dropping us off.
Written March 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LikaCA
California71 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We waffled on whether or not to do this due to the cost, and because we're not really "tour group" people, but at the last minute I booked a tour. (You can't get onto the glacier without a guided tour). It ended up the highlight of our trip. The glacier is just gorgeous. Truly otherworldly. The guide was personable and informative without being always in your face or talking nonstop. He allowed time for people to just take it all in. It never felt canned or rushed. The hike itself is not too strenuous (you don't have to be athletic to do it). If you only book one tour while in Alaska, this is the one to do.
Written March 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason Y
5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The Glacier Hike tour was an absolute blast! Our expert guides Johnson made the icy journey safe and exciting. The glacier's beauty was breathtaking, with stunning ice formations and blue hues. Learning about its history added depth. Gear was provided, ensuring comfort. An adventure that's a must for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike!
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you take this tour and fly home the same evening? (11:00pm departure).
Written January 4, 2025
What’s appropriate clothing for this tour in June?
Written June 17, 2024
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.