MICA Guides
MICA Guides
5
Helicopter Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours
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7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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About
Alaska glacier tours and ice climbing since 1999. Join us for a unique adventure just two hours from Anchorage. Discover glacier trekking or ice climbing on the blue ice of the Matanuska Glacier. Adventures for most ages and abilities.Get off the boat or out of the bus and actually walk on a glacier with our professional guides. Over 17,000 guests have enjoyed our glacier trekking and ice climbing. Now includes the fastest zipline in Alaska and helicopter tours.
Glacier View, Alaska
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,636 reviews
Excellent
1,515
Very good
81
Average
17
Poor
8
Terrible
15
Li S
2 contributions
Sep 2022
What an experience! We were on the advanced trek with our tour guide Warren. I never would imagine this trip to be this great. The trip was originally from 10 am to 5 pm, we made it back one hour earlier because all team member were able to walk at a fast pace without taking many breaks. Our tour guide Warren provided us all the gear needed for this trip, and made sure we were safe the entire time walking on the glacier. The guide to clients ratio is 1 to 4, which is amazing. We saw people with other tour company in a group of 20 people on the first part of the trip, then we walked pass the crowd and owned the entire park to just few of us who did the advanced trek. It rained like a dog that morning, but once we were at the parking lot and ready to go, the rain stopped and we had a wonderful time on the glacier without getting wet and cold. We also did a little bit of ice climbing, it was harder than expected but the experience was a lot of fun. Warren is very knowledgable and professional. I would high recommend this trip to anyone who would like to "walk on the moon".
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brian
Rancho Cordova, CA2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
A must do if you’re going to be anywhere near Anchorage. We did the Ultimate Helicopter Glacier Tour and it was hands down one of the coolest things we ever done (and we’ve been around world). Upon arrival, the owner (Don) greeted us and helped us get situated with an introduction to our guide (Adam) and some great coffee. After getting fitted for the gear (they have everything you need, bring layers!), we got to drive our own car out to the helicopter landing pad (at Sheep Lodge) and then boarded our private helicopter for the 7 minute ride to the glacier. We landed 4 miles behind where all the groups spend their time and spent the next 6.5 hours just the 3 of us (me, my wife, and our guide). We ended our trek at the Glacier Camp and was greeted with coffee/tea and fresh cinnamon rolls. Then we got picked up with the helicopter and flew out another 7 minutes back to our car, add dinner at the Sheep Lodge (amazing food), and then drove back to Anchorage.
Adam was the perfect guide. We aren’t in the best physical shape but wanted an adventure, and he didn’t disappoint. He was extremely safety conscious and never once did we feel unsafe. My wife has no climbing/trekking experience and I have a little (although it’s been 15+ years) and Adam made us feel very comfortable by quickly judging our comfort level so he could adjust his techniques as our skills improved. Perhaps the highlight was a 30+ foot rappel over a small river to the other side. There was added comfort in knowing Adam is an Eagle Scout and learned his climbing while in the Scouts. We knew we were in good hands.
So when in Anchorage, take a day to drive out to MICA Guides and spend the extra $$$ for a private helicopter trek on the glacier. You won’t regret it!
Adam was the perfect guide. We aren’t in the best physical shape but wanted an adventure, and he didn’t disappoint. He was extremely safety conscious and never once did we feel unsafe. My wife has no climbing/trekking experience and I have a little (although it’s been 15+ years) and Adam made us feel very comfortable by quickly judging our comfort level so he could adjust his techniques as our skills improved. Perhaps the highlight was a 30+ foot rappel over a small river to the other side. There was added comfort in knowing Adam is an Eagle Scout and learned his climbing while in the Scouts. We knew we were in good hands.
So when in Anchorage, take a day to drive out to MICA Guides and spend the extra $$$ for a private helicopter trek on the glacier. You won’t regret it!
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Venture99276
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
We did glacier cruises, water rafting, hiking, bus tours, and glacier trekking in Alaska, and I want to say glacier trekking is the best. We got to step on the glacier, taste the ice, and drink the glacier water. We are a group of 14 people with young children and teens. Our guides, Kandel and Taylor, were very patient with us from the beginning to the end. They also provided educational information that the kids felt they were fascinating. We highly recommend MICA guides if you want something fun to do in Alaska.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AK
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
I would recommend Nova over Mica guides. We had a flat tire and missed our prepaid glacier hike with Mica guides. Mica had spots available on a later tour the same day but wanted us to pay $300 again for 2 adults and 1 child to rebook. Be careful if you book with Mica in advance. They will take your money and throw their nonrefundable policy at you no matter what tge circumstances. Nova on the other hand gave us a 10% discount after learning about the day we had without us even asking. Nova also does not charge full price for children under 12. Nova is a company with great customer service. Highly recommend them!
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
starbel
Greater Sydney, Australia65 contributions
Aug 2022
We went on the Ice Fall Trek today with Annie and Kendall. These guides were absolutely amazing in their knowledge of the glacier and their care for every single participant in their group. They made sure that we were safe at all times and offered a helping hand when I needed some help across some more difficult sections.
They allowed us plenty of time to take photographs and enjoy the splendour of the magnificent Matanuska Glacier.
All of our communication with MICA Guides has been amazing from our initial enquiries right through to the conclusion of our tour today. MICA Guides have guest to tour ratios which other tours clearly didn't have.
Both my husband and I can not recommend this company and specifically our two guides enough for the phenomenal tour today. It surpassed our expectations.
They allowed us plenty of time to take photographs and enjoy the splendour of the magnificent Matanuska Glacier.
All of our communication with MICA Guides has been amazing from our initial enquiries right through to the conclusion of our tour today. MICA Guides have guest to tour ratios which other tours clearly didn't have.
Both my husband and I can not recommend this company and specifically our two guides enough for the phenomenal tour today. It surpassed our expectations.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Derek K
1 contribution
Jul 2021
Our guide, Wes, took us on an awesome trek across the backcountry of the glacier. We saw all the best parts of the glacier, including a slow-motion ice wave and two ice-caves! The advance trek was great because of how many different formations on the glacier we were able to see. Wes was really fun while emphasizing safety, he spoke knowledgeably about the history of the glacier and its current state, also had a few fun riddles up his sleeves.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jenava C
1 contribution
Jul 2022
Highly recommend this experience, this was our group's favorite activity from our Alaska vacation. The glacier trek is a little more physically challenging than I anticipated but if you can walk and handle a little incline, you will be fine. We had a knowledgeable guide who taught us about different glacial features and made us feel safe. The glacier and surrounding mountains are absolutely stunning. The value for the cost of this activity is amazing! We spent almost 3 of the 4 hours actively on the glacier. We also glamped afterwards at the Alpenglow luxury camping, highly recommend combining the two, gorgeous!
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
christojb
Sao Paulo, SP106 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
My friend and I have never trekked on a glacier so we took the basic 4h trek and lucked out having Tomas as our guide. He took care with each of the six of us (there was also a family with two kids), always checking in with how we were feeling, helping with equipment, and showing the excitement of a kid as he took us on the glacier. Honestly, when you see the other groups of twenty-plus tourists being herded onto and off of the glacier, you’ll be so glad you booked with Mica. Awesome job!
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
D.w. S
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
The tours are very safety focused and our equipment was checked and rechecked several times during the hike and any specific event that could even remotely require the actual need for safety gear. Additionally the views were incredible and our son (15 years old) has a family memory he will not soon forget. Our guide was Annie and she did an outstanding job of pacing the hike to our physical abilities (we are all pretty fit) to ensure we could see as much as possible. It was very clear she and the other guides will slow down and allow more rest time for anyone who needs it while still maximizing the experience. Highly recommended.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teo Ting Rui
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Special shout-out to the most amazing guide, Thomas. Thomas went the extra mile to show us the best views of Matanuska Glacier and did his absolute best to ensure our safety, not to mention he was super helpful and informative. We were in very good hands and were super comfortable despite our first time trekking on ice. I highly recommend MICA guides and Thomas to anyone who wishes to explore the Matanuska Glacier!
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Danny G
Hollywood, FL3 contributions
Mica Guides ($89 +$25 Park entrance) Vs Glacier Tours (Matanuska Glacier Park $65)
My question is does Mica offer a more superior tour than the regular glacier tour or does it show you the same spots?
Mary W
Denver, CO228 contributions
We went on the heli explorer tour, approx. $1000 for two of us.
We were taken several miles up the glacier with a guide. The guide talked about the glacier and led us to several interesting features.
You can also do just a helicopter tour, air only, or you can do an overnight trip on the glacier, there a whole day on the glacier and an ice climbing trip. No idea what those cost, but I think they would be interesting.
The helicopter only seats the pilot and three passengers so every tour is a private trip.
Hope that helps.
Nicole C
34 contributions
Weird question- what's the bathroom situation while out on the ice treks?
L B
Tinton Falls, NJ662 contributions
Is there a best time for the Ice Fall Trek? We are planning for late June trip.
shellikim
Kent, UK6 contributions
We did the morning tour with Marissa (in early June). Fabulous! We stayed at the Matanuska Lodge just over the road, the hostess there is wonderful! The Sheep Mountain lodge has a fantastic restaurant. We also did a half day quad bike tour with Tommy at Glacier View atvs .... brilliant fun!
Have a great trip x
Amit K
1 contribution
Do they also offer pickup service from Anchorage or are we supposed to drive to the starting point?
i.e. would a 9am tour mean I have to leave Anchorage before 7am ?
J.Lynn
Tucson, AZ13 contributions
Hi, I don't think they offer a pick-up service. And if it's a week day you might want to give yourself 2.5 hours to drive. But it's so worth the effort!!! It was great to be far away from all the tourist and see something kind of remote and very special.
serenity1013
Stevens Point, WI208 contributions
First time visitors 2 adults, 3 teens. Only have about 3-5 hours. We would like to see an ice cave if possible but also explore the glacier. Which tour is best? Will the Ice Fall Trek include an ice cave? Thanks!
490fitness
Alaska69 contributions
Ice caves are a hard one! We had planned a trip because a friend had gone a week prior and was able to see the cave. 6 days later when we went....melted and gone! To see a cave you’d have to go further out which is only possible on the helicopter tour. Regardless, plenty of epic stuff to see. It does take about a 2 mile walk to get on the glacier though.
Paul K
1 contribution
Gonna book the ice fall basic trek for sometime in the next week(7/5-11), but wondering what time of day is best? What differences are there in temp, sights, "feel" of an earlier vs. later day hike? Also, which times or days tend to have fewer people, i.e. 2-3 vs. 6?
bjumek
Anchorage, AK2 contributions
We did the ice climbing - went out around 9:00 and came back around 4:30. There was between 5 and 10 deg temp swing coolest to warmest. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt you can add or remove as needed. I don't think time of day will make much difference except for whether the sun is in your face or on your back for pictures. Pictures will be take from different directions so I don't think it is worth worrying about. The parking lot looked big enough to hold 15-20 cars. Only a few cars there when we got there and was half full when we left. I doubt if you will have a mob of people on your tour but Mica would be able to give you a better idea about tour size.
Michelle B
2 contributions
How do we make a reservation? I'll be stayingat the Lodge and an very interested in a day tour on 6 Jul.
Teach4Jan
Phoenix, AZ357 contributions
We only went to the restaurant and we drove there from Anchorage. Really liked the restaurant there
God_of_Small_Things7
United States1,487 contributions
Do they allow you to “rent” the crampon and helmet without having to go through a guided tour?
Also, how can you go till the “Ice Fall” by yourself?
AKDon1234
Glacier View, AK3 contributions
Hello
If you have the proper experience in traveling on glaciers it is possible to explore by yourself. But we do not rent any equipment.
hqtzlisha
Changsha, China
Can I get there from Anchorage if I don’t have a car?
How many hours to do the Ice Fall Trek?
crlpa12drvr
Anchorage, AK9 contributions
One will need to drive to the glacier from Anchorage.....about 3 hours. There are bus lines that provide transport but I’m not sure of the schedules.
The time at MICA for the ice fall trek is about 3 hours from start to finish.
lgh3154
O'Fallon, MO28 contributions
Can we bring hiking poles to use on the glacier? We are older and would feel more comfortable if we were able to use one.
Francisco R
Madrid, Spain195 contributions
You can carry the material you want, although in MICA they are very kind and have enough material to lend. Anorak, helmet, boots crampons, including a cane for my wife uqe has knee problems. I hope you enjoy the tour as we did, with 62 and 63 years we have each, greetings