Anchorage: Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike and Tour
About This Experience
This one starts in the middle of downtown Anchorage, which makes it easy if you are staying in the city centre without a car. Check-in is at 509 W. 3rd Avenue, opposite the Hilton — you wait in the lobby or the garden, and the van is the grey one with a bear painted on the side.
From there it is a scenic drive north-east toward the glacier, with a stop along the way where you can pick up snacks or lunch. Meals are not included, so that stop is the one to use.
At the glacier you are issued ice cleats so you can walk the icy ground without fighting for grip, and winter gear may be available if you have arrived underdressed — a useful safety net in a place where the weather turns fast. Your guide then walks the group across the ice, working through the glacier's features and the natural history of the valley as you go, and picking the spots where the ice makes the best backdrop for photographs.
The whole thing runs about eight hours including travel, and finishes with the drive back to downtown Anchorage. It is the shortest of the Anchorage-departure options, which is worth knowing if a ten-hour day is more than you want.
Highlights
- Pickup and drop-off in downtown Anchorage — no car needed
- Ice cleats issued at the glacier, with winter gear available if you need it
- Guided walk across the ice with a local who knows the valley's natural history
- Photo stops with the glacier as the backdrop
- Eight hours door to door — the shortest of the Anchorage full-day options
What's Included
- ✓ Round-trip transport from the downtown Anchorage meeting point
- ✓ Matanuska Glacier hike
- ✓ Guide
- ✓ Ice cleats
- ✓ Winter gear
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Tips
What to Bring
- Warm layers — Alaskan weather changes fast
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Camera
Good to Know & Caveats
- Arrive 20 minutes before departure; check in at the concierge desk at 509 W. 3rd Avenue.
- Personal belongings can be stored securely on-site.
- The tour depends on weather and may be rescheduled or refunded.
- There is one stop en route where you can buy snacks or lunch — nothing is included.
Not Suitable For
- People with pre-existing medical conditions
- People with mobility impairments
- Children under 5
Meeting Point
509 W. 3rd Avenue, Anchorage — directly across from the Hilton, with parking across the street. Check in at the concierge desk and wait in the garden or indoor lobby; arrive 20 minutes before departure and look for the grey van with a bear on it.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 57 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Rezy was a great driver and guide. The ride was beautiful. The Matanuska Glacier guided hike was gorgeous and also what I like to call “educational fun”. Overall great experience and worth the cost.
— Heather, June 15
The day was very organized. The shuttle van arrived on time. It was warm and comfortable. Our driver was focused. We made some stops to use the restroom and get food. When we got to base camp, we were provided with gear to have a safe and warm hike. Our guide (Chase?) was very knowledgeable and made sure we had plenty of time to take pictures. The ride back was relaxing. We ate and most of us took a nap! If you don’t want to drive icy roads and enjoy the two hour drive from Anchorage, splurge on this trip.
— Yesenia, March 2
Fabulous experience. Guides were outstanding and it was well worth the money!
— Catherine Nangle, Novembe
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly does it leave from?
509 W. 3rd Avenue in downtown Anchorage, directly across from the Hilton. Parking is available across the street. Check in at the concierge desk, wait in the garden or the indoor lobby, and be there 20 minutes early — look for the grey van with the bear.
Is food included?
No. There is a stop on the way where you can buy snacks or lunch, so plan to use it or bring your own.
What if I have not packed for a glacier?
Ice cleats are issued to everyone, and winter gear may be available on the day if you need it. You should still bring warm layers and a waterproof outer — the operator's own advice is to dress in layers because the weather changes rapidly.
How long is the day compared with the other Anchorage tours?
About eight hours, against roughly ten on the full-day Glenn Highway trip. If you want the glacier without giving up the whole day, this is the shorter option.
Can young children join?
Children under 5 are not accepted on this departure. For a family trip, the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour at the glacier itself is built around mixed-age groups.
