Hike Matanuska Glacier with Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting
About This Experience
This is the small-group version of the Matanuska day, with something at the end that none of the others offer. Group sizes are deliberately kept down, which means the guiding is closer to a conversation than a commentary and you are not queuing behind twenty people at every interesting bit of ice.
The hike itself is leisurely rather than strenuous. Your guide works through the glacier's geology as you go, and the operator supplies the ice cleats and snow pants along with a thorough safety briefing before anyone steps onto the surface. The entry ticket into Matanuska Glacier Park is included, so there is no gate fee to settle on the day.
Afterwards comes the tasting: several locally made Alaskan honeys and wines, sampled before the drive back down the valley. Alaska's small producers are not something most visitors run into on a standard itinerary, and it turns the return leg into part of the day rather than dead time.
The operator makes a point of low-impact practice on the ice, which is worth something on a glacier that sees this many visitors. Allow about eight and a half hours in total.
Highlights
- Small group sizes — a more personal day on the ice
- Leisurely paced hike with the glacier's geology explained as you walk
- Matanuska Glacier Park entry ticket included, with cleats and snow pants supplied
- Tasting of locally made Alaskan honey and wines after the hike
- Scenic drive back down the Matanuska Valley to Anchorage
What's Included
- ✓ Entry ticket into Matanuska Glacier Park
- ✓ Guided glacier hike
- ✓ Ice cleats
- ✓ Snow pants
- ✓ Snacks
- ✓ Water
- ✓ Alaskan honey and wine tasting
Not Included
- Gratuities
What to Bring
- Warm layers and a waterproof jacket
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Gloves and a hat
- Camera
Good to Know & Caveats
- The Glacier Park entry ticket is included — no gate fee to pay at check-in.
- Group sizes are kept small, so departures fill earlier than the larger tours.
- The tasting includes wine; guests who do not drink can still join for the honey.
- Allow about eight and a half hours in total, including travel from Anchorage.
Meeting Point
Anchorage — the operator confirms the pickup point when you book.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 23 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
It was amazing. Soo beautiful and what an adventure.
— Charlene, June 8,
This was such a great trip and well organized! Dan our guide who picked us up from Anchorage was such a sweetheart and explained everything there is to know about the glacier, Alaska, and Anchorage! When we arrived at the glacier he gave us some advice if we have too many layers on or not. Then our expert guide Sophia was such a sweetheart as well with a very strong grip. She explained everything to us about the glacier and we felt 100 % safe hiking on the glacier with her by our side. I would most definitely recommmend this trip to anyone, because who can actually say that they hiked on an actual glacier??
— Sophia, May 29,
This was a spectacular tour. Our guide, Dan, was very knowledgeable and provided us with a lot of practical and interesting information about Alaska, its wildlife, and lifestyle. We visited the glacier in early April which is one of the best times to visit providing unique access nearly up to the face of the glacier walking across the frozen Matanuska River.
— Jefferey, April 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the tasting?
Several locally made Alaskan honeys and wines, sampled after the hike. It is a producer tasting rather than a meal, so eat before or bring something for the drive.
Is the glacier entry fee included?
Yes — the entry ticket into Matanuska Glacier Park is part of the price on this tour, so nothing is collected at the gate.
How hard is the hike?
Leisurely. This is the gentlest of the Anchorage-departure hikes: the emphasis is on the scenery and the guiding rather than distance covered. Ice cleats and snow pants are supplied.
How small is the group?
The operator runs this specifically as a small-group tour, which is the main reason to pick it over the larger full-day trips. It also means fewer places per departure.
How long is the day?
About eight and a half hours in total, including the drive up the Glenn Highway and back.
