Visit Matanuska Glacier - All You Need to Know
History of the Matanuska Glacier
The Matanuska Glacier is one of the more than 100,000 glaciers in Alaska and one of only 616 to have been named. This glacier stretches 27 miles down from the Chugach Mountains, terminating alongside the Glenn Highway into the Matanuska River. The glacier started to slowly retreat about 10,000 years ago and remains an active glacier that flows at about one foot per day.
Matanuska Glacier
The Matanuska Valley was originally inhabited by the Athabascan people. Trails alongside the Matanuska River provided a road system for trade between the Copper River Area and the Cook Inlet region. It is believed that the word Matanuska is derived from the Russian word “Matanooski” or “Mednoviska,” meaning “copper river people,” possibly referring to the Athabascan people who traveled this region.
Today, access to the glacier is controlled by the Matanuska Glacier Park. A privately owned business manages the site, and a fee is required to enter the area. In case you’re curious, the fee is not actually for visiting the glacier but for year-round maintenance of the roads and bridges used to access the glacier.
Getting to Matanuska Glacier
Driving the Glenn Highway
The Glenn Highway is a hidden gem in Alaska. The region is less busy with travelers as it is not on the major cruise or rail lines. The Matanuska Glacier is located in Sutton, Alaska, less than two hours northeast of Anchorage. To arrive at the glacier from Anchorage, you must travel the scenic Glenn Highway until you reach Mile 102. From here, you will see a sign that says “glacier access.” You will turn and drive down Glacier Park Road for one mile. You then cross a bridge and arrive at the Glacier Park Lodge shortly after.
You will need to stop and enter the visitors center to check in and pay, as a gate is blocking the entrance to the glacier. The road is rustic but maintained year-round. Drive slowly and cautiously, and you shouldn’t have any trouble. Most of the land in the area is marked as private, so make sure not to stop and wander along this road. You can check current road condition updates here.
Guided Matansuka Glacier Trek
Basic Information
As I stated earlier, the only access to the glacier is through private property. This means you must stop inside the visitors center, sign a waiver, and pay the fee to enter the glacier area.
***Note: Beginning in 2021, self-guided glacier tours are no longer available.
You are only allowed to enter the area on a guided tour. Guided tours will include equipment and a trained guide. Tours typically run about 1.5-3 hours, depending on the weather conditions, abilities, and company you use.
Guided Matanuska Glacier Treks
Viewing the Matanuska Glacier Ice Fall
Damian and I have visited Matanuska Glacier many times in the past. During the Summer of 2023, we had the exciting opportunity to go on a guided glacier trek with MICA Guides.
MICA Guides provides all necessary equipment, including crampons, helmets, and waterproof boots. They offer small-group guided glacier treks. Our group had a ratio of 6 visitors to 1 guide. All of the guides are trained to safely travel on the glacier and follow a strict set of rules. We felt very safe on the trek.
In addition to glacier training, the guides are also incredibly knowledgeable about glaciers and the geology of the surrounding area. They share tons of interesting information, cool glacier features, and fun stories along the way.
Please note that the minimum age for this trek is ten years old (for private groups, it is six years old). No experience is necessary. We had an amazing tour with MICA Guides and highly recommend them.
Viewing the Matansuka Glacier Ice Fall
Guiding Services on Matanuska Glacier
There are a few local companies that offer guided tours of the glacier. I have yet to go on a guided glacier tour with these groups, but it is something I would be very interested in for the future! Here are three of the locally run businesses I would recommend.
MICA Guides
MICA Guides offers Matanuska Glacier trekking, ice climbing, helicopter tours, and even zip lining! They safely guide guests of most ages on the glacier with a dedicated guide. The group sizes are small, and they provide all of the necessary equipment for your trip. The guides are experienced, knowledgeable, and excited to share their glacier stories with you! Note that MICA Guides only operates during the summer season.
Dr. Sarah Tours
Dr. Sarah completed her Ph.D. researching the Matanuska Glacier. With 20+ years of expert experience, she offers private glacier walking tours for people who want a personal and in-depth tour of the glacier with a scientist. Her tours are for small private groups only and provide all necessary equipment.
Salmon Berry Tours
Salmonberry Tours offers tours to the glacier as a day trip from Anchorage. They pick you up directly from your lodging and offer only small group tours with a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio. Their guides are certified Wilderness First Responders, Glacier Trekking, and Rescue-trained Glacier Experts. This tour includes roundtrip transportation, equipment, snacks, lunch at a local lodge, and a 2-3 hour trek on the glacier.
Greatland Adventures
Greatland Adventures is a locally owned and operated company based in Downtown Anchorage. They offer small group day tours year-round to Matanuska Glacier from Anchorage. This tour includes a private guide, roundtrip transportation, glacier equipment, lunch, and snacks. Each tour is customized to fit the interests of the group perfectly.
Matanuska Glacier Park
Matanuska Glacier Park guided tours are offered through the company that manages the glacier. The group size on these tours tends to be larger. The tour last 2-3 hours, depending on abilities and conditions. Visit their website or give them a call to schedule.
Local Tips
There is an excellent view of the glacier from the Matanuska State Recreation Site just before the turnoff to reach the glacier. There is also a nice little camping area that contains 12 campsites. When we camped there in September, only one other group was there! There is also a very gentle 1-mile nature walk accessible from the rec site.
Remember to tip your guides! They are working hard to bring you excellent information and keep you safe!
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us! If you’re ready to start planning your trip to Alaska, visit our Design Your Trip page!
