Plan your visit
Plan your Visit
Prepare for your trip by understanding the access points, checking the weather, and packing the right gear for the ice.
Getting there
Getting to the glacier from Anchorage.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive north from Anchorage via the Glenn Highway (Hwy 1) to Milepost 101 for the State Recreation Site or Mile 102 for private ice access. | 2 to 2.5 hours | The state recreation site at Mile 101 charges a small day-use fee for its viewing trails. | Roads are well-maintained year-round but can be slippery in winter. Watch for the 'Matanuska Glacier Access' sign at Mile 102. |
| Tour: Book a guided day tour departing from Anchorage or Palmer that includes round-trip transportation and glacier access. | 6 to 8 hours for a full-day trip | $150 - $250+ per person | Many operators offer shuttle packages that bundle the transport, access fees, and guided glacier trek. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The glacier is open year-round for guided tours. The most popular time is June through August. Summer offers long daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and stable trail conditions. Winter brings frozen landscapes and snowy conditions.
What to bring
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Bring a reusable water bottle to drink fresh glacier runoff.
Tour operators provide microspikes or crampons.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules for your glacier trip.
A typical timeline for a guided day trip departing from the city.
- Depart Anchorage
Board your tour van and head north on the Glenn Highway.
- Arrive at Mile 102
Check in at the lodge and meet your glacier guide.
- Gear up
Put on your provided microspikes and sign the waiver.
- Ice Trek
Spend two to three hours walking among crevasses and meltwater pools.
- Return to Lodge
Remove gear and use the restrooms before the drive back.
For visitors driving their own rental car to the glacier.
- State Recreation Site
Stop at Mile 101. The state recreation site at Mile 101 charges a small day-use fee for its viewing trails.
- Viewing Platforms
Use the telescopes to view the glacier from a distance.
- Drive to Mile 102
Head to the private access gate and drive down the 1-mile descent.
- Guided Hike
Join your pre-booked guided tour on the ice.
What to pack
Dress in warm, moisture-wicking base layers. Avoid cotton. You need a waterproof rain jacket, windbreaker, and waterproof hiking pants. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support.
Bring sunglasses with UV protection to prevent snow blindness from the ice glare. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Wear warm gloves, even in summer. Carry a small daypack for extra layers. Read Glacier Packing List for details.
Easiest way to do it
Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour
10 h 4.9 (455)
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Snacks
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off
- Refill your personal bottle, or enjoy our filtered glacier water from a recyclable paper cup
From$329per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
What should I wear to Matanuska Glacier?
Wear warm, moisture-wicking layers, a waterproof jacket, and waterproof hiking pants. Avoid cotton. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and sunglasses are essential.
How do I get from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier?
Drive north on the Glenn Highway (Hwy 1) for 2 to 2.5 hours. Watch for the signs at Mile 101 or Mile 102.
What mile marker is Matanuska Glacier?
The State Recreation Site is at Mile 101. The private glacier access and tour check-in lodge is at Mile 102.