In short
- The state recreation site at Mile 101 charges a small day-use fee for its viewing trails.
- Ice access through the private property at Mile 102 has its own fee (recent listings: about $55 per adult), and a guided tour is required; ask your operator whether it is included.
- Walking on the glacier mandates a guided tour, starting around $100 per person.
In this article
Because the ice access road crosses private property, a general park pass will not cover your walk on the glacier. The state-run site offers a budget-friendly viewing option, while direct ice access requires both an entrance fee and a mandatory guide.
How much is the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site fee?
The state recreation site at Mile 101 charges a small day-use fee for its viewing trails.
Located at Mile 101 on the Glenn Highway, the state-run site provides distant panoramic views of the glacier. This fee covers access to the Edge Nature Trail and wooden viewing platforms equipped with telescopes. It does not allow you to walk onto the ice.
What is the private entrance fee at Mile 102?
Ice access through the private property at Mile 102 has its own fee (recent listings: about $55 per adult), and a guided tour is required; ask your operator whether it is included.
This gate fee pays for use of the private access road, which involves a 1-mile descent and crossing a privately owned bridge. You check in at the lodge at the bottom of the road. This fee alone no longer allows you to walk on the ice.
Why do you have to pay for a guided tour?
Self-guided walking tours on the glacier were discontinued in 2021.
Accessing the ice now strictly requires a guided tour. You cannot explore the glacier unguided. You must book a certified guide to walk on the surface, which adds an additional cost starting around $100 per person on top of the gate fee.
| Access Type | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Distant Viewing | State Park (Mile 101) | The state recreation site at Mile 101 charges a small day-use fee for its viewing trails. |
| Ice Access Gate | Glacier Park (Mile 102) | $55 per adult |
| Guided Ice Hike | Glacier Park (Mile 102) | $100+ per person |
How much do full-day tours from Anchorage cost?
Day tours departing from Anchorage or Palmer typically range from $150 to over $250 per person.
Many operators offer packages that bundle round-trip transportation, the private gate fee, and the mandatory guided glacier trek. This is often the simplest way to pay, as it rolls all access fees and transport costs into one price. Keep in mind that prices change based on the platform and season.
Questions travellers ask
Do you have to pay to see Matanuska Glacier?
Yes. The state recreation site at Mile 101 charges a small day-use fee for its viewing trails.
Can you go to Matanuska Glacier without a guide?
No. You cannot walk on the ice without a certified guide. Self-guided tours were stopped in 2021 due to safety reasons.
Is Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site free?
The state recreation site at Mile 101 charges a small day-use fee for its viewing trails.
