This hiking route on the Matanuska Glacier is perfect if you have an advanced level and want to take on one of the most demanding hikes in southern Alaska. You’ll be amazed by the untouched landscapes of the glacier’s least-visited areas!
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.
38100 Glenn Hwy
If you have other questions, contact us
This hiking route on the Matanuska Glacier is perfect if you have an advanced level and want to take on one of the most demanding hikes in southern Alaska. You’ll be amazed by the untouched landscapes of the glacier’s least-visited areas!
We’ll meet at 38100 Glenn Highway, where we’ll make the necessary preparations and gear up to explore one of the most accessible glacier systems in Alaska.
After a short 10-minute drive, we’ll reach the starting point of the Matanuska Glacier trail. From here, our adventure begins as we hike more than 9 km (5.6 mi) across dynamic glacial terrain, characterized by steep slopes, pressure ridges, and uneven surfaces.
We'll pass through the area known as Ice Falls to enter the heart of the Matanuska Glacier, where the formations become more complex and less traveled. Did you know this glacier is actually a solid river that can move up to 30 cm (12 in) per day?
Throughout the route, we’ll explore seracs, deep crevasses, and moulins—vertical shafts carved by meltwater. All the while, we’ll examine the stratigraphy of the ice, where each layer preserves thousands of years of geological history.
In some sections, we’ll carry out simple rappelling maneuvers to descend small formations created by thermal erosion.
The best part? We’ll do the route in a small group of no more than 4 people, allowing us to adapt the pace to our physical abilities and closely observe lichens, cryophilic algae, and microorganisms that inhabit this seemingly inhospitable ecosystem.
Finally, after a total of 6 hours of hiking, we’ll return to the vehicle and head back to the initial meeting point. See you next time!
If you have other questions, contact us
38100 Glenn Hwy
Free cancellation
