Matanuska Glacier Tour from Anchorage
- Fully Private Experience: The entire van and local guide are dedicated exclusively to your group of up to 7 family members or friends.
Walk on Ancient Ice: Strap on provided crampons and safely trek across the breathtaking blue ice, crevasses, and meltwater pools of the Matanuska Glacier.
Customizable Pacing: Stop whenever you want for photos along the stunning Glenn Highway and Matanuska River valley.
No Crowded Buses: Enjoy spacious seating, large viewing windows, and personalized storytelling from your native Alaskan guide.
Escape the crowds and experience the majesty of the Matanuska Glacier at your own pace. This exclusive, fully private full-day tour from Anchorage is designed specifically for your group of up to 7 passengers. Travel in the comfort of our climate-controlled Ford Transit van along the Glenn Highway, widely considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Upon arrival, you will embark on a guided ice walk across the ancient, frozen landscape of Alaska's largest glacier accessible by car. Because this is a private tour, you dictate the pace—whether you want extra time for photography, specific rest stops, or a more leisurely hike with the help of our expert trip concierge.
- 08:00 AM – * VIP ONLY- custom pickup from your Anchorage hotel, Airbnb, or residential address. All others meet up at the Anchorage Hub.
08:30 AM – Depart Anchorage, traveling north along the scenic Glenn Highway.
09:30 AM – Optional coffee and restroom stop in Palmer Fox Run or at a scenic viewpoint.
11:00 AM – Arrive at Matanuska Glacier Park. Safety briefing and gear outfitting (crampons/helmets).
11:30 AM – Fully guided, 2-to-3-hour trek on the glacier ice.
01:30 PM – Off the ice. Time for lunch at a local lodge with spectacular glacier views.
- 02:00 PM – Off the ice. Time for lunch at a local lodge with spectacular glacier views.
3:30 PM – Depart the glacier for the relaxing journey back to Anchorage.
06:00 PM – Seamless drop-off back at your original Anchorage location.
Pickup: Complimentary, door-to-door (VIP ONLY) pickup is included for all major hotels, inns, and registered rentals within the city limits of Anchorage. Complimentary door-to-door pickup is included for VIP. All otehrs meet up at our Anchorage Hub.
Drop-Off: Return service drops you directly back at your original pickup point, or we can accommodate a direct Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) drop-off for departing flights.
- Warm, layered clothing (temperatures on the glacier are significantly colder).
Waterproof jacket and pants (optional but recommended).
Sturdy, over-the-ankle hiking boots or rigid trail shoes (required for crampons).
Sunglasses (essential to protect from ice glare) and sunscreen.
A camera or smartphone with plenty of battery space
- Private transport in our clean, spacious Ford Transit van.
Professional, local driver and expert glacier guide.
All glacier access fees and necessary safety gear (crampons/microspikes and helmets).
Complimentary premium bottled water and Alaskan snacks.
Transport in our clean, spacious 8-passenger Ford Transit van
- VIP- Inlcudes complementary local roasted coffee or Tea, Local Bakery Lunch-Box, Alaska Theme Gifts.
Exclusions
Lunch (guests can purchase hot food at a local lodge near the glacier).
Guide gratuities (highly appreciated but completely voluntary).
Your driver will text or call the mobile phone number provided during your booking as the van approaches.
Since this is a private charter, your guide will contact the lead passenger the evening before to confirm your exact pickup location and preferred start time Anchorage pickup location 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Please be ready in your lobby or driveway at the agreed-upon time.
- This is an active excursion. Guests must be capable of walking unassisted for 2+ miles over uneven, slippery, and sometimes steep ice terrain.
Not recommended for guests with severe mobility issues, recent joint surgeries, or poor balance.
Age restrictions: Typically limited to ages 8 and up for safety on the ice (check with your specific glacier access partner for their exact age rules).
Within 48 Hours of Booking: 100% Full Refund.
60 Days or Earlier Prior to Travel: 50% Refund.
30 Days Prior to Travel: 25% Refund.
Within 14 Days of Travel: Strictly No Refund.
Weather Policy: If Your Alaska Tours cancels the trip due to extreme, unsafe highway conditions, a 100% full refund or alternative date will be issued immediately.