Matanuska Glacier
Matanuska Glacier
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
This valley glacier is the largest glacier in the United States that’s accessible by car. Nature lovers flock here for the fantastic views and epic treks. Enjoy the spectacular vistas all around, whether you’re on a helicopter tour or while ice climbing. While guided tours are available throughout the year, summer is a great time to visit if you’re not ready for the icy chill of winter. The weather can be unpredictable though, so always be prepared for both rain and sunshine. Glamping accommodations are available nearby if you’re looking for the complete overnight experience. – Tripadvisor
Alaska, United States
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
571 reviews
Excellent
432
Very good
89
Average
30
Poor
9
Terrible
11
Taylor K
33 contributions
Aug 2021
We booked the Matanuska Glacier Walk with "Glacier Tours at Matanuska" for $65 per person for a 3 hour walk on the glacier with a guide. You book by calling or texting, and pay when you get there. You drive your own car down to the base of the glacier and the crew sets you up with helmets and spikes for your sneakers/boots. Our guide was Michelle and she was adorable, friendly, and informative. We had a great time learning about the glacier and taking unforgettable photos on the ice. My grandparents struggled walking on the terrain, but Michelle was nothing but supportive and held my grandma's hand to make her feel more comfortable. Such a great experience for the whole family, and a great value for a 3 hour excursion!
Written 31 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda Joy
Fort Worth, TX96 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Had an amazing time viewing the glacier. We did a self guided tour. Alaska residents are charged $25, for non residents the price is $30. Its a bit confusing to get to, just off the main highway you get to a dirt road. There was a sign that said yes we are open that was very helpful. We drove about a mile in, down a slope and over a bridge before reaching three small cabins and a gift shop with an open sign. There you sign a liability waver and also sign that you promise to stay on the provided path (they use orange cones to guide you on how to get to the glacier). After that they lift a traffic stop and you drive another two miles to a lookout point. From there its about a mile hike. Its muddy and you definitely notice when you shift to ice. I would recommend wearing hiking boots, cleats would help a lot too. I definitely slipped a bit with my regular winter hiking boots. The views were stunning. Seeing the little water streams that have created deep crevasses in the ice was amazing. Would definitely recommend. There was only one other couple out there when we arrived around 530pm. We had plenty of space and didn't wear masks. Would definitely recommend.
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
859TK
Cincinnati, OH900 contributions
Aug 2021
Booked with “Glacier Tours on the Matanuska” after finding their name on the TA Forum. Booking was a bit different, in that everything is done via text. But you don’t actually pay until you arrive. And it appeared that you can just walk up and get a tour on the hour. They are offer a great price with direct access to the glacier. Paid $65 for a 2-hour walk and was able to drive right to the base of the glacier to meet up with our guide.
We had a group of about 20, unfortunately we had some folks who had some physical challenges so we didn’t get to go to the top as other groups, but it was still fun and different. It was a great way to break up the drive on our way back to Fairbanks. Would recommend this unique experience.
We had a group of about 20, unfortunately we had some folks who had some physical challenges so we didn’t get to go to the top as other groups, but it was still fun and different. It was a great way to break up the drive on our way back to Fairbanks. Would recommend this unique experience.
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OndatRun
15 contributions
Sept 2020
The glacier was very pretty on a sunny day. The self-guided tour was good enough, although it is pretty minimal compared to the guided tour ($30 per person vs. $100 per person)
The store where you book has a lot of signs about COVID-19, but they don't follow their own rules. The sign says only 1 party inside at a time, but the old lady asked me to come in even though there was another party inside.
No one working there and no customers inside wore masks.
The store where you book has a lot of signs about COVID-19, but they don't follow their own rules. The sign says only 1 party inside at a time, but the old lady asked me to come in even though there was another party inside.
No one working there and no customers inside wore masks.
Written 12 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terri L
1 contribution
Aug 2021
I do not normally do reviews but after my experience I felt a need to do one. We booked a tour to Matanuska Glacier for a group of us visiting Alaska. There were 5 adults and 5 kids. I had calculated what my total would be before I arrived since I had a few Alaska residents as part of the 10 and they have a different rate. Note: if you have any Alaska residents with you they are less expensive and can sponsor 2 non-Alaska residents but this is not advertised anywhere. The lady started by telling me this was a $1000 tour that is "discounted" down to $390.00 for the 10 of us. I told her that she must have done something wrong since I had already calculated what my cost should be. Instead of apologizing and checking her totals she argued with me. I stood my ground and asked her to show me her numbers. Well she had 3 Alaska residents at $35.00 each totalling $195.00 instead of $105.00. No apology whatsoever but did take my $300.00 cash. She proceeded to tell me that with a group of 10 that the expected tip is between $300.00 and $500.00!! My daughter has worked adventure guiding for many years and the various companies she has worked for has never told you how much you had to tip. The office lady also told me exactly where to be when I tipped the guide! If that is the expected tip then this place needs to add that to the price of the ticket. Of the 5 kids there was one aged 15 and the other 4 under the age of 8 so that left this $300 - $500 tip on the 5 adults. So much for the family experience that was somewhat cost effective. She also told me that if we "ever" put the 18 month old child that we had with us "on the ground" then I would need to pay for him as he was free as long as he was being carried. The hike itself was wonderful with a super great guide. I encourage visitors to take this hike in. However, the company needs to find office staff that is not so rude and they really need to find a better way to explain tipping options than to tell clients what they must tip! Totally left a very bad opinion of this company with me!!!
Written 1 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martinigal25
Alpharetta, GA39 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
there is no other way to visit this other than to pay $65 dollars per person. You think for that kind of money they would at least pave their horrible road. They will apply heavy pressure on you to tip your guide by giving you an overinflated number at the beginning “as an estimate” and it’s cash only. For my group of 3 she quoted me 45-65 dollars for a tip. Yea ok. I thought a tip was just that…a tip. And only for superior service or experience. This was not the case here. So we went out. Group of about 20, all ages from 4-5 years old to Medicare aged. Guide was a college student who was not funny or sociable or talkative. He had zero business of being a guide for anything. He simply did not have the personality to be a tour guide, this stuff is not for everyone. We stopped here and there and he said a few sentences. $65 for a tip? Yea no. Tour was about 2 hrs. Takes what seems like an hour to even get on the ice, you stop like 3 or 4 times at cool spots for pics then you come down and walk back. is it worth it? I don’t know…probably wouldn’t do it again at this location.
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yijing L
4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
I've travelled all over the world and this is definitely NO.1 tourist trap with rudest people I ever seen.
The website advised clearly it's over 2 hours hike "on the glacier" and I called two times to confirm it's around 3 hours in and out. However, the really time on the glacier was less than an hour with most of time walking around the edge. And you need to walk 30min one way for in and out on a muddy, no-view road.
The guide was impatient and unfriendly, the only “guided” part is not to go certain place because it might be dangerous, no introduction about how the glacier is formed, the changes nor evolution of glacier, etc.
Even worse, after finishing the tour and wrapped up in the car, a lady just came over our car and asked us to leave. Excuse me, I don't want to spend a second at this place.
I would recommend to hike exit glacier at Seward, where you can see the real glacier for little to no cost, this place is definitely against the great wilderness of Alaska.
The website advised clearly it's over 2 hours hike "on the glacier" and I called two times to confirm it's around 3 hours in and out. However, the really time on the glacier was less than an hour with most of time walking around the edge. And you need to walk 30min one way for in and out on a muddy, no-view road.
The guide was impatient and unfriendly, the only “guided” part is not to go certain place because it might be dangerous, no introduction about how the glacier is formed, the changes nor evolution of glacier, etc.
Even worse, after finishing the tour and wrapped up in the car, a lady just came over our car and asked us to leave. Excuse me, I don't want to spend a second at this place.
I would recommend to hike exit glacier at Seward, where you can see the real glacier for little to no cost, this place is definitely against the great wilderness of Alaska.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skidder123
Bridgewater, MA14 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We took the tour with Salmon Berry Tours arranged through Alaska Tour and Travel. We were picked up and warmly greeted by our lead guide named Joan who followed fantastic COVID protocols including taking our temperatures and requiring the 6 other participants to all wear masks while in transit. The van was a newer model and very comfortable. She and our other guide Josh wore a mask as well, even while speaking using a microphone. This was a great first step which showed the focus, care and safety the tour operator demonstrated throughout the day. Both Joan and her teammate Josh were fantastic in engaging the guests and are very knowledgeable about the history of the region, the glacier and environmental science. Joan has a great varied background including work with the National Park and is a great hiker and outdoor enthusiast. Josh is studying geology and has ascended Mt. Denali to various elevations and provided great insight throughout the trip. My wife and I are experienced hikers and the trip was a pleasant walk with fantastic weather and camaraderie throughout the day. We had an elder gentleman who the guides took special care with during the trip who. He could not safely make it all the way and Josh stayed with him while we completed the tour. This is another testament to the care and safety the guides exhibited during our excursion. The guides even provided loaned foot wear for those who didn’t have the right footwear.
The tour ended with a great lunch at a beautiful overlook on the glacier. We had a great deal of fun, met some great guests and were treated to a fantastic time by our guides Joan and Josh. Don’t look anywhere else for a guided trip to the glacier. This tour provider will not disappoint you.
The tour guides even provide loaned boots for those who didn’t have the right footwear.
The tour ended with a great lunch at a beautiful overlook on the glacier. We had a great deal of fun, met some great guests and were treated to a fantastic time by our guides Joan and Josh. Don’t look anywhere else for a guided trip to the glacier. This tour provider will not disappoint you.
The tour guides even provide loaned boots for those who didn’t have the right footwear.
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1930shanghai
San Francisco, CA60 contributions
Aug 2021
We chose this company based on great reviews here. But we were very disappointed with our experience. We went on 8/21 in the afternoon at 2:30. The group was over 20 people, too big for glacier walk with one guide. We are fit, but not as fast as people in their twenties. The guide only catered to the young people in our group and chatted with them along the way. Our group of 4 and another couple behind us could not hear anything. He would not even know if we fell or got lost, as the line with 20 people were quite long. With so many people to guide, he continued to rush us and managed to finish within 2 hours. The website stated 2-3 hours. I would imagined with larger group, taking pictures, etc would take longer. But no, not with this guide. And he repeated reminded us that we had signed our waiver. So if we fell or got lost, he would not rescue us. We understood we always had to sign waivers for activities like this. However, it made us feel really bad when reminded repeatedly. The couple walked behind us also requested the guide to slow down couple of times.
Then there was a black piece of ice and I fell. My hand pushed on the ice and got many small cuts. It was painful and blood was all over my hand. I asked the guide if he had any first aid. He slowly got his first aid out as he continued chatting with the other. I stood with my hand bleeding, listening to his unimportant side chatting with couple of young people. This is really unprofessional. Such bad customer service.
I am sure the company has many great guides and employees as all the reviews posted here. But I had to post this one as I was shocked by this guide's service. Hope others will have better experience than I did.
Then there was a black piece of ice and I fell. My hand pushed on the ice and got many small cuts. It was painful and blood was all over my hand. I asked the guide if he had any first aid. He slowly got his first aid out as he continued chatting with the other. I stood with my hand bleeding, listening to his unimportant side chatting with couple of young people. This is really unprofessional. Such bad customer service.
I am sure the company has many great guides and employees as all the reviews posted here. But I had to post this one as I was shocked by this guide's service. Hope others will have better experience than I did.
Written 6 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyler A
18 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
We took the matanuska glacier hike with the guide in July 2022. It was an incredible experience, the views were beautiful and our guide Maggie was super knowledgeable and friendly. I will say the hike was very challenging - I’m in average physical shape and had a really tough time on some of the steep ice hills. At one point we had to climb up an ice ladder that the guide literally hacked into the side of an ice sheet with her hatchet. I will say I felt safe with the guide and she physically supported me/kept me from falling into a glacier crevice at one point. I would still recommend the hike because it’s a truly unique and breathtaking experience, but would just cation that it is actually much more challenging than described on the website.
Written 6 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mica Guides ($89 +$25 Park entrance) Vs Glacier Tours (Matanuska Glacier Park $65)
My question is the one Mica vastly more superior than the regular glacier tour or does it show you the same spots?
Written 11 July 2021
No it is not. It's one way in and one way out walking to the Glacier. All tours go the same ways. Mica might go to different spots but it's all basically the same views, same stops, same equipment. You can see all the groups walking around so I do not think it's honestly any vast difference. Mica won't take kids under 8 I believe.
Written 26 July 2021
Hi! Can anyone tell me about parking? We will be driving in from Tolsona Wilderness campground, headed for Anchorage. We will have a pod-style camper in tow. Doesn’t sound like we’d want to haul that down the road to the private access. But, not wanting to do a tour, can anyone advise where to safely leave the camper?
Written 13 February 2020
There is an area big enough to leave your camper as you turn off the main road to the road going to the glacier. I would call and ask if you can leave your camper there. We had a 31' RV that we carefully drove to the glacier. Going over the bridge was a bit scary.
Written 6 May 2020
Has anyone visited Matanuska Glacier during Winter time? How is the experience compared to the Summer time?
Written 30 November 2019
The glacier is absolutely amazing in the winter. Summer is pretty, but the winter trail accessed part of the glacier that is not available. In the winter the matanuska River is frozen creating great access to many caves and crevasses not available during the summer.
Written 22 January 2020
Which tour company is the best for Matanuska Glacier? Are children allowed on the glacier tours?
Written 1 August 2019
My wife and I along with kids (ages 22, 22, 17, 17) took a three hour glacier tour with Mica Guides. Will was our guide. Both he and the tour were fantastic. All six of us loved it. And being a group of six, we had Will to ourselves for a tour that went at our pace. Highly recommend. Good luck and enjoy.
Ps. Go EAGLES.
Written 10 August 2019
Can Matanuska Glacier hike be managed carrying an one year old baby? We are not planning to do a strenuous hike, just to get a hang of this beautiful place we would like to walk on glacier , experience it and come back after a short walk. Is it very slippery and can't be managed with a baby ? If there are risks involved we would skip driving all the way from Anchorage just to see this place.
Written 29 July 2019
Did you manage to do the hike with your one year old? We were thinking to go next week with our 2 yr old. let me know your thoughts
Written 23 June 2022
We were there in October so I can not answer 😒
Written 11 July 2019
I am planning to hike Matanuska Glacier with MICA guides. Which time of the day is recommended?
Written 17 June 2019
i think its not the time of the day its more of "if weather permits" coz glacier tends to be soft after a snowfall..that's how i understand it.
Written 17 June 2019
Is a guided tour to Matanuska Glacier worth the while? Or will the unguided tour suffice ?
Written 1 June 2019
I'm not sure what is offered on the guided tour. We did see a group that were farther out on the glacier and you get walking sticks and ice grabbers for your shoes for that. We spent a lot of time just walking around the glacier and enjoyed it.
Written 9 June 2019
Can someone tell me about the $100 hike. Everything I see is over $200.
Written 12 May 2019
Show up and pay $100 to the tour provider on site. Or call/email them to book in advance. Don’t waste your time and money on TA’s inflated price “experiences”.
Written 2 July 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.