The Matanuska Glacier, approximately 43 kilometers long, is one of the few major glaciers in Alaska accessible by road. Located along the Glenn Highway, 2 hours northeast of Anchorage, it can be visited on foot, with crampons and a guide. It flows down from the Chugach Mountains and feeds the Matanuska Valley. Best time to visit: late May through early September.
The Matanuska Glacier stands out for a feature that’s rare in Alaska: it’s accessible directly by car. While most glaciers require a boat or seaplane to reach, this one runs alongside the Glenn Highway—a designated scenic route—about two hours from Anchorage. Stretching 43 kilometers, it flows down from the Chugach Mountains and feeds the Matanuska River and valley.
Important note: The glacier is not located within a national park. Access to the ice requires passing through private property, for which an entrance fee applies, and walking on the glacier is permitted only with a guide. This page provides details on how to visit, estimated prices, seasons, and access.
Why visit the Matanuska Glacier?
The Matanuska Glacier’s main appeal lies in its accessibility. It’s one of Alaska’s largest glaciers that can be reached without a boat or plane—simply by driving along the Glenn Highway from Anchorage. This makes it an easy day trip or a natural stop along the route to Wrangell-St. Elias.
Walking on the ice, with crampons on your feet and a guide by your side, allows you to explore crevasses, ice mills, and bluish formations up close—an experience often reserved for glaciers that are much harder to reach. The drive itself, along the Glenn Highway, winds through mountain and glacial valley landscapes ranked among the most beautiful in the state.
What to Do at the Matanuska Glacier?
Here are some ways to explore the glacier and its surroundings.
1. Glacier Hiking
Guided glacier hiking is the flagship experience. With crampons provided and a guide, you’ll explore the surface of the Matanuska Glacier: crevasses, ice rivers, and blue pools. The excursions, lasting several hours, are tailored to the participants’ skill levels and take place under safe, supervised conditions.
2. View the glacier from the Glenn Highway
The Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, along the Glenn Highway, offers views of the glacier without having to set foot on the ice. It’s an accessible option for taking in the scenery during a drive, with panoramic views of the glacier and the Matanuska Valley.
3. Explore the Matanuska Valley
The glacier-fed Matanuska Valley stretches toward Palmer and Wasilla. It features a mix of farmland, rivers, and scenic views of the Chugach Mountains. The Matanuska River is ideal for rafting, and the region serves as a base for exploring the area between Anchorage and the interior.
When is the best time to go?
The peak season runs from late May to early September, when the Glenn Highway is clear and glacier hikes are in full swing. Summer offers long days, ideal for combining glacier hiking with the scenic drive.
Winter offers guided ice excursions in colder conditions and a frozen landscape for well-equipped travelers. Rates and schedules vary by provider. Check out our guide on when to visit Alaska.
| Period | Conditions | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Late May through early September | Open ice, long days | Glacier hikes available |
| October through April | Cold, frozen landscape | Guided excursions, equipment required |
How do you get there?
The glacier is accessible via the Glenn Highway from Anchorage, about a 2-hour drive. Designated a National Scenic Byway, the Glenn Highway winds through mountainous landscapes and glacial valleys, making the drive an experience in itself.
Access to the glacier is through Glacier Park, a privately owned property at the base of the glacier, which charges an entrance fee. Hiking on the glacier requires a certified guide. It’s advisable to book your tour in advance during peak season.
Where to stay nearby?
There are a few lodges and campgrounds along the Glenn Highway near the glacier, offering the closest place to stay before an early morning trip onto the ice. The towns of Palmer and Wasilla, further west, offer a wider range of lodging options in the Matanuska Valley.
Many travelers take a day trip to the glacier from Anchorage. Our team can include the Matanuska Glacier in a road trip itinerary to Wrangell-St. Elias or Valdez. Check out our suggested itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the glacier located?
The Matanuska Glacier is located in south-central Alaska, along the Glenn Highway, about a 2-hour drive northeast of Anchorage. Unlike many glaciers in the state, it is directly accessible by road, without the need for a boat or plane.
Can you hike on the glacier?
Yes, but only with a guide. Access to the ice involves crossing private property and requires the use of provided crampons, under the supervision of a guide, for an admission fee. Organized glacier hikes lasting several hours allow you to safely explore crevasses and ice formations.
How big is the glacier?
The Matanuska Glacier is approximately 43 kilometers long. It is one of the largest glaciers accessible by road in Alaska. It flows down from the Chugach Mountains and feeds the Matanuska River, whose valley extends toward Palmer and Wasilla.
How do you get to the glacier?
The glacier can be reached via the Glenn Highway from Anchorage in about 2 hours. Access to the ice is through Glacier Park, a privately owned property at the base of the glacier. The Glenn Highway is designated a National Scenic Byway, making for a spectacular drive.
How much does it cost to visit the glacier?
Access to the ice on foot, with crampons and a guide, costs around $55, and organized glacier hikes cost about $115, depending on the provider. These approximate rates include guidance and safety equipment. It’s a good idea to book in advance.
When is the best time to visit the glacier?
The main season runs from late May to early September, when the Glenn Highway is clear and glacier hikes are available. In winter, guided excursions on the ice are possible, though in colder conditions and amid a frozen landscape.
Is the glacier located in a national park?
No. Unlike many glacier sites, the Matanuska Glacier is located along the Glenn Highway, outside of national parks, and partly on private property. Access to the ice is regulated and requires a fee, and must be guided by certified guides.
Can you see the glacier without walking on it?
Yes. The Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, along the Glenn Highway, offers views of the glacier from the road without setting foot on the ice. It’s an accessible option for admiring the glacier while traveling between Anchorage and Wrangell-St. Elias.
Last updated: August 18, 2026.
About Terra Alaska
Terra Alaska is a local travel agency specializing in custom trips to Alaska and a member of the Terra Panamerica network. Our team designs itineraries tailored to each traveler, from national parks to winter expeditions under the Northern Lights. Discover our expertise as a local inbound travel agency.
Contact us to plan your trip or explore our suggested itineraries.
Sources
Travel Alaska (Matanuska Glacier); Alaska State Parks (Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site); Alaska Department of Transportation (Glenn Highway).
