Matanuska Glacier

The feel

The Matanuska is a valley glacier 27 miles long and four miles wide, descending twelve thousand feet to its terminus in the Chugach Mountains. A private road leads from Mile 102 of the Glenn Highway to a parking lot at the terminal moraine, and from there it is a fifteen to twenty minute hike to the ice.

On a guided walk, the guides supply helmets, crampons or microspikes, and poles, and lead you out onto the ice. Guided tours last 1 to 2 hours and are available year-round. Road construction is often under way on the drive from Anchorage, a 2-hour trip, and people have reported waits of 30 minutes.

What to expect

What it is

A glacier you can drive to and walk onto, 27 miles long and four miles wide.

Time

Guided tours last 1 to 2 hours, and the hike from the parking lot to the ice takes fifteen to twenty minutes.

Crowds and best time

Tours run year-round; check-ins are listed for June 1 to Sept 10.

Parking

A parking lot at the terminal moraine, reached by a private road off Mile 102 of the Glenn Highway.

Fees and passes

Glacier Park entry is $55 per adult, and tour prices are extra.

Hazards

Drive the Glacier Park road at 10mph or slower. In winter, 4 wheel drive, all wheel drive, or good snow tires are recommended.

Season and access

Open year-round, reached at Mile 102 of the Glenn Highway.

Mingo says

Leave Anchorage with time to spare, because road construction can hold you up for 30 minutes. Go in summer if you want the guided walk at its fullest, since check-in times are listed then.

Before you go

• Budget $55 per adult for Glacier Park entry on top of the tour price.
• Note that state and federal park passes are not accepted at the private gate.
• The state recreation site at Mile 101 charges a $7 vehicle fee for viewing only.
• Call Glacier Park at (907) 351-7587 with questions.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.