7 Beautiful Glaciers Near Anchorage, Alaska & How to Get There (For First Timers!)
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Hey Siri, play "Alaska" by Maggie Rogers. 🎶
Planning a trip to Alaska soon? Seeing the glaciers is probably at the very top of your must-do list. Or at least, it should be! But with so many to choose from (there are over 650 named glaciers in Alaska, and an estimated 100,000+ in total) it can be pretty difficult to narrow down which ones to visit, especially if it's your first time.
Luckily, Anchorage is the perfect home base for exploring some of the best glaciers in Alaska, with many just a short drive, hike, or train ride away. As a previous Alaska local, I made it my mission to visit as many glaciers as I could while living there. Now, I've put together this guide to help you discover the most stunning and accessible glaciers near Anchorage!
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about the best glaciers near Anchorage, from driving times and tour options to exactly what makes each glacier unique. Ready to see some really beautiful ice? Let's go!
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Glaciers Near Anchorage Map
7 Must-Visit Glaciers Near Anchorage, Alaska
Honorable Mentions
Glacier Tours out of Anchorage
FAQ
Final Thoughts
Glacier ice caves in the winter
Summer blue pools
Map of Glaciers Near Anchorage
In this map, each glacier (plus the glaciers’ access points) are sorted individually by color. For example: everything pertaining to Matanuska Glacier is labeled in green, and everything for Knik Glacier is in blue. All of the labeled spots are outlined in further detail within the blog post.
7 Must-Visit Glaciers Near Anchorage, Alaska
Here are some of the very best glaciers to visit in Alaska, period. The bonus is that they’re all within easy reach of Anchorage! Since the Anchorage area is one of the most popular bases for travelers in Alaska, this guide will help you plan your glacier excursions (or even multi-day trips) out of Alaska’s biggest city.
Glaciers North of Anchorage
1. Knik Glacier
Just an hour from Anchorage, Knik Glacier is a breathtaking wave of ice tucked in the rugged Chugach Mountains. Spanning over 25 miles, it’s one of the largest glaciers in southcentral Alaska, and its towering ice walls, blue pools, and deep crevasses are nothing short of stunning. The best way to take in Knik Glacier’s beauty is by helicopter tour (various adventurous options for this outlined below), or alternatively, by ATV tour through the Knik River Valley out to the foot of the glacier.
Without a guided tour, you can really only view the glacier from afar. The easiest way to see it (disclaimer: at a pretty hefty distance) for free is by hiking the short West Butte Trail in Palmer.
How to get there: Drive about 1 hour north of Anchorage to the Palmer / Knik River Valley area. Alaska Glacier Lodge is one of the most popular other heli-tour bases. From there, you'll take a helicopter flight out to the glacier. Or, if you're booking an ATV tour, you will drive to Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours' base right across the river.
>> Helicopter Flight + Glacier Landing
>> Helicopter Flight + Paddleboarding on the Glacier (an epic bucket list trip)
>> Full Day Knik Glacier ATV Tour
Knik Glacier from above
Landing at the blue pools
2. Matanuska Glacier
Matanuska Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, where you can walk on the ice essentially just minutes after parking your car. Wild! Located roughly a 2 hour drive north of Anchorage, it's a very popular day trip.
After driving right up to the glacier's tour building, you'll join a (required) guided excursion to safely explore the ice caves, crevasses, and gorgeous blue ice formations. The tours offered right on-site bring you to the terminus of the glacier for a 2-3 hour trek along the ice. It's a must-do glacier experience in Alaska.
Or, if you want a little more adventure, opt for an alternative tour/guiding company like NOVA Guides. With them, you can even book an all-day backcountry ice climbing excursion on the glacier!
Not interested in a guided tour? Hike the short but steep neighboring Lion's Head Trail to get a bird's-eye view of the expansive glacier. Important note: This hike does require a quick phone call to "sign in" to the trail, since it’s on private land. Details are posted at the trailhead.
How to get there: Drive ~2 hours north from Anchorage on the Glenn Highway. Access to the glacier is through a privately owned area at milepost 102 (tour & access point location), and a guided tour is required to walk on the ice.
Matanuska Glacier
Walking on the glacier
Glaciers South of Anchorage
3. Byron Glacier
If you're looking for an easy, low-key glacier hike, Byron Glacier is the one. The trailhead is roughly a one hour drive south of Anchorage - perfect for pairing with a visit to the little mountain town of Girdwood on the Turnagain Arm.
The trail is a mostly flat, 2.4 mile round-trip walk that leads you to a lovely viewpoint of the blue-hued glacier hanging in the valley. While you can't walk on Byron Glacier itself, you get close enough to feel the cool air coming off the ice and take in the dramatic surrounding landscape. There are typically some ice caves that you can peek into, as well (but not walk into, since they are super unstable).
How to get there: Drive about 1 hour south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. The trailhead is located just past the Begich Boggs Visitor Center near Portage Lake. Parking is simple, free, and the trailhead departs directly from the lot.
Snow & ice caves in the valley
Looking up at Byron Glacier
4. Portage Glacier
My personal favorite on the list! Portage Glacier is a must-see if you’re heading south from Anchorage. Located about 90 minutes away from downtown Anchorage, this glacier used to fill the whole Portage Valley, but has since receded. You can still catch amazing views by hiking the Portage Pass Trail.
This beloved trail takes you over a scenic pass (where you'll get 360° ocean, mountain, and glacier views!) and then down to the shore of Portage Lake, right smack in front of the glacier. From the beach, you’ll get those gorgeous glacier views and maybe even see ice calving into the water. Pro tip: This beach area is prime for a lakeside picnic.
How to get there: Drive roughly 1.5 hours south from Anchorage along the Seward Highway, eventually turning onto Portage Glacier Road. You'll then need to pass through the Whittier Tunnel (a toll road), which is a one-way tunnel that switches directions every 30 minutes. You'll take this from Portage Valley into Whittier to reach the Portage Pass trailhead.
Portage Glacier
5. Exit Glacier & the Harding Icefield
Located near the lovely coastal town of Seward, Exit Glacier is about a 2.5 hour drive south of Anchorage. It's one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, with a network of trails leading to different viewpoints. The easy Exit Glacier overlook trail is perfect for getting a closer vantage point of the glacier, without hiking too far into the mountains.
For anyone looking to go all out, the more strenuous ~8.5 mile round-trip Harding Icefield Trail takes you up alongside the glacier, eventually ending at some breathtaking expansive views of the massive icefield that feeds it. It's a pretty challenging hike, but the payoff is one of the most spectacular sights in Kenai Fjords National Park - or possibly all of Alaska, but I’ll leave that up for debate!
How to get there: Drive 2.5 hours south to Seward, then turn onto Herman Leirer Road (also known as Exit Glacier Road) which you'll follow to the very end, where the Kenai Fjords National Park Nature Center and the trailheads are located.
>> Visiting Seward on your Alaska trip? Read these travel guides next:
10 Best Things to Do in Seward (+ Hidden Gems)
Best Places to Stay in Seward, Alaska
Entering the park
View of Exit Glacier from the overlook trail
6. Spencer Glacier
Spencer Glacier is a remote beauty that you can only get to by train, between late May to mid-September. The Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train makes a special backcountry stop right at Spencer Glacier's access trail, called the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. How cool is that?
At the glacier, you can choose your own adventure: go for a hike to the overlook of the glacier on Spencer Lake at just 1.3 miles each way (trail map), join a guided rafting trip on Spencer Lake among the icebergs (be sure to book in advance as a combo with your train tickets!), or even plan to stay the night at a campsite or cabin before catching the next day's return train.
How to get there: Board the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train from Anchorage, Girdwood, or Portage. You'll definitely want to book tickets in advance! Once you're dropped off at the Spencer Whistle Stop station, you will have just about 3 hours to explore before the train returns to pick you up. Be sure to check out the full train schedule for the Glacier Discovery Train.
7. Raven Glacier
Love to hike? Then the trek to Raven Glacier is one that you definitely shouldn't miss. This adventure takes you through a breathtaking section of the iconic Crow Pass Trail. While the full trail spans much farther, you'll only need to tackle a ~7.5-mile round-trip hike to see the beautiful Raven Glacier. Be prepared for a decent workout though - this route includes an elevation gain of over 2,400 feet.
Starting in Girdwood, about 45 minutes south of Anchorage, the trail immediately immerses you in Alaskan wilderness. Once you've hiked to reach the glacier overlook point, you'll have an up-close view looking down on the ice. For those wanting to extend their adventure to an overnight trek, you can even plan to book a stay at the public-use A-frame cabin along the trail - but be aware, booking far in advance is essential!
How to get there: Drive roughly 45 minutes south of Anchorage to the town of Girdwood. After a few miles of driving down a dirt access road, you’ll park for free at the trailhead. Then, start your hiking ascent along the Crow Pass Trail (which Raven Glacier is a part of).
Honorable Mention: the Glaciers in Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise: If you want to see multiple glaciers in one day (we're talking over 20 glaciers in one sitting!), book a glacier cruise out of Whittier. This full-day tours take you through the gorgeous fjords of Prince William Sound, where you'll see massive tidewater glaciers calving directly into the ocean. They also provide a delicious lunch right onboard, and a “no seasickness” guarantee - yes, please.
Prince William Sound Glacier Jetski Tour: Not into cruises? More of an adrenaline junkie? (My hand is raised!) This jetski tour out of Whittier with Glacier Jetski Adventures is the dream for getting up close to Alaska's glaciers while also embracing adventure. At their base in Whittier, you'll be outfitted with drysuits and given a full run-down of the SEADOO, before heading out on the water. Yes, you'll be driving your own jetski! And of course, the group is led by a pro guide. This is a super fun and very unique way to experience the glaciers in Price William Sound.
Glacier Tours out of Anchorage
If you’re not planning to rent a car in Alaska, or simply want to take some planning off your plate, opt for one of these guided glacier tours that depart directly from Anchorage! Transportation to / from the glacier is included, as well as the excursion itself.
Day Trip & Glacier Hike: Matanuska Glacier Full-Day Tour
Glacier Cruise: Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise (with a transfer from Anchorage option)
Unique Activity: Spencer Glacier Packraft Excursion (with railroad ticket Included)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time of year to visit glaciers in Alaska?
A: The best time to visit is typically during the summer months, from late May to early September. The weather is warmer, days are much longer, and all tours and access roads are open.
Q: Can you see glaciers from Anchorage?
A: Not directly from Anchorage, no. However, you can easily get up-close-and-personal with a glacier in the matter of just an hour or two!
Q: Do I need a guided tour to see the glaciers?
A: For glaciers like Matanuska, a guided tour is required to walk on the ice for safety reasons. For others, like Byron or Exit Glacier, you can hike to viewpoints on your own. Helicopter tours and boat tours are also very popular ways to get closer to that incredible ice.
Q: When is the best time to see the blue pools on a glacier?
A: The famous blue pools are most visible in the summer, usually from late June to early September. They are formed by melting surface ice, so warmer weather and sunshine make them much more prominent! Aim for peak summer months if seeing the vibrant blue pools is on your bucket list.
Q: What should I wear to visit a glacier?
A: Dress in layers! The temperature near a glacier can be quite chilly, even in the summer. Or, it can also be very warm depending on the sunshine - which is why layers are key. Wear sturdy waterproof shoes, a warm jacket, and pack a hat and gloves. Sunglasses are also a must, since the sun reflecting off the ice can be extremely bright.
Final Thoughts
In summary: You simply can't visit Alaska without experiencing a glacier! And luckily, there is no shortage when it comes to options near Anchorage. Whether you're walking on ancient ice at Matanuska or floating among icebergs at Spencer, there are so many incredible ways to witness these beautiful landscapes. I hope this guide helps you plan your own amazing glacier excursions in the Last Frontier. Happy travels!
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7 Beautiful Glaciers Near Anchorage, Alaska & How to Get There
