Matanuska Glacier

The Matanuska Glacier is a ribbon of ice, 27 miles long and 4 miles wide. It is the largest valley glacier in Alaska that is accessible by car. It is only a couple hours drive from Anchorage by way of the Glenn Highway. The drive into the Matanuska Valley is overflowing with breathtaking scenery. And, many opportunities to stop and explore recreation areas and take in the grandeur of the Alaskan landscape. As you make your way in to Glacier View, you’ll get your first glances of the Matanuska. However this is not an entrance to the public.

There are several local outfitters that do operate glacier and adventure tours in this region. The most popular options are MICA Guides (Matanuska Ice Climbing Adventure Guides), as well the ziplining tours provided by Glacier View Adventures. Glacier View ATV Tours runs an ATV adventure through the mountains adjacent to the glacier. And just down the road, Matanuska Glacier Helicopters will take passengers into remote areas of the glacier and over awe-inspiring scenery.

Natural History and Glacial Features

The Matanuska Glacier began its retreat to its present location about 10,000 years ago, and has remained fairly stable over the past 30 years. It is always on the move, traversing the Matanuska Valley at the slow-grinding rate of about a foot per day. This glacial movement is responsible for much of the carved Matanuska Valley you explore today.

The Matanuska forms at the base of the Chugach Mountains, spilling into the valley below. This glacial giant provides the headwaters to the Matanuska River below, a grey silt river perfect for whitewater adventure in the summer months. As you adventure across the glacier you might find features like crevasses, moulins, ice caves, canyons, and much more.

An Unforgettable Experience

Always ranked as one of the top tourist attractions in Alaska, the scenic view from the highway can only be topped by taking one of the guided tours over or onto the ice. A helicopter tour, ice climbing adventure, hiking just to feel the ice, and experience its grand scale, makes this opportunity unforgettable.

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Local Outfitters

MICA Guides

MICA Guides is locally owned and operated, for over 20 years now. With this experience, MICA Guides (Matanuska Ice Climbing Adventure Guides) provides Glacier Hiking, Ice Climbing, and other Adventures that will go above and beyond your expectations.

Learn About MICA Guides

Glacier View ATV Tours

Glacier View ATV Tours takes you miles up into the hills above the Matanuska Glacier. And, you can ee views impossible to experience by car. This tour will take you way up in the Chugach Mountain Range and into alpine vistas.

Learn About ATV Tours in Glacier View

Glacier View Adventures

Take the G2 Zipline for a high speed thrill. Glacier View Adventures has one of the highest and longest ziplines in Alaska. Simultaneously, this zipline provides some excellent scenic views of the Matanuska Glacier. And, takes you through gentle nature strolls where you are likely to spot some wildlife!

Learn About Glacier View Zipline Tour

Matanuska Glacier Helicopters

Take a helicopter out on to the Matanuska Glacier and explore with experienced guides. MICA Guides, in partnership with Sheep Mountain Air, offers everything from a scenic flight to an overnight adventure on ice.

Learn about Matanuska Glacier Helicopters