Matanuska Glacier Family Tour

Exploring the stunning Matanuska Glacier is a family-friendly adventure that captivates visitors of all ages. This guided tour offers an up-close encounter with the glacier’s breathtaking features, from cascading ice falls to serene glacial lakes. With expert guidance and a focus on safety, participants can discover the glacier’s fascinating geology and formation while creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re seeking an outdoor excursion or a chance to connect with nature, the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour promises an unforgettable experience.

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Key Points

A 3-hour family-friendly tour that includes a 15-minute van ride to the glacier terminus and a 2-hour guided tour on the glacier surface.
Priced starting from $115 per person, with inclusions such as necessary gear, shuttle, and park entry fee.
Tailored experience for all ages, with guides ensuring safe navigation and providing insights on glacier formation and geology.
Not suitable for children under 8 or individuals over 75, with recommended items such as warm clothing, sunglasses, and sturdy shoes.
Easy walk/hike with slippery rocks and ice, with a guide ratio of 1:10 for personalized attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Matanuska Glacier Family Tour offers a 3-hour experience priced from $115.00 per person.

The Matanuska Glacier Family Tour offers a 3-hour experience priced from $115.00 per person.

This tour includes a 15-minute van ride to the glacier terminus, followed by a 2-hour guided tour on the glacier.

The tour highlights features like ice falls, seracs, and a pristine lake, and allows for refilling water bottles with glacier water.

It’s family-friendly, with expert guides tailoring the experience to suit abilities of all ages.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot and pay later.

Looking for more options in Anchorage? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting with a 15-minute van ride to the glacier terminus, the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour then takes guests on a 2-hour guided walk across the pristine ice.

Along the way, adventurers will encounter stunning ice falls, towering seracs, and a peaceful glacial lake. The expert guides tailor the experience to suit participants’ abilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural wonders.

Guests can even refill their water bottles with the glacier’s crystal-clear meltwater.

With plenty of opportunities to learn about glacier formation and geology, this family-friendly tour delivers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

Guided Experience

As guests embark on the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour, they’re led by expert guides who tailor the experience to their abilities, ensuring enjoyment for all ages.

These guides provide valuable insights on the glacier’s formation, environment, and geology. Guests encounter fascinating features like crevasses, moulins, and the ever-changing terrain of the glacier.

The guides’ expertise allows them to navigate the landscape safely while sharing their deep knowledge, making the tour both educational and thrilling.

Families can appreciate the guides’ careful attention to their needs, creating a memorable and engaging experience on the Matanuska Glacier.

Inclusions and Meeting Point

The Matanuska Glacier Family Tour includes a guided glacier tour, an experienced instructor, necessary gear, a shuttle to the glacier, transportation to the meeting point, and the park entry fee.

Guided glacier tour, experienced instructor, necessary gear, shuttle and transportation included, as well as park entry fee.

Guests meet at mile marker 96.5 on the Glenn Highway, at the Hicks Creek bridge, and follow the driveway to the camp location.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 or people over 75. Guests should bring warm clothing, sunglasses, a camera, sunscreen, water, a jacket, and warm shoes.

Drones aren’t allowed.

Fees are $45 per adult, $25 for teens, and $30 for Alaska residents, military, and seniors.

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Important Information

Although the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour is suitable for families and seniors, it’s not recommended for children under 8 years old or people over 75 years of age.

Participants should bring warm clothing, sunglasses, a camera, sunscreen, water, a jacket, and warm shoes. Drones aren’t allowed on the tour.

Entry fees vary:

$45 per adult (17+)
$25 for teens (13-16)
$30 for Alaska residents, military, and seniors (65+).

The guide-to-client ratio is 1:10, with multiple guides for larger tours.

The terrain involves an easy walk/hike with slippery rocks and ice, making it appropriate for families and seniors.

There's plenty more to explore in Anchorage

Preparing for the Tour

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Matanuska Glacier Family Tour, participants should prepare themselves accordingly. The tour requires warm, layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and sun protection. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, while a camera and water bottle are highly recommended. Visitors should also bring any necessary medications and familiarize themselves with the tour’s physical requirements. The following table outlines the recommended packing list:

| Items | Importance | Notes |

| ———————— | ———- | ————————————— |

| Warm, Layered Clothing | Essential | Prepare for changing weather conditions |

| Sturdy Hiking Shoes | Essential | Provide traction on ice and rocks |

| Sunglasses | Essential | Protect eyes from glare |

| Sunscreen | Essential | Prevent sunburn |

| Camera | Recommended| Capture memorable moments |

| Water Bottle | Recommended| Stay hydrated |

| Medications (if needed) | Essential | Bring any required personal medications|

Accessibility and Safety

While the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour is designed to be family-friendly, participants must consider the accessibility and safety aspects of the experience.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 or people over 75, as the terrain can be challenging. Guests should wear warm, sturdy footwear and bring layers, as the glacier environment can be cold and unpredictable.

Drones are prohibited for safety reasons. The guide-to-client ratio is 1:10, ensuring personalized attention.

Though the walk/hike is easy, the slippery rocks and ice require caution. This tour offers an accessible, yet safe, way for families to explore the glacier.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Visitors can reserve their spot on the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour and pay later. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility allows guests to plan their trip with confidence.

The booking process includes:

Selecting the tour date and time.
Providing contact and payment information.
Receiving a confirmation email with all the necessary details.

This easy, hassle-free booking system makes planning the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour a breeze. Guests can secure their spot and finalize payment closer to the tour date, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Matanuska Glacier?

The best time to visit the Matanuska Glacier is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is milder and there’s less snow, making it easier to explore the glacier’s features.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour. The tour operator has a strict policy against bringing animals due to safety concerns for both your and the pets on the glacier.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour offers group discounts. According to the information, groups can receive discounted pricing, though the exact discount amount is not specified. Travelers should inquire about group rates when booking the Matanuska Glacier Family Tour.

Do I Need Special Equipment or Gear?

The tour includes all necessary gear such as crampons, ice axes, and helmets. Participants should wear warm, weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes. Any special equipment needed for the glacier hike is provided by the tour operator.

How Fit Do I Need to Be to Participate in the Tour?

The tour is suitable for families and seniors, with an easy walk/hike on the glacier. The guides tailor the experience to participants’ abilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the tour regardless of fitness level.

The Sum Up

The Matanuska Glacier Family Tour offers an unforgettable adventure for all ages. With a scenic van ride, guided glacier exploration, and expert insights, this tour provides an opportunity to witness the glacier’s stunning natural features. Families can create lasting memories while learning about the formation and geology of this impressive natural wonder. It’s an ideal outing for those seeking an engaging and safe outdoor experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: