Those wanting more can make the strenuous 8.2-mile round-trip hike up the Harding Icefield Trail for spectacular views of the massive ice field. We narrowed those trips down to the glaciers under 150 miles or a two- to three-hour drive from Anchorage. There are three areas south of Anchorage you can go check out a glacier, and they're all doable as a day trip. Feel the thrill of exploring the Alaskan wilderness while driving your own snowmobile over the tundra, looking for wildlife and taking in amazing views. Portage Glacier is only accessible on foot during the wintertime when the conditions are just right. In fact, there are60 glaciers within 50 miles of Anchorage. Icebergs from the glacier bob in the waters of Portage Lake, while at the visitor center, travelers can see live ice worms, explore a simulated ice cave, and touch an iceberg. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. They feed the nearby stream systems that harbor many species of salmon and trout. Whittier is the launching point for many cruises in Prince William Sound, which boasts more tidewater glaciers than any other region in North America. For a truly high-altitude glacier visit, book a helicopter or bush plane flight severalflightseeing companiesoffer glacier landings inside Denali National Park and have a summer snowball fight in the shadow of North Americas tallest mountain. Highlights plus less visited destinations. more, The original hallmark trip that got the Alaska Railroad to stop at Spencer Glacier in 2002.
A Guide to Glaciers Near Anchorage Map It's easy to see a glacier if you're in Anchorage. There's also a 12-site, tents-only campground near the nature center. Go with Kenai Fjords Tours and afleet of fast, modern boats takes you to tidewater glaciers asyou. Its also a great option if you want to explore ice caves. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary on this unique 4.5hour journey. With approximately 60 glaciers located within just 50 miles of the city, there are plentiful options for icy exploration by foot, air, road, or boat. Distance: 0.5 milesTime: 1 hourDifficulty: Very Easy Distance From Anchorage: 99 miles north. The Harding Icefield trail can be challenging as you gain 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile. Day 1 9 min read A big part of coming up to Alaska is seeing the intense landscapes of the Arctic, and that means seeing glaciers. This is the most popular glacier to visit from Anchorage, and for good reason. Byron Glacier sits on the other side of the boulder field. Drive the dogs yourself, or sit in the sled and enjoy hanging glaciers that surroundyou. How do I find authentic Alaska Native art? Browse by destination. Technically, Portage is no longer a roadside glacier, as it recedes an average of one foot a day and is now no longer visible from the road, but its big blue icebergs are often found along the shore of the lake, right in front of the parking area. Where can I store and ship fish in Anchorage? 129 reviews. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. For a truly high-altitude glacier visit, book a flight in a helicopter or bush plane to tour a whole host of glaciers in a single trip. Stunning scenery, athrilling ride and happy puppies: this tour out of the Anchorage area offers an unbeatable combination of classic Alaska experiences that will delight families orreally, anybody. And you can hike it! Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Board Gray Line Alaska's exclusive day boat and cruise iceberg-dotted Portage Lake to within 300 yards of the glacier. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Maybe thats glaciers, or whales,or maybe its quiet time on asecluded beach. Alaska Wild Guides will take you out for one thrilling day, or for several days of exhilarating adventure. The Exit Glacier is a short 1-mile loop that offers easy and epic views. Once there you can walk the trail down to the lakefront, or opt for a tour that gets you closer, which is what we recommend. Experience the wilderness of the Chugach National Forest from several different perspectives. Youll also find: Ahalf-dozen interpretive signs about glaciers, ice creatures, spruce bark Need help planning a trip? You can not get on (or close to) the MG without a tour (or guide). The hike is about 10 miles round-trip. Where is the best bear viewing in Alaska? Tours are also offered through Knik River Lodge. There are 8 Hotels close to Portage Glacier Cruises in Anchorage Hotels Near Portage Glacier Cruises Reviews: There are 962 reviews on Tripadvisor for Hotels nearby: Hotels Near Portage Glacier Cruises Photos: There are 572 photos on Tripadvisor for Hotels nearby Nearest accommodation: 3.80 mi It's touted as one of the few major ice sheets in the world that visitors can drive to and explore on foot. Explore Alaska from above with this family-owned company that operates out of Anchorage. The Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area has 12 campsites, and a 20-minute walk to glacier-viewing platforms, but no direct access to the glacier. It now has a four-mile wide towering face that you can walk right up to and touch. Theres a short, 20-minute stop before the train loops around and heads back to Anchorage. Make sure to plan accordingly. MICA also offers short, guided hikes and longer treks if you prefer amore leisurely explore of the glacier and its grandeur. At this farm, 45minutes from Anchorage, you can see some 70 musk ox, which are so friendlythey. This makes it not so much of a hike, but its definitely one of the easiest ways to stand on top of a glacier in Alaska. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Tour operators offer guided kayaking, ice climbing or trips down the Placer River. Alaska's glaciers are stunning to behold from a distance. Matanuska Glacier If you only have time to visit one glacier, this would be my top choice. Read more: How to See Portage Glacier: Summer vs Winter, Distance: 9 milesTime: 4 hoursDifficulty: ModerateDistance From Anchorage: 45 miles south. Learn more Explore Alaskas backcountry astride aspeedy and fun snowmachine.
Best Things to Do in Anchorage | AlaskaTravel.com - Alaska Tour & Travel The glaciers near Anchorage are among the most accessible. Just 45minutes outside Anchorage, the city gives way to the wilds of Alaska in the Knik River Valley. Thats up to you! How to catch a salmon a short walk from an Anchorage hotel. of Alaska's largest city, you can be looking at some of the most dramatic glacier scenery in the state. Choose aclassic trip, explore one of the states hidden gems, or dream up your own adventure. Visitors can observe the animals up close and learn about the center's conservation efforts. No experience necessary, all gear provided, and warm beverages and snacks included. You can scramble over the boulder field, or try to cross the river to your left and find a trail around the boulder field. The Matanuska Glacier makes for a great day trip from Anchorage, because theres lots to see and do in the area. Who knows? Just 90minutes from Anchorage, the Matanuska Glacier is Alaskas largest road-accessible glacier, and the water running underneath creates ariver thats perfect for rafting. The train continues past Spencer Glacier to Grandview, where Bartlett and Trail glaciers can be seen. The Matanuska Glacier is about a two-hour drive on the Glenn Highway northeast of Anchorage. Rusts Flying Service and Alpine Air are among the companies with such a setup. more, Stunning scenery and happy puppies: this tour out of the Anchorage area offers an unbeatable combination of classic Alaska. Anchorage.net is the official source for Anchorage, Alaska and Southcentral Alaska travel information on everything from outdoor adventures to metropolitan amenities. The views are worth it. Within just an hour or two (quicker by plane!) #18 Best Value of 348 places to stay in Girdwood. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. (Update 2021 - Only tours are offered on the glacier summer of 2021). This is the closest glacier to Anchorage, but you won't find crowds because there isn't a trail after the halfway point, says Alaska veteran and longtime BACKPACKER field editor Steve Howe. Crevasses and moulins (deep holes) form in the glacier. Strap on crampons, grab an ice axe, and go vertical; experiencedclimbing guidescan help even novices climb Alaskas glaciers. United States ; Alaska (AK) Anchorage ; Anchorage Travel Forum; Search. Alpine Air Alaska flies to adog camp run by the oldest established dog-sled tour business in Alaska. TurnleftontoCrow Creek Road. Exit Glacier is the only glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by road (and received a visit from former President Barack Obama in 2015). With Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours, you can experience glaciers inaccessible by road. more, With the pros at MICA guides, you dont need any experience to safely go ice climbing. Remember glaciers are powerful and unpredictable: Enjoy them safely by sticking to the trail and following all posted signage, or connect with a knowledgeable local guide for an up-close encounter with these ancient rivers of ice. One of the most popular first hikes for families with small children, the one-mile trail to awaterfall. Several pullouts allow for viewing.
Glacier Ice Caves Near Anchorage: The Best in Alaska 2023 Keep an eye out for summertime ice-climbers at this most impressive roadside glacier. Girdwood was once known as Glacier City, and a glance into the surrounding mountains shows why. Ride on groomed trails beneath massive, 7,000-foot glaciated peaks. Some land on the different glaciers. After a short five-minute helicopter ride, you'll arrive at a glacier where you'll meet your tour guides. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Getting There: Drive or arrange for a bus transfer when you book your boat tour.
The 6 Best Ice Caves Near Anchorage Alaska Dog sled in summer! Byron Glacier is touted as being highly accessible for all ages. Theres also good glacier viewing and traversing on the multiday Mint-Bomber Traverse for more advanced outdoor explorers. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Alaska Railroads Glacier Discovery Train, The Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area, Winter access is $100 per person for first-time visitors, guided only. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Several companies offerguided day hikesor climbs on Matanuska and other glaciers near Anchorage. This is another great option if you're short on time, but don't have the budget for a flightseeing tour. This is a very popular winter hike, so its more than likely youll find an existing trail. More information about tours can be found with a simple online search. 176 Miles | 283 km Travel by: plane foot drive Home Plan Your Trip Itineraries Glacier Adventure Glacier Adventure Catch a flightseeing tour, ride a snowmobile, lace up your hiking boots, or climb aboard a glacier cruise. Youll climb the valley through cottonwood and alder forests until you make it well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the 700-square-mile Icefield. Here are Alaska's seven best roadside glaciers: Note: Stepping out of your car to scratch the face of a blue ice glacier is awe-inspiring. The Matanuska Glacier parking lot will be at the end. Can you see the northern lights from Anchorage? Hikers can continue on past the glacier, or turn around. Go with Alaska Wild Guides out of Whittier to experience the areas unique sights and sounds while skimming across the top of the water on your own personal watercraft. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. 5000 A St, Highway 1 East/Seward Highway, Anchorage, AK 99503-7400. Carving an ancient path through Chugach National Forest, Spencer Glacier towers over iceberg-studded Seward sits on the edge of Resurrection Bay, a deep fjord carved out by a glacier thousands of years ago. You can do a two-mile hike here along a sometimes treacherously narrow ridge, or you can also just do a short, paved hike to a viewing platform. Keeprightto continue onPortage Lake Loop, follow signs forPortage Glacier/Begich Boggs Visitor Center. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, NOVA Alaska Guides Matanuska Glacier Tours, NOVA Alaska Guides Matanuska Glacier Float, MICA Guides Glacier Trekking & Ice Climbing, Dall Sheep Viewing at Sheep Mountain, Glenn Highway. Flute Glacier can be reached by walking to Eagle Lake, then heading another 2 miles up the valley to the toe of the glacier. This is such great information, I cannot wait to check out some of these glaciers I havent been to yet!! Find hidden ice caves and remote glaciers while navigating along frozen rivers and through deep powder. Hop aboard an eco-friendly snowmobile in Girdwood and ride on groomed trails beneath massive, 7,000-foot glaciated peaks or visit the dazzling blue ice of Spencer Glacier. Feel the thrill of exploring the Alaskan wilderness while driving your own snowmobile over the tundra, looking for wildlife and. Alaska has over 100,000 glaciers and seeing one is a bucket-list item for many visitors. You can find information on Matanuska Glacier Adventure Tours. Here are five glacier hikes near Anchorage. Highlights plus less visited destinations.
Alaska Glacier Directory Does the rental car need to be four-wheel drive?
Find the best sandwiches in Anchorage, Alaska. Experience the thrill of piloting your own ATV or UTV through gorgeous Alaskan backcountry with glacier views just outside. of Alaska's largest city, you can be looking at some of the most dramatic glacier scenery in the state.
6 Amazing Alaska Glaciers You Can Drive Right Up To Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Located 45minutes from Anchorage, the Musk Ox farm project was conceived in the 1950s as an agrarian opportunity for villagers in Western Alaska; today its afascinating look at an animal (and away of life) that was perilously close to extinction. How to get to Raven Glacier from Anchorage: Take the Glenn Highway South and take a left at Alyeska Highway towards Girdwood.
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