Alaska is home to some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring glaciers in the world. With over 100,000 glaciers covering about 5% of the state, visitors have numerous opportunities to experience these natural wonders up close. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best ways to experience Alaska’s glaciers, from walk-up access to boat tours, helicopter rides, and trekking adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a unique experience, Alaska’s glaciers have something to offer.
Walk-Up Glaciers
For those looking for a more intimate and self-guided experience, Alaska offers several walk-up glaciers that can be accessed on foot. One of the most popular is the Exit Glacier, located near Seward. The Exit Glacier is a short drive from Seward and can be accessed via the Harding Icefield Trail, a 4.1-mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. The trail takes you through a lush forest and eventually opens up to stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. The GPS coordinates for the trailhead are 60.1842, -149.6633.
Another walk-up glacier is the Matanuska Glacier, located off the Glenn Highway. While it’s possible to walk up to the glacier, many visitors opt for a guided ice walk, which costs around $100 per person. The ice walk takes you onto the glacier, where you can explore ice caves, crevasses, and other unique features. The Matanuska Glacier is located at 61.7833, -147.5333.
Other walk-up glaciers include the Portage Glacier, located near Whittier, and the Worthington Glacier, located near Valdez. The Portage Glacier can be accessed via a short hike from the Begich Boggs Visitor Center, while the Worthington Glacier can be accessed via a short drive from Valdez. The GPS coordinates for the Portage Glacier are 60.7833, -148.8167, and the Worthington Glacier are 61.1667, -145.7333.
The Mendenhall Glacier, located near Juneau, is another popular walk-up glacier. The glacier is surrounded by a beautiful lake and can be accessed via a short hike from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The GPS coordinates for the visitor center are 58.4333, -134.5667. One of the unique features of the Mendenhall Glacier is its stunning ice caves, which can be explored on a guided tour.
The Root Glacier, located near McCarthy, is a more remote walk-up glacier that offers stunning views and unique features. The glacier can be accessed via a short hike from the town of McCarthy, and visitors can explore the glacier on their own or with a guided tour. The GPS coordinates for the Root Glacier are 61.4333, -142.8.
Walk-Up Glacier Details
| Glacier | Location | GPS Coordinates | Access | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exit Glacier | Seward | 60.1842, -149.6633 | Harding Icefield Trail | Free |
| Matanuska Glacier | Glenn Highway | 61.7833, -147.5333 | Guided ice walk | $100 |
| Portage Glacier | Whittier | 60.7833, -148.8167 | Short hike from visitor center | Free |
| Worthington Glacier | Valdez | 61.1667, -145.7333 | Short drive from Valdez | Free |
| Mendenhall Glacier | Juneau | 58.4333, -134.5667 | Short hike from visitor center | Free |
| Root Glacier | McCarthy | 61.4333, -142.8 | Short hike from McCarthy | Free |
Boat Tours
For those looking for a more leisurely experience, Alaska offers several boat tours that take you up close to its stunning glaciers. One of the most popular boat tours is the Kenai Fjords tour, which departs from Seward. The tour takes you through the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can see glaciers, whales, and other wildlife. The cost of the tour ranges from $200 to $350 per person, depending on the length and type of tour.
Another popular boat tour is the 26 Glacier Cruise, which departs from Whittier. The tour takes you through the stunning Prince William Sound, where you can see 26 different glaciers, as well as whales, sea lions, and other wildlife. The cost of the tour is $199 per person.
Other boat tours include the Glacier Bay tour, which departs from Juneau, and the Columbia Glacier tour, which departs from Valdez. The Glacier Bay tour takes you through the stunning Glacier Bay National Park, where you can see glaciers, whales, and other wildlife. The Columbia Glacier tour takes you up close to the stunning Columbia Glacier, where you can see icebergs and other unique features.
The Portage Glacier cruise is another popular option, which departs from Whittier and takes you up close to the stunning Portage Glacier. The cost of the tour is $42 per person.
Boat Tour Details
| Tour | Location | Cost | Duration | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenai Fjords Tour | Seward | $200-$350 | 6-8 hours | Glaciers, whales, wildlife |
| 26 Glacier Cruise | Whittier | $199 | 6 hours | 26 glaciers, whales, wildlife |
| Glacier Bay Tour | Juneau | $200-$300 | 8-10 hours | Glaciers, whales, wildlife |
| Columbia Glacier Tour | Valdez | $100-$200 | 4-6 hours | Glaciers, icebergs, wildlife |
| Portage Glacier Cruise | Whittier | $42 | 1 hour | Portage Glacier, wildlife |
Helicopter Tours
For those looking for a truly unique and exhilarating experience, Alaska offers several helicopter tours that take you up close to its stunning glaciers. One of the most popular helicopter tours is the Juneau Mendenhall Glacier tour, which takes you over the stunning Mendenhall Glacier and surrounding mountains. The cost of the tour ranges from $300 to $500 per person, depending on the length and type of tour.
Another popular helicopter tour is the Denali flightseeing tour, which takes you over the stunning Denali National Park and Preserve. The tour offers breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. The cost of the tour ranges from $350 to $500 per person, depending on the length and type of tour.
Some helicopter tours also offer dog sledding on the glacier, which is a unique and exhilarating experience. The cost of the dog sledding tour ranges from $500 to $700 per person, depending on the length and type of tour.
Helicopter Tour Details
| Tour | Location | Cost | Duration | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Tour | Juneau | $300-$500 | 1-2 hours | Mendenhall Glacier, surrounding mountains |
| Denali Flightseeing Tour | Denali National Park | $350-$500 | 1-2 hours | Denali National Park, glaciers, mountains, wildlife |
| Dog Sledding Tour | Juneau | $500-$700 | 2-3 hours | Dog sledding on the glacier, Mendenhall Glacier, surrounding mountains |
Trekking and Climbing
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, Alaska offers several trekking and climbing options that take you up close to its stunning glaciers. One of the most popular trekking options is the Matanuska Glacier trek, which takes you onto the glacier and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trek requires crampons and can be done on your own or with a guided tour. The cost of the guided tour ranges from $200 to $500 per person, depending on the length and type of tour.
Another popular trekking option is the Root Glacier trek, which takes you onto the glacier and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trek can be done on your own or with a guided tour, and the cost of the guided tour ranges from $200 to $500 per person, depending on the length and type of tour. St. Elias Guides offers guided treks to the Root Glacier, which include glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and ice climbing.
The Spencer Glacier trek is another popular option, which takes you onto the glacier and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trek can be done on your own or with a guided tour, and the cost of the guided tour ranges from $200 to $500 per person, depending on the length and type of tour. Alaska Railroad offers guided treks to the Spencer Glacier, which include glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and ice climbing.
Trekking and Climbing Details
| Trek | Location | Cost | Duration | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matanuska Glacier Trek | Glenn Highway | $200-$500 | 1-3 days | Matanuska Glacier, surrounding mountains |
| Root Glacier Trek | McCarthy | $200-$500 | 1-3 days | Root Glacier, surrounding mountains |
| Spencer Glacier Trek | Alaska Railroad | $200-$500 | 1-3 days | Spencer Glacier, surrounding mountains |
Glacier Science
Glaciers are unique and fascinating features of Alaska’s landscape. They are formed when snow accumulates and compresses into ice over time, and they can move and change shape due to their own weight and gravity. Glaciers play a crucial role in Alaska’s ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife and helping to regulate the state’s climate.
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), glaciers cover about 5% of Alaska’s land area, and they are found in every region of the state. The ADFG also notes that glaciers are an important indicator of climate change, as they are sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation.
For more information on glacier science and climate change, visit the ADFG website at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/.
Safety Tips
When visiting Alaska’s glaciers, it’s essential to take safety precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Always wear proper gear, including crampons, ice axes, and warm clothing.
Be aware of your surroundings and watch for crevasses, ice caves, and other hazards.
Never approach a glacier alone, and always travel with a partner or guide.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including snow, ice, and high winds.
Bring plenty of food, water, and emergency supplies, including a first aid kit and a satellite phone.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Alaska’s glaciers is during the summer months, from May to September. During this time, the weather is generally warmer and drier, and the glaciers are more accessible. However, it’s essential to be prepared for changing weather conditions, including snow, ice, and high winds, even during the summer months.
Getting There
Alaska’s glaciers are located throughout the state, and the best way to get to them depends on the specific location. Here are some general tips for getting to Alaska’s glaciers:
Fly into Anchorage or Fairbanks, and then take a smaller plane or drive to the glacier location.
Use a guided tour or shuttle service to get to the glacier, especially if you’re not experienced with glacier travel.
Be prepared for long drives and rough roads, especially in rural areas.
Costs and Permits
The cost of visiting Alaska’s glaciers varies depending on the location and type of activity. Here are some general estimates:
Guided tours: $100-$500 per person, depending on the length and type of tour.
Glacier trekking and climbing: $200-$500 per person, depending on the length and type of tour.
Boat tours: $200-$500 per person, depending on the length and type of tour.
Helicopter tours: $300-$700 per person, depending on the length and type of tour.
Permits are required for some glacier activities, including glacier trekking and climbing. The cost of permits varies depending on the location and type of activity, but they are generally around $10-$20 per person.
In conclusion, Alaska’s glaciers are a unique and fascinating feature of the state’s landscape. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely boat tour or an adventurous trekking and climbing experience, Alaska’s glaciers have something to offer. By following safety tips and taking necessary precautions, you can have a fun and memorable experience exploring Alaska’s stunning glaciers.