Hiking in Anchorage: the 5 Best Guided Hikes

1.Glacier Hike on Matanuska Glacier – Best Vacation Value

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 463 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $325Our pick

Leave Anchorage at 8:00 am for a scenic drive through the Matanuska Valley, then walk on Matanuska Glacier with provided traction gear and a trained glacier guide. Expect about two hours on the ice, narrow passages, blue formations, and stops in Palmer and Eagle River. Guides such as Patrick, Holly, Hunter, and Grace are praised for local stories and photo help.

“Great day for a very interesting experience. Not difficult at all. The guides were very professional and helpful. At no time did I feel unsafe. Jason and Aaron were the best!”

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2.Matanuska Glacier Hike Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 396 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $329

Leave Anchorage in a small Mercedes Sprinter van for a full day at Matanuska Glacier. You’ll walk on the ice for about two hours with spikes, helmets, and poles, then stop for lunch at a lodge overlooking the glacier. Guides such as Lori, Tony, Alyssa, and Jason add local stories and glacier know-how along the way.

“It is a beautiful place, Lori was great and very kind, totally recommend the activity. The experience was truly delightful, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful adventure. Lori's warm personality made the entire journey even more enjoyable. The place itself is breathtaking, and the activity was nothing short of exceptional. I am so glad I chose this option for my trip.”

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3.Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike And Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 216 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $310Best value

Travel from downtown Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier in a small group of up to 14. Your driver shares Alaska stories along the Glenn Highway, then a glacier guide leads a roughly three-hour walk among blue ice, crevasses, and mountain views. Gear, water, snacks, and transportation are included. Lunch is not.

“So much fun and so beautiful!! I was so glad we did this. The scenery was amazing and a very unique experience.”

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4.Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $310

Travel from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier for a guided ice walk through blue ice, crevasses, and towering walls. Crampons and snow pants are supplied, and groups are limited to 14. The day also includes Glenn Highway scenery, a Palmer grocery stop, and a brief local honey and wine visit.

“Guide was fantastic. Offered a 360 drone of the glacier and group along the way. We had an adventurous group and believe we were able to hike a little higher than some other groups. Great experience.”

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5.Anchorage: Matanuska Glacier Hike with Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 20 reviews · 8 hours · from $329

You’ll travel from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier in a small group of up to 13 people, then spend about three hours hiking across ice with an English-speaking guide. Expect crevasses, towering ice formations, glacier geology, included safety gear, gloves, and snow pants, plus hotel or Airbnb pickup.

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