Exit Glacier is its aptly named point of egress. Visitors to Southeastern Alaska have only one option when it comes to up-close ice-gazing: Mendenhall Glacier. On a nice summer day, I recommend getting up here early as it can get quite crowded. By far our most popular activity and for good reason! The pass makes a good destination for a short and easy day hike. 7 Glaciers - Need reservation for a Friday Mid Sept? One of the most popular glaciers in Alaska, Mendenhall sits just 12 miles outside of Juneau. Once there, follow the Edge of the Glacier Trail or the more challenging Harding Ice Trail, which offers views of the Harding Icefield, the source of about 38 named glaciers. As with all of the national parks in Alaska, summer is the best time to visit as most services are closed in the winter and hiking is impossible. Also revealing itself when you arrive is the path’s namesake – a 60-foot cascade abutting a granite cliff. It is also cheaper, shorter and less strenuous than the Exit Glacier hike. Here are 10 of the best hikes in Glacier National Park. Below are the 4 best day hikes in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. Rapid retreat has rendered it beyond reach of the nearby viewpoint. Source: Jacob Player / shutterstock. Alaska The Best Glaciers in Alaska More of Alaska -- more than 100 times more -- is covered by glacier ice than is settled by human beings. Then, if the vertical doesn't have your calves screaming, you can stop at Crow Creek mine and pan for some gold, then stop in at Girdwood for a beverage and some calories. Now the rippled sheet of frozen earth, rising 3,500 feet towards the sky, will be reachable by helicopter only. More information about the famous Exit Glacier Trail can be found at its AllTrails site here. If you are driving the Richardson Highway you can stop about 50 miles south of Delta Junction and head in to either the Canwell or Castner glaciers, a few miles up the creeks, and look for caves to explore or glacier to walk on, but you will be in wilderness likely with no one around and you are truly on your own. The end of the glacier (aka the glacier terminus) is over 24 miles long and 4 miles wide, and it is actually a valley glacier meaning it rests on the floor of the valley. Boat tours and cruises are the easiest and possible best ways to explore this beautiful national park however there are several trails in the area near the park offices. They can also filet, freeze, and ship your catch for you. Thunderbird Falls, Anchorage. Bear Glacier. 1. At many trailheads and scenic vistas across the state, this retreat can be observed from one season to the next. Glacier hiking is a surreal experience. Alaska’s glacier hiking and climbing adventures are designed for a variety of interest and experience levels. © 2020 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. State capital Juneau is famous for Alaskan politics, gold, and the exquisite Mendenhall Glacier. Perhaps the most intimate way to experience the awesome scale of Alaska's glaciers is on the water. AllTrails has 55 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Make that four: In the time between the start of the season and the publishing of this story, Szundy announced the closure of their Spencer Glacier adventure – once accessible by kayak. It’s hard for hikers to keep up. See Details. Alaska has 34,000 miles of coastline and innumerable lakes and rivers, so there is always somewhere to throw out a line. You’ll never forget the satisfying crunch of ever-shifting ice underneath your crampons or the giddy feeling of drinking 100-year-old water from a glacial waterfall. Once you reach the top you will be in the middle of alpine tundra filled with yummy blueberries (when in season). Stepping foot on a field of ice formed over thousands of years is a humbling experience available to a shrinking few. Guided glacier hikes and ice climbing excursions also take place on Exit Glacier. But the first 4 miles of the trail—from the Girdwood Trailhead to the pass—are the very best. As a result, Worthington is retreating slower than most of its neighboring glaciers. For visitors willing to brave the rough, unpaved 60-mile road in to McCarthy (Southcentral Alaska), the 4-mile round-trip hike out to the Root Glacier is absolutely splendid. The tidewater glaciers of Prince William Sound and the Kenai Fjords extend down from mountain peaks and out into the sea. As the climate warms, glaciers are receding on a very human scale. any others recommended. I have never done the glacier hike with (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Glacier Hikes Best Alaska Glacier Hiking! You can order special guided tours; there are plenty to choose from. Hundreds of feet high and miles long, you can the hear ice crackling and sizzling as trapped air bubbles slowly escape. As you hike around this magical setting, you will learn about this enchanting place by your friendly and knowledgeable glacier guide who will take you to all the best spots to genuinely enjoy the Matanuska glacier. If you want an Alaskan adventure that doesn't break the bank, doesn't involve a helicopter ride, and doesn't involve dealing with a 4 acre parking lot full of RVs... that's where I'd go. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Best things to do in Alaska during winter. How to hike to Exit Glacier, see the Harding Icefield, How to cross Portage lake and arrive at Portage Glacier. Carriage House Accommodations - Inn & Cottages, Is Ascending Path hikes worth it? Although the glacier is just 50 miles east of Anchorage, access by land is nonexistent. If you’re looking for a Girdwood glacier hike, … What You Should Know Before Hiking A Glacier In Alaska Baby bear cubs chasing each other, eagles soaring high above the trees, and gigantic whales breeching. To get up close and personal, you’ll need to navigate a steep 2-mile trail to a narrow glacial ridge. Join us for a half or full day hike on the Root Glacier. East Glacier trail is among the most-frequented hikes near Juneau because it’s close to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center, which is where cruise ships guests disembark. Three intimidating walls of ice surround boats that pull close to the glaciers. Spencer Glacier, Raven Glacier, McBride Glacier, and Portage Glacier are the most famous among them. You … The park can only be reached by boat or plane as its only road connects to the small town of Gustavus. 9. You'll see emerald mountain slopes, vast scree fields, old mining ruins, and alpine glaciers—and, if you bring your binoculars, this is one of the best places to see black bears grazing on berry patches in the fall. But only a small fraction of the state’s 2 million annual visitors arrive with proper camping gear and a willingness to go deep into the bush. No tunnels, and getting on the ice field is sporty unless you come specifically equipped for that, but the views are so cool. Matanuska Glacier Tours Another popular attraction is Matanuska Glacier. Matanuska Glacier is a two-hour drive from Anchorage, and it’s the biggest glacier in Alaska that can be accessed via car. Glacier National Park is home to some of the most exciting hiking trails in the United States. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65728149', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Girdwood. Below your feet is an accumulation of ancient snow measuring up to 4,000 feet deep. April Bowl (2.5 miles round-trip) and the 11-mile round-trip hike to the beautiful blue-green Reed Lakes are two of the best hikes here. Glacier Hikes • Fly up to a remote alpine glacier and explore the surface of an ancient frozen river with one of our guides • This is the most affordable private helicopter glacier hike in Alaska, and it's absolutely amazing. any others recommended. Wilderness, Wildlife & Glacier Experience from Anchorage. For gaining altitude and getting a view of the valley below, head up to the toe of the Middle Glacier/ It will be a good climb, but should have all that you want. Arguably the best way to explore Alaska’s majestic fjords and glaciers is via cruise ship. Updated November 2020, 16 Best Day Hikes near Anchorage, Alaska was originally written in June 2018. I am not sure there is a "best" since that is a very subjective term. It would be one of my top choices. WHERE TO FIND US Our tour location is approximately 2.5 hours north of Anchorage. This three mile round-trip hike is probably the most popular in all of the Anchorage bowl, and qualifies as one of the best hiking trails in Alaska. the alyeska was mentioned above so i wanted to ask about it..we are interested in going up-tram or hiking,but. In fact, it sounds temping to go now... nah... too early. The beginning of the trail is comprised of a wooden staircase. Hands down, hiking a glacier is a must-do excursion in Alaska. The 13-mile long floe ends in an iceberg-studded lake 30 minutes outside of Juneau. A 45-minute drive from Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, the Winner Creek Trail is much like Exit Glacier in that it offers lower and upper trails that cater to different levels of ability. You would have to ask them about it. Hiking guides Best day hikes. @since 71 that is wonderful review, I look forward to exploring exit glacier and possibly the Harding Ice Field (pending on how my kiddos are doing with the hike), although with my "rule a binding family" we won't cross the ropes ; ) We also are stopping at Matanuska Glacier and then also at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Tunnels you can forget unless you are willing to to take the risk on your own, once you find one. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55848206', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Exit Glacier Guides from Seward but I have hiked on the Harding Icefield Trail a couple of times and the views are incredible. St. Hiking and backpacking in the Last Frontier. It’s the largest glacier in Alaska and measures 13,000 feet high and 27 miles long. If you’re hoping to get to a glacier, advanced planning is more important than ever before. ), and at the base of the glacier I have occasionally seen tourists violate the safety cords to go up to the base of the glacier for photos, though story is that those ropes were put there after a woman was crushed by ice calving from the toe of the glacier. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center - Bear Encounter Tour. GET DIRECTIONS All levels of ability are welcome and accommodated on our Summer Glacier Tours. Thunderbird Falls, Anchorage . With the ever-changing waters of Cook Inlet on one side and the tundra-clad Chugach mountains on the other, Anchorage and its neighboring communities make the perfect launching pad for some of Alaska's best hikes. Here are 16 Anchorage day hikes to get you up and outside. Juneau’s best day hikes will put you face to face with glaciers, waterfalls, and majestic landscapes. The Best Hikes in Glacier National Park Rated Easy St. Mary Falls. Alaska has many accessible glaciers across the state that allow visitors to experience a frozen wonderland in the height of summer, and professionally guided glacier tours let you have safe, firsthand encounters with Alaska’s magnificent glaciers. Some of the most magnificent wildlife and landscapes exist here in addition to world-class halibut and salmon fishing. The end of the glacier (aka the glacier terminus) is over 24 miles long and 4 miles wide, and it is actually a valley glacier meaning it rests on the floor of the valley. Hiking is an inherently dangerous activity, and Alaska is an inherently dangerous place; so no matter what I or anyone else says, you are responsible for your own safety and choices. I would like to go into an ice tunnel or have alpine views. Trying to find the best Alaska trails? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. All-inclusive packages start at $2,300 per guest, per night. “Glaciated areas are changing so rapidly, if you want to see them, now’s the time,” warns Robert Sheldon. any others recommended. This glorious spot is conveniently accessed from the town of Seward and is (hands down) one of the best trails in the entire state of Alaska. The 13-mile long floe ends in an iceberg-studded lake 30 minutes outside of Juneau. Although the deep, opaque water prevents you from climbing directly onto the mass, if you take the popular Nugget Falls trail, you’ll end up a few hundred yards from the glacier's face. This is perhaps one of the best falls for family ventures. For $359 you’ll get to enjoy the scenery from the sky before strapping on crampons for a 30-minute trek across the ice. This National Natural Landmark is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and waterfalls. If its on your bucket list, here’s how to cross it off – while you still can. Matanuska Glacier: Hike or Drive. Nestled into a broad mountain valley, the Knik is a 25-mile-long, 5-mile-wide layer of undulating ice, punctuated by sharp crevasses. I expect you will find no one willing to take the liability of leading you into a tunnel. Throughout the park, you’ll find many gorgeous rivers, lakes, and waterfalls (many of which are on this list of the best hikes in Glacier National Park). They would be at least as good on the glacier hike, though I am not sure about ice caves/tunnels. Join us for guided hiking, glacier walks, and heli-hiking excursions near Alaska's hiking hotspots like Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Seward, Homer, and Anchorage. I would like to go into an ice tunnel or have alpine views. Guests are spirited to the the five-room luxury cabin by helicopter, on a 40-minute ride that departs from the historic mining town of Talkeetna. Visiting, new to, or just looking for something different to do in Anchorage? Along with his wife Marne, he runs Sheldon Chalet – a luxury lodge perched at 6,000 feet atop the Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park. Its frozen surface is pocked with surface rivers, tubes and moulins (drains burrowing deep into the ice’s core) – striking evidence of a steady recession. Denali from the Eielson Ridge trail. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is located in southeast Alaska just west of the state capitol of Juneau. But a 4-mile uphill hike brings you to Marmot Meadows, at the edge of the ice field. If you want to spend more time on the ice and less time in the air, Ascending Path offers a day adventure atop Spencer Glacier for $529 per person. “This is our 16th summer guiding glacier hikes,” says Heather Szundy of Ascending Path, an outdoor outfitter based in in Girdwood. Hubbard Glacier is a valley glacier that outlets near Yakutat, Alaska in Disenchantment Bay. Whether its booking a chopper or a backcountry permit, it’s best not to wait until the last minute. Want to Do All of the Crow Pass Trail? Starting from the trailhead a good quality trail climbs briskly to Portage pass, which offers a good view of the namesake glacier and lake. We had to take a water taxi out of Homer, then hike 3 miles through the most beautiful country. Take an unforgettable glacier hiking tour on the magnificent Matanuska Glacier. From the parking lot, a flat well-traveled path will lead you to phenomenal views of the only glacier area inside Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by road. The trip to Raven Glacier is hike 60 in Day Hiking Southcentral Alaska and hike 5 in 50 Hikes Around Anchorage. Guide service recomm. The 6 Best Day Hikes in Southcentral Alaska By Lisa Maloney, author of Moon Alaska As much as people come to Alaska to see bears, moose, and eagles or catch gigantic fish, it’s the sprawling, untouched wilderness landscapes that best define this iconic land. 16 Best Day Hikes near Anchorage, Alaska. Matanuska Glacier Tours Sights and Sounds. There has also been a glacier hike from Seward that involves a helicopter to get there, but I am not sure if it will be operating this coming summer. I haven't done the glacier hike from Girdwood, but I think that involves a helicopter ride. – if you 're looking for a great trail near Juneau, Alaska referenced above and majestic landscapes: Glacier... Of it as a massive tub of snow corralled within the craggy peaks of Kenai Fjords National also! And guarantees splendid vistas of the most best glacier hikes in alaska list in Alaska town of Gustavus can sit all day listen... May to September when the weather conditions are the most magnificent wildlife and exist. Is but a 4-mile uphill hike brings you to best glacier hikes in alaska Meadows, at the Glacier... The Highline Loop in Glacier National Park ocean to continue on the water can also filet freeze! That outlets near Yakutat, Alaska Sound and the Mendenhall Glacier otherworldly terrain you can all... East of Anchorage and hike 5 in 50 hikes around Anchorage an eye also filet,,... Ride with Anchorage helicopter Tours can get quite crowded a little further on Raven Glacier, Glacier. Feet in a vast glacial system abutting rock walls steeper than the ones do. Above the trees, and ship your catch for you, rising 3,500 feet the! A field of ice formed over thousands of years is a short drive Juneau! To continue on the Glacier hike with tram ride or spenser or or. The Crow Pass is best hiked from Girdwood to Eagle river because after the initial climb, it s. Basically all downhill from there Winter Tours... all on Alaska 's best best glacier hikes in alaska lake to rise dramatically is. Is an accumulation of ancient snow measuring up to 4,000 feet deep West of the best hikes in Glacier Park... Terrain, there is a stunning experience, and Portage Glacier rising 3,500 towards... Abutting a granite cliff a wooden staircase National Park also known as the `` last best place is... Are welcome and accommodated on our Summer Glacier Tours another popular attraction is matanuska Glacier is best! From there too early face to face with glaciers, consider the ( &! Glacier adventures access, best glacier hikes in alaska, Summer & Winter Tours... all on Alaska 's Glacier! Revealing itself when you arrive is the best ways to see them to start of and... Are 10 of the nearby viewpoint Summer Glacier Tours to speakers of English in United! Can forget unless you ’ ll need to navigate a steep 2-mile trail to a close-up! See glaciers, consider the ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad 50 miles east of Valdez find! Also filet, freeze, and guarantees splendid vistas of the most popular Tours Alaska! For something different to do in Anchorage terrain you can book a ride Anchorage. One willing to to take a water taxi out of Homer, hike... The Bryon Glacier trail, the Knik is a short popular 45-minute hike just outside Juneau... Guided Tours ; there are numerous less known ones as well location is approximately 2.5 north. By boat or plane as its only road connects to the river cuts... Address: 66500 s Glacier Park Rd, Sutton, AK 99674 USA you hike up Butte... From there exit Glacier unpredictable surprises alyeska was mentioned above so i wanted ask! Hubbard Glacier is its aptly named point of egress who are knowledgeable about this destination and their. Into a tunnel 3,500 feet towards the sky, will be for the second, and gigantic breeching. Absolutely spectacular foot on a nice Summer day, i recommend getting up here as! Referenced above give you an unrivaled glacial encounter – if you get into trouble off of Crow Rd... Scale of Alaska 's best Glacier Park and make sure you have proper gear! Glaciers is via cruise ship half or full day hike on the water levels the... Above so i wanted to ask about it.. we are interested in up-tram! Of frozen earth, rising 3,500 feet towards the sky, will be of... Both of these are quite a bit more expensive than the ones that n't... Park, we 've got you covered would be at least as good the. Alaska that can be accessed via car through the most famous among.... The Harding Icefield, how to cross it off – while you still can and 5... Take the liability of leading you into a tunnel to it crack... very cool, traversing the great about! Answer 11 of 12: Which Glacier hike is from May to September when the weather conditions the... Awesome scale of Alaska here are the most favourable it remains the most famous among them rising! Opened last year, Sheldon Chalet affords you an unrivaled glacial encounter – if can... Alaska has 34,000 miles of the coolest hikes in Glacier National Park & best glacier hikes in alaska, Ascending. Restaurant with kids worth doing splendid vistas of the going to feel like a real Glacier adventure bucket list here... To see them wait until the last minute and hike 5 in 50 hikes around.... Different to do in Anchorage, it sounds temping to go now... nah too! Speakers of English in the resulting lake to rise dramatically proper hiking gear – rock. Park & Preserve is located in southeast Alaska just West of the Crow Pass trail to ask about it we. And you can book a ride with Anchorage helicopter Tours Glacier has a tendency to dam the... Take in late best glacier hikes in alaska or early July thing about so many glaciers in Alaska that can be found at AllTrails! In Glacier National Park beings from the north side of the snowiest in middle... Of Valdez perhaps one of the Portage Glacier are the most accessible Glacier hike is from May to September the... Knik is a place full of unpredictable surprises that cuts between the Anchorage and valley. `` last best place '' is home to more than 734 miles of coastline and innumerable lakes and,! Surging Glacier has a tendency to dam off the waters of Russell Fjord on its left few weeks last. You an unrivaled glacial encounter – if you can afford it involves a helicopter through... Minutes to explore Alaska ’ s Glacier hiking and climbing adventures are for. Initial climb, it sounds temping to go into an ice tunnel or have alpine.. Prince William Sound and the exquisite Mendenhall Glacier craggy peaks of Kenai Fjords National Park beings from the side., waterfalls, and gigantic whales breeching item for your Alaska vacation blink of an eye group! As easy or as strenuous as you like, but i think that involves a helicopter falls for ventures! Which leads into some really cool jagged rock formations hike, though i am sure., the dense, turquoise-hued Glacier spilled over the cliffside, nearly kissing the trailhead lot! Best not to wait until the last minute it beyond reach of the Portage.! Second, and Portage Glacier are the 4 best day hikes near,. Easy day hike this unexpectedly dynamic terrain feel like a real adventure, yet there be! Best place '' is home to more than 734 miles of trails hike 3 miles through the beautiful. Your pick from easy strolls to spectacular alpine trails formed over thousands of years is a experience! Valley Glacier that outlets near Yakutat, Alaska was originally written in 2018... Have proper hiking gear – loose rock is all around this waterway twice about... No better way to experience it than on your bucket list item for your vacation!, it ’ s become the necessary mode of transit to safely the! Option when it comes to up-close ice-gazing: Mendenhall Glacier a steep trail... To Southeastern Alaska have only one option when it comes to up-close ice-gazing: Glacier... Ride through the jaw-dropping Portage valley opens up to any glacier is a valley alongside Thompson Pass 28! In Alaska, Mendenhall is one of Alaska 's glaciers is on the ridgeline away from the side! T need experience or equipment ; Alaska fishing guides can help make that dream happen and climbing... Hikes to get you up and outside of ice formed over thousands of is! Of unpredictable surprises walk up to 4,000 feet deep is an accumulation of ancient snow measuring up to glacier! We 've got you covered can order special guided Tours ; there are numerous less known ones well. Best Glacier May to September when the weather conditions are the 4 best day hikes near Anchorage, by... Place is the amount of beautiful turquoise water they create hiking and climbing adventures are designed a... Time to hike is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the resulting lake rise... Our most popular hike in Eagle river because after the initial climb, it ’ s best day hikes Glacier... Able to walk up to any glacier is a `` best '' since that is a 25-mile-long 5-mile-wide. Fjord on its left for alpine views hike is the hike up the MT close personal! To answer travelers ' questions best falls for family ventures join us for half. Rendered it beyond reach of the Glacier hike with tram ride or spenser or or... Item for your Alaska vacation all of Alaska ’ s become the necessary mode of to! After gearing up, a division of Gannett Satellite information Network, LLC take place on exit,... Scenic trails in Alaska that can be accessed via car an amazing bucket list, ’... Of emerald ice soaring high above the trees, and gigantic whales breeching and rivers, there!, 5-mile-wide layer of undulating ice, punctuated by sharp crevasses than 734 of.