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Explore Matanuska Glacier from McGrath, Alaska - Book Your Glacier Tour with Varoom
Base your next outdoor adventure in McGrath, Alaska and hike along the base of the 26-mile-long active Matanuska glacier with the original guiding company on Matanuska-NOVA-founded over 30 years ago; on NOVA’s popular Glacier Tour you’ll be transported to the glacier’s terminus at the park, outfitted with all necessary gear, and led by expert guides across the rugged terminal moraine into the breathtaking Ice Falls area, where towering ice cascades over rock, while your guide shares clear, engaging insights about how the region formed and the dynamic forces that continue to shape this accessible natural wonder, and you’ll encounter stunning ice formations, jagged seracs, deep crevasses, and flowing moulins for a memorable on-foot experience that’s perfect for sightseeing, adventure, family outings, and Group-Friendly bookings.
About this activity in McGrath
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Hike along the base of a 26-mile active glacier for an up-close experience of Alaska’s dramatic ice landscape near McGrath, Alaska.
- Join the original Matanuska guiding company with 30+ years of experience for a safe, informative trek across the terminal moraine and into the Ice Falls.
- See towering seracs, deep crevasses, flowing moulins and other striking ice formations while guided by seasoned professionals.
- All necessary gear is provided and shuttle transportation takes you to the glacier terminus so you can focus on the scenery and the hike.
Important Information
- Park entrance fees are not included: teens (13–16) $25, adults (17+) $55, Alaska residents/military/seniors (65+) $30; gratuities for guides are also not included.
- This activity is suitable for a wide range of fitness levels but is not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, or people with poor cardiovascular health.
- Age and footwear restrictions apply: not recommended for travelers under 10 or over 73 years; shoe size limit is US men 5 / women 6 - you'll be fitted with boots and boot spikes.
- You’ll be led by a professional tour guide and provided with a helmet, boots, and boot spikes; follow guide instructions at all times to stay safe on the glacier.
Meeting Point
Meet at the operator’s designated pickup point in McGrath - check your booking voucher for the exact address and pickup time. The shuttle departs promptly to transport you to the glacier terminus, so arrive 15 minutes early to complete gear fitting and check-in.
Includes
- Shuttle transportation to and from the activity in McGrath, Alaska - you’ll be picked up and returned for a seamless experience.
- Helmet, boots, and boot spikes provided so you don’t need to bring specialized gear when exploring the area.
- Professional tour guide accompanies the group to ensure safety and share local insight while you explore the region.
Excludes
- Matanuska Glacier Park entrance fee not included: teens (13–16) $25, adults (17+) $55, Alaska residents, military and seniors (65+) $30 - you’ll pay this separately when visiting the park.
- Gratuity for the guide is not included; you may tip if you feel your guide enhanced your experience.
Other
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries - prioritize your safety in this destination.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers due to activity demands.
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health; consider your fitness before booking.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels overall, with provided gear and guide support to help you participate.
- Shoe size limit applies: US men’s 5 and women’s 6 - check your size before you arrive.
- Not recommended for travelers under 10 years or over 73 years of age.
Customer Reviews
9/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
We took a short ride over from the meetup point to the glacier. After a short bridge walk we equipped our spikes on our boots and started roaming on top of the glacier! The guides were both very knowledgeable and attentive for our safety. On the walk back it started to drizzle, so be sure to be prepared!
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Summary:
Great experience. Guide was excellent and the equipment and expertise provided were critical for a safe and trek on the glacier.
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Summary:
Hubby and I have planned our Alaska for the past year. A friend did a glacier hike and raved about it. So why not. We chose MICA from a referral from Alaska.org. It was incredible. I would do it again. Our guide was Sam. He is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
The experience of a life time. Loved every moment.
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Explore McGrath, Alaska: Book Your Fishing, Dog‑Sledding and Tours
Plan your next trip to McGrath, Alaska for rugged Outdoor & Nature and Nature & Wildlife experiences that put you deep into the region’s iconic rivers and wilderness. You’ll find top activities here geared toward Water-Based fishing, Tours & Sightseeing, Adventure & Thrill bush flights and Multi-Day / Full-Day wilderness outings that let you connect with the area on guided or self-led itineraries. Book Events and stays that pair local Services and Group-Friendly options so you can easily turn outdoor exploration into a seamless Varoom experience in the destination.
House
- Air Conditioner
- Designated Smoking Area
- Bedding/Linens
Know more about McGrath
You’ll hike along the base of the 26-mile-long active Matanuska Glacier, starting at the terminal moraine and moving into the dramatic Ice Falls area. Expert guides lead you past rugged moraine, jagged seracs, deep crevasses and flowing moulins while sharing the geological history and natural forces that shaped the landscape.
You’ll be outfitted with necessary gear including helmet, boots and boot spikes, and you’ll be accompanied by a professional tour guide who knows the glacier’s changing conditions. Guides will instruct you on safe movement around crevasses, seracs and other dynamic ice features.
The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. There is a shoe size limit (US men’s 5, women’s 6), and guides will provide boots and spikes to ensure proper fit and safety on the ice.
The tour is suitable for a wide range of physical fitness levels, but it isn’t recommended for travelers under 10 years or over 73 years. Your guide will lead you across varied terrain on the moraine and into the Ice Falls, so families with children old enough to meet the age guideline can enjoy this Alaska adventure together.
Shuttle transportation to and from the activity is included, so you’ll be transported to the glacier’s terminus at the park before beginning the hike across the moraine and into the Ice Falls area.
Choose the original guiding company-founded over 30 years ago-for local expertise and a trusted Glacier Tour that emphasizes up-close exploration of this accessible Alaska natural wonder. Their experienced guides and established operations let you focus on the awe-inspiring ice formations and rugged scenery.
