Anchorage, Alaska
Matanuska Glacier is one of Alaska’s few drive-through glaciers, called so because they’re easily accessible by car. It’s located on Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway and a popular day trip from Anchorage.
It’s also one of the few glaciers where you could, if you want, walk right across, slip, and crack your head on. And people do. Quite often as it turned out. I’d recommend investing in a helmet and a good medical insurance if you want to do something like walking on ice without a crampon.
Or you could take Matanuska Glacier Hike tour from Anchorage. It’s much easier, not to mention safer.
I can’t get enough of glaciers
If you really think about what glaciers are (a river of ice), and what they do (carve out valleys out of bedrock over millenias) – glaciers are an amazing force of nature. From afar, they stand out. A river of white and baby blue. Up close they’re breathtaking.
Ever since I got hooked on watching Park and Recreation, I’ve been having this urge to talk like Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe’s character). So I was channeling Chris a bit when, after catching sight of Matanuska glacier for the first time, I squealed, “Glaciers are LITERALLY one of my favorite things in the world!”
The best way to appreciate glaciers is up close and personal.
Which luckily we had a chance to do. And it was awesome.
If you ever had a chance to walk on glacier and see it up close, I’d highly recommend it. It might convince you to agree with me that glaciers are LITERALLY one of most beautiful things in the world.
Alaska is an adventure lover playground and I can’t wait to go back to Alaska again, and again. Here are more adventurous things to do in Alaska.
Related: I’ve written quite a bit on Alasa including my roadtrip from Anchorage and our disastrous honeymoon while backpacking in Denali
Walking on glaciers sounds like it would be a lot of fun. Gorgeous photos. Keep seeing so many amazing Alaska photos…. must go!
There's NOTHING quite like it. Must do it when you get the chance.
Trekking in glaciers sounds exciting, I used to climb in mountains with my friend but this one I haven't tried it. Well, soon I'll be because I agree that it is more beautiful when I see it up close and personal.
We went on a glacier cruise in Juneanu where we got really close to a glacier we could hear it cracking. We even saw pieces falling. A testament that glacier is not a static being but a powerful force of nature.
The photos look spectacular. How did you manage to go there? Great shot of you too and I love chocolate as well 🙂 x
Great pics. Seeing a glacier up close is on my bucket list. Hopefully soon I'll be able to cross it off.
You guys are so lucky to be able to travel and see all of these amazing things in the world.
I have never been to anyplace with snow, let alone glaciers. But this Matanuska Glacier and the one in Argentina really captivate me. I wish one day I can visit one of them (and by then the global warming wouldn't have gotten even worse).
I have yet to give Alaska much thought but that looks like some hiking that I'd enjoy immensely.
Outstanding photos! I really, *really* need to get my butt up to Alaska soon!
STUNNING PHOTOS. Ahh I wanna see one, one day. I never have know I will probably love them as much as you… 😉
Gorgeous pictures! (And I also can't get enough of chocolate and kittens 🙂 )