Why Visit Glacier View Alaska

Get inspired & discover exciting activities in Glacier View, Alaska. Perhaps you’ve built up an appetite after a day of exploring the Matanuska Glacier with us, or you’re seeking additional adventures before traveling to another Alaskan locale. Whatever the reason, Glacier View provides a refreshing escape from urban life and breathtaking landscapes to discover. Come experience the beauty and tranquility for yourself!

Glacier View Alaska is one of the most beautiful areas in Alaska. You’re likely to find the sun shining over this valley tucked between the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains. Home to the Matanuska Glacier, the area offers a ton of fun outdoor adventures.

Glacier View is worth the scenic drive whether you come for the day or decide to stay for a couple nights. Make it a detour on your road trip to Denali, or a stop along the way to Valdez or McCarthy. To make the most of your visit we recommend spending a couple days here in Glacier View. Making it an overnight stay allows you to visit the Matanuska Glacier one day & Raft the second day.

fall colors and the Matanuska Glacier i Glacier View

Glacier Tours NOVA Offers

We offer three different trips on the Matanuska Glacier that are suitable for all different ability levels. No experience is necessary for our guided adventures; bring your family and friends along to explore the glacier!

Matanuska Glacier Tour: This scenic walk to the iconic ice falls gives you time to explore the beautiful sights of the glacier terminus. Learn about the geology, take lots of pictures, stare up at massive ice fins, and make memories with the whole family.
Matanuska Glacier Adventure Trek: This more challenging adventure can take you deep into the backcountry where you get to explore more of the glacier. Enjoy the scenery and make your trip as adventurous as your group would like.
Matanuska Glacier Ice Climb: Hike into the glacier’s backcountry for an unreal experience ascending walls of ice or climbing deep into glacier moulins. You’ll learn to ice climb, lower, and use technical gear with your expert guide.

Getting to Glacier View

If you are making the drive from Anchorage we recommend leaving at least 2.5 hours before your trip. Summer construction or pit stops can delay your drive, so it’s best to leave early!

Fortunately, there is plenty to do and see on your way! Check out this blog for more info on where to stop along your drive from Anchorage.

Bonus to arriving early for your tour: We have a coffee shop with snacks onsite. Spend your down time enjoying a hot chocolate, coffee & relaxing before your adventure with us!

What to Do After Your Matanuska Glacier Tour

The Matanuska Glacier attracts many visitors to Glacier View during Alaska’s short summer season; but there are many other things to enjoy while you’re here. Eat at one of the nearby restaurants, go for a hike, or turn your NOVA trip into a combo and raft the Matanuska River with us!

Want to make it a more leisurely visit? You can also opt to stay the night and explore more of Glacier View to disconnect from the city and immerse yourself in nature.

hiker on a Matanuska Glacier tour before the ice falls

Some of our favorite things to do, places to stay & restaurants to enjoy in Glacier View

Where to eat in Glacier View:

Sheep Mountain Lodge: This top notch restaurant has homemade meals including burgers, steak, and seafood. You have to try their award winning desert and grab a drink. It doubles as a great place to stay!
Long Rifle Lodge: Awesome views of the glacier right from your table or the outside porch seating. Choose from yummy burgers, sandwiches, and tacos. You can also grab gas here in a pinch!
Grand View Cafe: A great spot to sit down and have some pizza or grab one for the drive back to Anchorage. Staying in an RV? They have a great RV park!

Places to stay near the Matanuska Glacier:

Sheep Mountain Lodge: Choose between cabins or guest house rooms for a cozy stay in the Talkeetna Mountains. With a great restaurant on site, hiking trails right out the door, and beautiful views all around; this is a great place for you and your family to stay.
Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge: Stay in a luxury lodge tucked away in the mountains. Choose from a guest room, cabin, or chalet for your stay. Breakfast and dinner are served daily – you won’t want to miss out on the excellent food!
Long Rifle Lodge: Stay in a simple hotel room with incredible views of the glacier and a restaurant on site.
Bear Den Cabins: Enjoy beautiful views in one of these quaint cabins just down the road from NOVA.
Homestead Guest Cabins: These handcrafted cabins are a great getaway. Have a quiet, cozy stay with incredible view
Grand View Cafe and RV Park: If you are staying in an RV this spot has all the hookups you need, a restaurant on site, and is close to NOVA.
Camp at NOVA: Camp in your RV or camper van on the NOVA property. We have an area set aside for you. You’ll have access to our restrooms, water, and wifi.

guide and clients talking white on the white ice during an adventure trek

Adventures to have in Glacier View:

Raft the Matanuska River: Join us for another adventure and go whitewater rafting. Enjoy a 10% discount when you book a trip combo!
Hike Lion’s Head: This steep but rewarding hike offers incredible views of the Matanuska Glacier and surrounding mountains.
Hike in the Talkeetna Mountains: Sheep Mountain Lodge offers a great series of trails in the mountains. Go for a relaxing walk along the foothills of the Talkeetnas, have a picnic, or take your mountain bike out for a ride.
Hike Gunsight Mountain: Looking for a more challenging hike? Summit Gunsight on a 7 mile adventure with incredible views.
Go on a Helicopter Flight: See the Matanuska Glacier from above and visit a blue pool for an experience you’ll never forget.
4th of July Glacier View Car Launch: Visiting around the 4th of July? Stay in Glacier View for the annual Car Launch! This unique event is unlike anything you’ve experienced. Cheer on cars, trucks, and boats as they launch off a cliff, conveyor belt style. When it’s too light out for fireworks, Alaskan’s have to get creative! This event is incredibly popular, so be sure to grab a parking spot early.
Long Lake: Stop for a picnic to or from Glacier View for the scenic view. Long Lake is just beautiful and is a great spot to go paddling or fishing. If you’re a rock climber with your own gear, there are routes nearby!