Ice Climb or Trek: Choosing Your Backcountry Matanuska Glacier Adventure!
Both the Backcountry Ice Climb and Adventure Trek allow you to get away from the crowds & explore the lesser visited parts of the Matanuska Glacier. You’ll hike on the ice, learn glacier geology, and have the opportunity to travel deep into the glacier’s backcountry. You might be wondering, which trip should you choose?
Why Visit the Matanuska Glacier
The Matanuska Glacier is Alaska’s most accessible glacier. Less than two hours from Anchorage, this glacier is ideal for adventurers of all skill levels. Your journey begins with a scenic drive to our base camp in Glacier View, Alaska. Upon arriving, check in at our office, meet your expert guide, and gear up for a day filled with excitement and exploration on the glacier!
On your ice climb or trek you’ll learn about safe glacier travel and witness firsthand how the glaciers transform the surrounding landscape. Read on to see which tour is right for you and your group and how you can make the most of your time on the glacier!
How to Choose Your Adventure
Choosing between an ice climbing or trekking experience comes down to your level of adventure and what you want from your trip.
Here are some highlights of each adventure!
Highlights of Ice Climbing:
Highlights of Trekking:
What to Expect on Your Adventure Trek
Your trek can take you on an extended adventure around the iconic ice falls or deep into Matanuska Glacier’s backcountry.
Extended exploration around the ice falls allows for a unique experience in the front country of the glacier. You’ll have more time than our normal Matanuska Glacier Tour which allows for a more leisurely adventure and extra time to take pictures! See massive ice spires, play in glacial silt, and learn about the landscape. You’ll have lots of time to explore the glacier and learn technical skills while moving through steeper terrain.
Going into the backcountry includes a challenging hike along the moraine trail. From there you’ll reach the white ice and the real adventure begins! Be prepared to hike 6+ miles and to be out in the backcountry for 4-6 hours. Bring a water bottle and lunch! You will learn to walk in microspikes and crampons, and have the opportunity to learn to rappel. It’s like canyoneering on a glacier!
Your guide will help you and your group decide which trek route is right for you.
What to Expect on Your Backcountry Ice Climb
Your ice climb adventure will take you into the backcountry of the glacier to find tall walls of glacial ice. Be prepared to explore for the whole day and traverse multiple miles of uneven terrain. Bring a water bottle and lunch + snacks! Your guide will teach you to walk in microspikes and crampons, wear a harness, and safely tie in on a rope. You’ll learn good climbing and lowering techniques; your guide will be there belaying you as you climb the ice walls. This is a great opportunity to learn how to ice climb, or to dial in your skills and challenge yourself if you have climbed before.
What To Bring on Either Glacier Adventure
Whether you choose the adventure trek or backcountry ice climb, you will want to be prepared for your adventure. Here is what we recommend you bring along to have a successful trip!
We will provide you with all necessary trekking or climbing equipment, including boots, helmets, microspikes, crampons, harnesses, and ice axes for climbing.
Want more ideas for ways to enjoy Glacier View? See our favorite places to stay + other activity ideas here!
After a restful night, why not join us the next day for an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip down the Matanuska River? Enjoy a 10% discount when you book a trip combo!
What To Do After Your Glacier Adventure
Before you head out to celebrate your day of adventuring, remember to tip your guide for their expertise and support!
Glacier View has some excellent restaurants if you want to enjoy a good meal before heading to your next destination:
