Everything You Must Know to Conquer the Matanuska Glacier Hike in Alaska

The Matanuska Glacier

You will find this spectacular glacier over in the Matanuska Susitna Valley. There are mountain ranges on three sides. Those mountain ranges include the Alaska Mountain Range, Chugach Mountain, and the Talkeetna Mountains.

This glacier is approximately twenty-seven miles long, as well as four miles wide. You can reach this glacier during a short ninety-mile drive from Anchorage. The access point for the Matanuska Glacier hike in Alaska is on Glenn Highway.

Must-Have Gear for the Matanuska Glacier Hike in Alaska

There are a few things that you must have with you when you decide to conquer the Matanuska Glacier hike in Alaska. The first must-have item is good hiking boots. It is best if those hiking boots are warm and waterproof.

Rain gear is another necessity for hiking the Matanuska Glacier. While it doesn’t always rain at this glacier, you never know when a little rain will fall. Therefore, I always say it is best to be prepared than wet and miserable. (Especially when traveling with kids! )

Crampons can be placed on your hiking boots to assist with walking on the Matanuska Glacier. They grip the snow and ice quite well, so you do not fall. While you don’t need crampons for this glacier hike in Alaska, I do recommend them if you do not walk on snow or ice that often.

The last item I recommend, other than warm and waterproof clothes, is trekking poles. These poles can also help keep you upright if an area is slippery.

Hiking the Matanuska Glacier

You can choose to hike the Matanuska Glacier on your own. However, if you are not an avid hiker and you don’t hike glaciers regularly, then it is best to take a hiking tour. Your hiking guide will make sure you stay safe while pointing out all the magnificent features of the glacier and the surrounding area.

Do you hate being with a large group of people? And do you hate the thought of being in a situation you can’t handle? I have the perfect solution! There is a maintained trail you can walk along on this glacier. This trail is a third of a mile long and goes to the top of the glacier. Taking this trail will allow you to take your time. This means you can linger in any area for as long as you wish. Plus, it won’t be crowded, and you will feel safe the entire time.

This is everything you must know to conquer the Matanuska Glacier hike in Alaska. You must admit it is an amazing adventure that your family will love! And it definitely checks off the box for a unique thing to do on vacation in Alaska!

So, are you ready to conquer the Matanuska Glacier hike in Alaska during a family vacation?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not quite ready to hike a glacier while on vacation in Alaska, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you see all the travel information I share throughout the year.

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One of the best places to see this glacier is the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. When you are inside the visitor center, you can also watch a movie, explore the interactive exhibits, and listen to different ranger talks.

Outside the visitor center, there are multiple trails you can wander along to see the lush forest and sparkling lake. One of those trails will lead you to Nugget Falls, while others will lead you to where the mountain goats and bears spend most of their time.

The best trail to take, though, is the West Glacier Trail. That trail is approximately seven miles long, and it takes you right to the face of the glacier. There is an excellent viewing platform about a quarter mile away from there too. So you can see this spectacular sight from many different vantage points.

When you are visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, you may think that the glacier is the only thing to do there besides hiking. However, this is one of the best places in Alaska to see a dog camp and do a little dog sledding.

Participating in a tour is the best way to reach the dog camp at the Mendenhall Glacier. Your tour guide will take you via helicopter to the dog camp. When you arrive, you will meet professional mushers, as well as sled dogs. While you can simply sit back and soak in the ambiance, I recommend getting behind a sled and joining in on the fun. Afterward, you can easily take pictures with the dogs on your team.

Just make sure you do not forget to spend a little time with the sled dog puppies. They will be the ones pulling the sleds the next time you visit!

Are you ready to do a little dog sledding with your family during a vacation near the Mendenhall Glacier?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan your next family vacation yet, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you always receive all the travel information I share.

The post Visiting the Mendenhall Glacier? Check These Items Off Your Bucket List appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.