ANCHORAGE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Across the Glenn Highway to the Blue Heart: A Private Matanuska Glacier Day for Large Groups
An 8-hour, guide-led journey from Anchorage that pairs a scenic drive with a two-hour walk on Alaska’s road-accessible Matanuska Glacier, tailored to groups of 7–11 and including equipment and lunch.
Across the Glenn Highway to the Blue Heart: A Private Matanuska Glacier Day for Large Groups.
This full-day excursion carries your group out of Anchorage along the Glenn Highway to the toe of the Matanuska Glacier — a hulking river of blue ice formed high in the Chugach Mountains. Over roughly eight hours you’ll trade the hum of the highway for the crisp clack of glacier cleats, explore striking blue crevasses on foot, and regroup over lunch with sweeping views of the ice field.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Up-close with road-accessible glacial ice
Matanuska stretches for miles of sculpted blue ice; it’s one of Alaska’s largest glaciers accessible by road, offering immediate, dramatic photographic subjects and the rare chance to walk on ancient ice.
Scenic highway, glacier toe and on-ice exploration
The day includes a scenic drive along the Glenn Highway with photo stops, followed by a visit to the glacier toe where the group dons helmets and ice cleats to spend roughly two hours walking on the ice for a total of about three miles.
Private guidance, tailored itinerary, full logistics handled
Designed specifically for groups of seven to eleven, the private tour provides a professional Alaskan guide, private transport, all glacier equipment, snacks, bottled water and a lunch at a local eatery — the itinerary is customized to your group’s interests.
What the day feels like
How the day feels
Morning pickup from Anchorage leads to a long, cinematic drive up the Glenn Highway; mountain vistas give way to the first sightlines of Matanuska. At the glacier’s toe the guide fits the group with helmets and cleats, and for about two hours you traverse uneven blue ice and shallow crevasses—typically covering around three miles—before settling for lunch with glacier views and a relaxed drive back.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private large-group tour is best for — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Participants are required to wear sturdy, stiff-soled footwear; the operator provides all glacier equipment. Snacks and bottled water are provided; lunch is served at a local eatery.
The tour includes a professional Alaskan guide for your private group, private transportation, all glacier equipment, lunch, snacks and bottled water, and hotel pick-up/drop-off (Anchorage hotels only).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour is an eight-hour experience.
When does the tour depart and return?
Tours generally depart between 7:30–8:00 AM and return between 4:00–5:00 PM; your guide will contact you between 7:00–7:15 AM with the exact pickup time.
What is the minimum age to join?
The minimum age to join the tour is 5 years old.
How large are large-group tours and what are the rates?
Large Group Tours are designed for groups of 7–11 people. Rates start at $2,095 per group plus $195 per person; the tour rate includes an additional guide fee of $600.
Is pickup available from any address?
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are available for Anchorage hotel locations only; pickup is not available from private residences (Airbnb/VRBO) or from Alyeska Resort — the office will confirm pickup details if needed.
What footwear and equipment are required?
Participants must wear sturdy, stiff-soled footwear; all glacier equipment (helmets, cleats, etc.) is provided by the operator.