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

Do you love going on adventures when you are on family vacations? If you answered yes, then I have the adventure for you! Hiking the spectacular Matanuska Glacier will be an adventure your family will never forget! But before you head out for this thrilling activity, there are a few things you must know about conquering this glacier hike in Alaska.

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.

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