- Off-Road
How to See Alaska Glaciers More Affordably
Plan your trip with our off-road reports. You’ll find articles about everything from the best trail food to activities in Alaska that are worthy of the 49th State.
How Can I Visit Glaciers in Alaska While on a Budget?
Alaska has so many incredible glaciers that you will want to visit during your trip. You can take a UTV out to the Knik Glacier, hike to a glacier viewpoint, or go for a walk on a glacier. Some adventures are quick stops to see a glacier while others immerse you more in the landscape.
It all comes down to the experience you want to have and how much you want to spend on that adventure. Here are some of our favorite and affordable ways to visit Alaska glaciers:
- Take a UTV out to the Knik Glacier with 49th State
- Hike on the Matanuska Glacier
- Ride the train to Spencer Glacier
- Hike to Exit Glacier in Seward
- See glaciers from an Alaskan cruise
Get your camera ready, your gopro charged up, and lace up your boots so you can experience one or more of these incredible glacier adventures! You won’t want to miss out on getting up close to a glacier while in Alaska.
UTV to the Knik Glacier
Nothing beats a Full-Day adventure out to the Knik Glacier in a UTV! Follow your guide through spruce and birch forests, across creeks, to epic viewpoints, and right up to the Knik Glacier Lake. You’ll enjoy the sight of icebergs bobbing in the water and the view of two different glaciers flowing from the valley.
Get your camera ready in one hand and have a reindeer dog in the other as you enjoy the view with a complimentary hot lunch!
Don’t miss out on a ride with 49th State. Our adventures are perfect for anyone who wants incredible glacier views and the thrill of off roading in Alaska.
Why Choose A Guide Trip Over a UTV Rental
You can rent a UTV and head out to the Knik Glacier, or along one of the many other ATV trails in Alaska. Renting a UTV is great for the seasoned off roader who can dig themselves out in any conditions and are prepared for the wild weather Alaska brings.
However, if you are newer to the sport or don’t have an array of survival skills, a guided tour may be better for you to explore the area. Alaska tests you in ways that you most folks are not used to. It’s a wild place with fast changing weather and lots of risk factors. You always want to carry extra food and water on your travels, have an array of layers, bear spray, recovery gear, and a first aid kit – at least.
Be prepared to dig yourself out of soft glacier silt, be able to recover a machine from water or mud, and know how to read the map, trail, and weather patterns overhead.
Want to read more about choosing between a guided trip and a UTV Rental? Check out our report on the topic.
Hike on the Matanuska Glacier
Drive out to the Matanuska Glacier to walk across a bridge, along the moraine, and on ice to see the infamous ice falls. Meet your guides to get geared up and be driven to the glacier to start your walk. You’ll get safety gear and learn how to walk on the ice so that you can explore on a glacier!
Stare up at the ice falls, look into crevasses, and learn about the ever changing landscape that carved the mountains and time. This is a great way for those who are able to hike on uneven terrain to reach a glacier and get to see an amazing landscape.
Ride the Train to Spencer Glacier
Hop on the Train and get off at the Spencer Whistle Stop to hike out to Spencer Glacier Lake. You can depart from Anchorage or Girdwood on this several hour journey that takes you through some of Alaska’s prettiest landscapes – think immense mountain ranges, along lakes, and over rivers.
Enjoy the sights out the window while you sit back and relax. Once you reach the trailhead, take the flat trail out to the lake and look for icebergs. You can even add on a river float adventure.
Hike to Exit Glacier in Seward
On your way to Seward stop at the Exit Glacier Trail to learn about the ever changing glaciers. The Visitor Center can teach you all about the area, how glaciers form and move, and what is leading them to recede. Hike up the trail to view the glacier and see where it once stood.
See Glaciers from an Alaska Cruise
Taking an Alaska Cruise, like a Princess Cruise, is a great way to spot glaciers right from the ship balcony. You may even see them from your own room. Enjoy glacier viewing days as you travel between towns in search of unique adventures.
Sailing all the way to Whittier and through Glacier Bay National Park will allow you to see lots of incredible tidal glaciers flowing into the ocean.
Be sure to visit the Mendenhall Glacier while you are in Juneau!
Come See Glaciers in Alaska!
There are lots of glaciers to visit during your trip to Alaska. Be sure to add at least one of these adventures to your vacation itinerary!
You won’t want to miss a UTV ride with us out to the Knik Glacier. Everyone will enjoy the full day of adrenaline and adventure with such incredible views.
