The coolest thing I did in Anchorage was a Matanuska Glacier hike. Why? Because ice is cool. I mean really cool. Alaska, the Last Frontier, has some of the most breathtaking wonders in the world, and Matanuska Glacier is no exception. Nestled in the heart of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, this colossal ice formation promises a frozen adventure like no other.
We started this daytrip with a scenic drive to Matanuska Glacier, roughly two hours away. The road itself offers stunning views of the Chugach Mountains and the surrounding valleys. I had my eyes peeled for moose, but all we saw were moose warning signs. As we approached Matanuska Glacier Adventures, the tour company that we were going with, the road got quite sketchy, as they had promised it would. We made our way down the snowy, winding driveway, white-knuckled and teeth clenched.
We first stopped at the gift shop, where we checked in and paid for our tour. Because it was winter, the only way to safely venture onto the glacier’s surface is by guided tour, so that’s what we did. From there, we were sent a little further down the road to the place where we would sign our waivers, get our crampons, and start the tour. Even from a distance, the glacier looked like a scene straight out of Superman.
The tour started with a snowmobile/sled ride (yes, yes, snow machine to you Alaskans) to get us up close and personal with the glacier. From there, we set off on foot. As we approached the glacier, its sheer size took our breath away. Matanuska Glacier stretches approximately 27 miles and covers an astounding 26 square miles. We were immediately captivated by the brilliant blue ice, intricate crevasses, and towering ice formations that greeted us. Equipped with crampons, we hiked across the icy expanse, discovering hidden crevasses and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Even though it is generally not advisable to drink the water from glaciers without proper treatment, our guides told us that the
area we were in was safe, so we all tasted the fresh glacier water. Krystal also treated herself to a glacial mud mask – glacier mud typically contains minerals (such as silica, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which can help nourish and revitalize the skin), nutrients, and organic materials. As glacier mud dries, it may draw out impurities from the skin, unclog pores, and exfoliate dead skin cells. This can leave the skin feeling refreshed, smoother, and more radiant.
After a day filled with exploration, picture-taking, and even a little ice-picking, we retraced our steps back to the starting point, concluding this adventure with a final snowmobile ride. Before we left, Krystal realized that she hadn’t paid due to a restroom break earlier. The clerk initially thought that she had, but upon further inquiry, it turned out Krystal had indeed missed her payment. In a heartwarming display of appreciation for our honesty, the owner rewarded each of us with a complimentary shirt. It was a poignant reminder that honesty is always the best policy, and when you choose to act with integrity and do good, unexpected rewards have a way of finding their way back to you. It was a perfect conclusion to an already fantastic day.
Exploring Matanuska Glacier is an adventure enthusiast’s dream. Its accessibility, stunning vistas, and diverse activities make it an irresistible destination. Moreover, it is an ideal destination for those seeking an up-close encounter with a glacier without the need for strenuous hikes or mountain climbing. Matanuska Glacier is a testament to the beauty of Alaska’s frozen wilderness. Our trip to Matanuska Glacier allowed us to connect with the forces of nature in a profound way. It’s a experience we will cherish forever, and I invite you to embark on your own frozen adventure in this icy wonderland – you won’t regret it!
