Click on the thumbnails to view Alaska’s glaciers in full screen
Welcome to this photographic selection of the Alaska glaciers I enjoyed most during my trip to the Last Frontier. Take a look and then let me know which one is your favorite.
[heading_entrance title=”Matanuska Glacier” text=”” custom_class=””][/heading_entrance]
The compilation of the most spectacular glaciers in Alaska starts on the Glennallen Highway, one of the roads in Alaska where driving is an absolute pleasure. From there, you will have simply spectacular views. Even more so if you imagine that 18,000 years ago, the glacier occupied the entire valley. Incredible, right? Access to the Matanuska Glacier is on private property, so if you want to get closer, you will have to pay an entrance fee.
[heading_entrance title=”EXIT GLACIER” text=”” custom_class=””][/heading_entrance]
One of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska is Exit Glacier very close to the charming town of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Along a simple trail, you can come face to face with it and almost feel its icy breath.
But if you like trekking, you can do the famous Harding Icefield Trail, a steep route that climbs to the immense ice field, 113 km long by 48 km wide, from where they say the views are unforgettable. However, to do it, you must be well-equipped and keep your eyes wide open, as you might encounter a bear along the way.
This is one of the places where you can best appreciate the devastating effects of climate change on Alaska’s glaciers. Along the way, you will find signs indicating how far Exit reached years ago, a brutal and unstoppable retreat that should make us reconsider.
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- Find your ideal hotel in Seward to explore Exit Glacier.
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[heading_entrance title=”AIALIK GLACIER” text=”” custom_class=””][/heading_entrance]
A boat tour through the fjords of Kenai Fjords National Park will not only give you the opportunity to spot whales, otters, or sea lions, but it will also take you to meet the majestic Ailaik Glacier which with luck might show you its greatness with an occasional ice calving.
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- If I returned to Alaska, I would go to visit Portage Glacier, which I missed. This option of a Portage Glacier boat tour + visit to the Wildlife Conservation Center + Anchorage tour would definitely be my choice because I visited the center and it is very worth it, and I was left wanting to know more about the lively city of Anchorage.
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[heading_entrance title=”ROOT GLACIER” text=”” custom_class=””][/heading_entrance]
But if what you really want is to know how it feels to have a glacier under your feet, then set off on the adventure of reaching the remote village of McCarthy – Kennicott to put on your crampons and step onto Root Glacier.
Trekking over this giant is an unforgettable experience that can be even better if you dare to climb its incredible ice walls. What else do you want? A frozen lagoon? Perfect, here it is:
From the top of Root, with the abandoned Kennicott mine in the background, you can observe a field of brown sand that, believe it or not, hides more glacier beneath it, protected under sediments it has scraped from the mountain.
You can also do something similar in Chugach State Park. Book the glacier trekking!
[heading_entrance title=”WORTHINGTON GLACIER” text=”” custom_class=””][/heading_entrance]
Undoubtedly, the Worthington Glacier is the most accessible of all since it ends just 500 meters from the Richardson Highway, so you will see it from afar while driving and to get closer you just have to stop at the recreation area nearby. You can simply admire it from below or, if you have time, follow the Ridge Trail route that ascends next to one of the moraines to the top.
[heading_entrance title=”MEARES GLACIER” text=”” custom_class=””][/heading_entrance]
Take a boat again and brave the seasickness to explore the spectacular Prince William Sound from Valdez, filled with glaciers that drop ice blocks for you to navigate through, like the imposing Meares Glacier
It is also a good teacher that will give you a chromatic lesson on the different shades of blue and white.
Nearby is the Columbia Glacier continuously monitored closely by scientists who predict a short life for it, as it has been retreating and thinning since 1980 in an agonizing race against time.
[heading_entrance title=”VALDEZ GLACIER” text=”” custom_class=””][/heading_entrance]
From the giants of the bay, you can move to a much smaller and more relaxed one, the Valdez Glacier which ends in a lake where it is possible to paddle safely in a kayak among small icebergs.
I recommend staying in Valdez to fully explore its landscapes and enjoy the glaciers without rushing. Book your perfect hotel in Valdez.
[heading_entrance title=”UNKNOWN GLACIER” text=”” custom_class=””][/heading_entrance]
Impossible to find out the name of this meandering glacier that could be enjoyed from the plane shortly after taking off from Anchorage heading back to Madrid. Without a doubt, the perfect farewell gift for an unforgettable trip.
Don’t visit the Alaska Glaciers without insurance
Why is it so important to go with travel insurance? The United States is one of the countries with the most expensive healthcare. For that reason and for the peace of mind of knowing that someone is looking out for you, I recommend traveling to Alaska with good travel insurance.
I do it with Mondo travel insurance because, in addition to including Covid-19 coverage, they have a 24-hour assistance app with a medical chat where there will always be a health professional connected to answer any urgent questions.
For example, if your trip to Alaska is two weeks long, you can choose your insurance from just €44 to be covered for medical contingencies, theft, cancellations… But as a reader of this blog, it will be cheaper for you because here you have a 5% discount on your travel insurance. This way, you only have to worry about enjoying this great destination. How much is your peace of mind worth?
More Alaska articles
If after seeing the photos of these Alaska glaciers you dream of visiting the Last Frontier, here is more content about this destination. I recommend that you carefully read the guide for traveling to Alaska, which includes a detailed itinerary, as well as a lot of practical information to organize your adventure with prices, accommodation options, the best activities, and many tips. That guide is the result of my three-week motorhome trip to Alaska, completely on my own.
Anyway, if you prefer to explore this destination with an organized trip so you don’t have to worry about anything else but enjoying yourself, take a look at this incredible 13-day Alaska tour that will take you through some essential places like Denali National Park, the Slana lakes where bears also live, the remote and picturesque village of McCarthy in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and on board a boat, you will see some of the best Alaska glaciers I have mentioned here during the stay in Valdez and Seward. It looks very good and you will also have a Spanish-speaking guide.
- Traveling to Alaska: the most complete practical GUIDE
- A glacier under your feet
- An eagle for breakfast
- Flying over Greenland en route to Alaska
* This article includes affiliate links. If you book something through them, it will cost you the same price, but you will help me maintain this blog with the small commission generated. Thank you!
