Matanuska Glacier
Sutton, AK
A glacier 27 miles long whose white tongue reaches the Glenn Highway valley. See it from the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site; walking on the ice is only possible through a private access point for a fee.
The Matanuska Glacier flows out of the Chugach Mountains; it is 43 km (27 miles) long, up to 6.4 km (4 miles) wide and is considered the largest glacier in the US that you can reach by car. The ice moves about 30 cm (1 foot) a day, yet the terminus stays fairly stable because ice melts away at the same rate. Its meltwater feeds the Matanuska River. From Anchorage it is about a two-hour drive on the Glenn Highway.
A free pullout at Mile 103 of the Glenn Highway offers a view. The Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site at Mile 101 charges a day-use fee; from there a trail of about 20 minutes leads to a viewpoint. There are restrooms, picnic tables and six campsites. You can only get onto the ice across private land for a fee, ideally on a guided glacier tour with crampons and helmet. Along the way you will see crevasses, moulins and, depending on conditions, ice caves. With a tour, plan on half a day.
- Nearest town
- Sutton, AK
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 61.7980, -147.8100
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
Cold, short days in October–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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FAQs
Where is Matanuska Glacier?
Matanuska Glacier is in Sutton, AK, at GPS 61.7980, -147.8100. It is about 45 mi from Palmer.
Which road trips pass Matanuska Glacier?
Matanuska Glacier is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Glenn Highway and Hatcher Pass and Tidal bore, glaciers and gravel dust: by camper along the Seward Highway, Parks Highway and Denali Highway.
What is there to see near Matanuska Glacier?
Places worth a stop nearby: Independence Mine State Historical Park (48 mi), Eklutna Lake (51 mi), Thunderbird Falls (57 mi) and Alaska Native Heritage Center (74 mi).
When is the best time to visit Matanuska Glacier?
Cold, short days in October–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)