Advanced Trek

Advanced Trek on Matanuska Glacier
person steps on white ice of glacier in Alaska
hazy chugach mountains and shiny white ice
three people using simple rope systems on glacier ice
a person walking down a glacier canyon
blue ice waterfall on Matanuska Glacier

Explore the Matanuska Glacier with MICA Guides

Starting price per tour:

$259.00

The tour price is per person*

*additional Glacier Access fee applies. Fee does not apply to helicopter adventures.

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Glacier Exploration — Go Further, Go Higher on the Advanced Trek

Experience the wild heart of the Matanuska Glacier on our Advanced Trek. Traverse the remote backcountry of the Matanuska Glacier, where jagged ice walls soar overhead, turquoise pools glint in hidden pockets, and deep crevasses hint at the glacier’s raw power. Step across a mix of pristine white ice and rugged moraine, feeling the firm, crunchy surface underfoot. Breathe in the crisp, pure glacier air as your eyes take in the vast, ever-shifting expanse around you—a living landscape sculpted by time and ice.

This demanding yet rewarding trek blends hiking with rope-assisted scrambles, letting you scale non-vertical ice walls, approach dramatic crevasses, and explore rare glacial features that would be inaccessible without the proper technical equipment. Our experienced guides will take you to a remote area of the glacier and use basic rope and anchor systems to safely access some of the most spectacular features of the Matanuska; explore moulins, crevasses, blue pools, and rare ice features.

Every step is guided by our expert team, who know the glacier like the back of their hands and will share insights into its constantly evolving nature. Capture once-in-a-lifetime photos and savor moments of quiet wonder in one of Alaska’s most remote and stunning landscapes.

This trek involves height exposure and a 2-mile hike across uneven glacial moraine, so participants should be comfortable walking briskly over rugged terrain.

Consider a Private Advanced Trek. On a private trip, your guide can tailor the day to what your group wants to see and set an appropriate pace for all group members.

Please keep in mind these activities involve height exposure. This trek requires a 2 mile hike through the uneven glacial moraine. 

This Tour Requires:

  • Minimum age: 12 years
  • Able to walk at a brisk pace
  • Able to walk over uneven terrain

*Our Advanced Trek fee does not include the Glacier Park Access Fee, which must be paid upon Check In at the MICA Base. For details and estimated fees see Glacier Access.

Why explore the Matanuska Glacier with us? Our Guides are out on the glacier every day, often on their days off! We know the best features and how to get you there while managing the risks of hiking on a glacier.

Guided adventures on the Matanuska Glacier since 1999. Go with the Pros!

  • A full day on the Matanuska Glacier, including 2-3 hours of demanding moraine hiking and 3-4 hours of stunning white ice exploration (total time on moraine vs. white ice depends on group ability and pace). In total, guests can expect to hike approximately 6 miles on this trip.
  • Guided exploration of exciting glacial features and stunning views in a remote area of the Matanuska Glacier
  • A faster-paced, smaller group than the Ice Fall Trek [1:4]
  • A closer look at spectacular glacial features including, crevasses, moulins, deep canyons, blue pools, and (potentially) ice caves
  • About the Moraine Hike: Accessing the backcountry requires a demanding 2-mile hike across uneven glacial moraine to reach the best climbing terrain on the Matanuska. Depending on your group’s pace and conditions, this approach typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours and involves loose rock, muddy ice, and steep slopes. This effort is what allows us to escape the crowds and reach the glacier’s most dramatic and remote features. Safety is always our top priority. If your guide determines that reaching the backcountry and returning safely is not feasible, the itinerary will be adjusted and may not include rope-assisted exploration. No refunds or price adjustments will be made in these cases.

For the Advanced Trek we require you to have:
  • A backpack with room for gear. If you don’t have one, we have some available for you to use!
  • Long Pants
  • Hiking boots that come over your ankle. If you don’t own a pair, we have some available for your use!
Our recommendations on clothing and gear:
  • Quick dry clothing (not cotton/jeans). Usually a good pair of hiking pants works great. Ski pants and jackets are not necessary
  • Rain gear, even if it isn’t raining
  • Liner gloves
  • Tall synthetic or wool socks
  • Extra warm layers
  • Snacks and water or packed lunch
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
Do not bring:
  • Bear Spray
  • Fire Arms
  • Alcohol

Accessing the backcountry requires a demanding 2-mile hike across uneven glacial moraine to reach the best climbing terrain on the Matanuska. Depending on your group’s pace and conditions, this approach typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours and involves loose rock, muddy ice, and steep slopes. This effort is what allows us to escape the crowds and reach the glacier’s most dramatic and remote features. Safety is always our top priority. If your guide determines that reaching the backcountry and returning safely is not feasible, the itinerary will be adjusted and may not include rope-assisted exploration. No refunds or price adjustments will be made in these cases.

Glacier tent with tent in distance on glacier moraine

Glacier Overnight Adventure

Experience luxury camping on a glacier.

  • Helicopter Access to Glacier
  • Overnight
  • Minimum Age 14 years (10 for private bookings)
  • $500/person based on two person occupancy

Starting Price: 

$999.00

Ice Climbing in Moulin

Ice Climbing

Learn to Climb Vertical Walls of Ice.

  • Hiking Access to Glacier
  • 8 Hours
  • Minimum Age 12 years
  • $279+ Glacier Access Fee

Starting Price: 

$279.00

Helicopter Explorer Hiking

Helicopter Explorer

Fly into an Advanced Trek.

  • Helicopter Access to Glacier
  • 3 - 6 Hours
  • Minimum Age 12 years
  • Small Group Sizes

Starting Price: 

$450.00

Why explore the Matanuska Glacier with us?

Our Guides are out on the glacier every day, often on their days off! We know the best features and how to get you there while managing the risks of hiking on a glacier.

Guided adventures on the Matanuska Glacier since 1999. Go with the Pros!