The Matanuska Glacier is only 2 hours east of Anchorage and is the largest glacier that can be accessed by car in Alaska. This valley glacier is a body of solid ice that flows down the valley and feeds the Matanuska River. The glacier can be viewed from mile maker 101 on the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway.
To access the glacier continue on to mile marker 102. This is the only vehicle access to the glacier and it is privately owned. A payment of $15-20 per person is required for access but it's well worth it. The price varies depending on residency and age. The parking lot is at the base of the glacier. There is a marked path that provides access to the white body of the glacier. Be aware that you are walking on ice and it can be extremely slick. Exploring a glacier is like being on another planet but it does require special tools and glacial travel skills. You can easily hire guide services for this and even learn to ice climb.
