Knik Glacier is one of Alaska’s most spectacular and accessible glaciers. Located just 50 miles northeast of Anchorage, this massive river of ice is a must-see for any visitor to the Last Frontier.
Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit to Knik Glacier:
Key Takeaways
- Knik Glacier is 25 miles long and 5 miles wide, making it one of the largest glaciers in Southcentral Alaska
- The glacier is easily accessible from Anchorage, located just 50 miles away
- You can view and explore Knik Glacier by air, land or water with tour operators
- The best months to visit are May through September when the weather is milder
- Activities include flightseeing, helicopter tours, jet boat rides, ATV tours, hiking, fat tire biking and more
Overview of Knik Glacier
Knik Glacier originates high in the Chugach Mountains and stretches over 25 miles long and 5 miles wide. The glacier dumps into Knik Arm, an inlet of the Cook Inlet, feeding the Knik River along the way.
Knik Glacier ends with a dramatic terminal face, where huge chunks of bright blue ice continuously break off into the iceberg-dotted lake below. Watching icebergs calve and turn in the glacial lake is an incredible sight.
The Knik Glacier area is full of contrasts, with icy blue glacier against a backdrop of verdant green mountains and forest. Wildlife like bears, moose and eagles also call this area home.
When to Visit Knik Glacier
The best time to visit Knik Glacier is during the warmer months between May and September. This offers milder weather for exploring the glacier and opportunities to get on the ice.
Summer is prime time for flightseeing, boat tours, helicopter landing tours and getting out on ATVs. Hiking and biking is also more comfortable when temperatures are warmer and the trails are snow-free.
That said, you can visit Knik Glacier year-round if you don’t mind bundling up. Winter activities include snowmachining, skiing and fat biking to the glacier. There are also helicopter tours year-round that land on the ice.
Getting to Knik Glacier
One of the biggest perks of Knik Glacier is how easy it is to access from Anchorage:
- By car: Knik Glacier is located about 50 miles northeast of Anchorage, just a 1 hour drive. Take the Glenn Highway north to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
- By tour: Many tours include round-trip transportation from Anchorage, so you don’t have to drive yourself. Tours leave by bus, plane or helicopter.
- Independent: You can also drive or bike independently to viewpoints along the Glenn Highway. But to get on the ice you’ll need to join a tour.
Ways to Explore Knik Glacier
There are a variety of ways to explore Knik Glacier, from tour boats to fat tire bikes. Here are some of the top ways to experience this spectacular glacier:
Flightseeing Tours
One of the most scenic ways to see Knik Glacier is from the air. Flightseeing trips provide a bird’s eye perspective of the glacier and surrounding Chugach Mountains. Most flights include a landing on the glacier so you can get out and walk on the ice.
Some companies to consider:
- Regal Air
- Rust’s Flying Service
- Fly Denali
Helicopter Tours
Helicopter tours provide the most direct route to Knik Glacier and the opportunity to land and explore the ice. Unique landing sites might include the glacier itself, a sled dog camp or nearby peaks. Companies offering helicopter tours include:
- Alaska Helicopter Tours
- Outbound Heli Adventures
- Denali Helicopters
Jet Boat Tours
Jet boat tours cruise up to the face of Knik Glacier by water. Feel the spray of water as these speedy boats zip through iceberg-scattered lakes. Tour options might include ATV rides across the glacier moraine to get even closer. Companies offering jet boat tours include:
- Alaska River Adventures
- Knik Glacier Tours
- Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours
ATV Tours
All-terrain vehicle (ATV) tours are a thrilling way to explore the dusty trails and moraines surrounding Knik Glacier. Drivers get to traverse gravel bars, rivers and mud flats en route to the glacier viewpoint. Companies offering ATV tours include:
- Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours
- 49th State Motor Tours
- AK Frozen Adventures
Hiking & Biking
For the more DIY crowd, hiking and biking are cheaper options to view Knik Glacier. The views aren’t as up close and personal but still impressive.
In the winter months when frozen, Knik River makes for an epic skiing, fat biking or snowmachining route out to the glacier. Hiking trails like Skyline Ridge also provide glacier views from afar.
Lodge Stays
Consider spending a night or two at one of the lodges near Knik Glacier for a more immersive experience:
- Alaska Glacier Lodge – Offers cozy cabins with Knik Glacier views
- Sheep Mountain Lodge – A luxurious lodge perfect for a weekend getaway
- Knik River Lodge – Rustic cabins located right on the Knik River
When You Visit: Glacier Safety Tips
When walking on Knik Glacier, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Always go with a guide – Crevasses and other hazards make exploring glaciers dangerous for beginners.
- Watch your step – The ice can be extremely slick in spots, so wear proper footwear like crampons.
- Beware thin snow bridges – These can conceal deep crevasses so avoid stepping on snow.
- Bring layers – Even when it’s hot out, dress warmly for the cold temps on the glacier.
- Watch for icefalls – Never walk under overhanging glacier ice that could calve.
- Stay away from edges – Sudden collapses can happen, so maintain a safe distance.
Plan Your Knik Glacier Adventure
Hopefully this guide has you excited to plan your own adventure to Knik Glacier! Here are some final tips as you prepare for your trip:
- Book tours several weeks in advance, especially during peak summer season.
- Pack clothing layers as well as gloves, hat and sunscreen for the glacier.
- Travel with a flexible itinerary in case weather impacts your plans.
- Consider adding on other Matanuska-Susitna Valley attractions like Talkeetna, Hatcher Pass or Denali National Park.
- Take advantage of long summer days. Book an evening glacier tour or hike to maximize time.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to provide more details to help you plan your perfect visit to Knik Glacier.
Frequently Asked Questions about Knik Glacier
How long does it take to drive to Knik Glacier from Anchorage?
It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to Knik Glacier from Anchorage. The glacier is located around 50 miles northeast of Anchorage via the Glenn Highway.
What is the best month to visit Knik Glacier?
The best months for visiting Knik Glacier are June through August when temperatures are milder. This offers the best hiking, biking, boating and flightseeing conditions.
Can you walk on Knik Glacier?
Yes, many tour companies offer the chance to walk on Knik Glacier, including helicopter landing tours, ATV tours, and hiking tours. Guides provide crampons for traction on the icy terrain.
Can you see wildlife at Knik Glacier?
Yes! Bears, moose, Dall sheep, beavers, eagles and other wildlife are frequently spotted around Knik Glacier and the surrounding region.
What should you wear to visit Knik Glacier?
Dress in warm layers even during summer, including waterproof boots, gloves, hat and jacket. Temperatures are often considerably cooler on the glacier.
Conclusion
Knik Glacier offers an incredible opportunity to witness the powerful forces of nature at work. Watching shining blue icebergs calve and float across a glacial lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
With the glacier so easily accessible from Anchorage, there’s no excuse not to take a tour or plan an adventure. Fly over by plane, roar up to the ice by jet boat or bounce down backcountry trails on an ATV. However you decide to visit, Knik Glacier is sure to be a highlight of your Alaska vacation.
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