Alaska, United States
Access a 25-mile-long river of ice in the Chugach Mountains via rugged backcountry trails, airboats, or helicopters.
5.0 from 282 traveller reviews on Viator & GetYourGuide
Tickets & tours
Compare flightseeing, off-roading, and combo trips from Palmer and Anchorage.
Top ratedThe ultimate multi activity package: a helicopter tour, a dogsled tour and a landing on the lower glacier to explore the melt pools and crevasses. Start this adventure...
Most bookedTaking off from the Alaska Glacier Lodge in the Mat-Su Valley to the Knik Glacier (5 miles wide by 29 miles long!). We land right in the middle of the Knik Glacier,...
Explore the wild beauty of Alaska on an unforgettable guided adventure to Knik Glacier. This tour combines thrilling off-road exploration through the scenic Knik River...
Explore
Learn about the glacier face, Lake George, and the backcountry access routes.
No roads lead directly to the ice.
Travel the final 8 miles by ATV, boat, flight, or foot.
Plan your visit
Helicopter flights take 1 to 2 hours. Ground access via ATV or hiking takes 4 to 9 hours.
Summer is ideal for boating and ATVs. Winter offers fat-tire biking on the frozen Knik River.
Drive 1 hour from Anchorage to Palmer. Trailheads sit at the end of Knik River Road.
Independent access is free. Guided ATV tours start from $100 and helicopter flights from $300.
Knik Glacier is a massive 25-mile-long river of ice located 50 miles east of Anchorage. It feeds into the Knik River and the historic Lake George. This area is known for dramatic 400-foot ice walls and deep blue pools.
Because there is no direct road access, visitors reach the ice by crossing rugged terrain. You can hike or bike the 8-mile backcountry route. Most travelers book guided ATVs, airboats, or helicopters. Read more in our guide on Getting There.
Temperatures near the ice are typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Palmer. Bring warm layers and windproof gear. Learn exactly Packing Guide before you arrive.
We detail which tours land on the ice and which view it from afar.
We explain exactly how much physical effort is required for each activity.
We list current starting rates without hidden fees.
From Viator
282 reviews of the heli, dogsled & landing on Viator & GetYourGuide
I did this tour in March through Northbound-Adventure. I shared a jeep with the guide & one couple. It was my first time off-roading in a jeep, it was really fun, driving through the woods, across snow & ice + through water. My guide was funny & informative and stopped for all moose sightings. It’s an easy hike around the glacier, amazing views & they offer to take photos of you in front of the ice cave, etc.
Awesome experience. You’re around so many beautiful glaciers and the off roading was an experience! Worth it!
Amazing and beautiful. The crew are awesome, friendly, helpful as well as prompt with all inquiries. Good if travelling solo.
Our pilot was awesome and extremely courteous. Highly recommend
Definitely bundle up because it is cold! & bring a water bottle to try the amazing glacier water! Make sure you get there early and have a great time enjoying the beautiful views!
Overall it's a good experience. Nice staff and special thanks to our driver. They are supportive and tried to fulfill all your wish and leave you without any complain about your experience.
Great experience! I would strongly recommended this tour. Half of the ride to the glacier was off-road. Our guide was very familiar with the route. The view of the glacier was amazing. It was such an unforgettable experience to kayak among the floating ice.
Was a great time!! Off-roading in the Jeep was fun. Kayaking around the glaciers was so calm, peaceful, and scenic. Daniel was a great tour guide!
Truly a highlight of our 10 days in Alaska! Wyatt was an excellent pilot and tour guide; he chose amazing spots for us to explore at the landings. He even spotted some bear from the air! I was amazed at every turn. Highly recommend!
Travel tips
Best Glacier ToursCompare off-road, boat, and helicopter tours to Knik Glacier.Read 
Getting ThereLearn how to reach Knik Glacier via Palmer and off-road transport.Read 
Hike to KnikLearn how to hike or fat-tire bike the 8-mile Knik Glacier trail.Read 
Best TimeCompare summer ATV and boat access to winter fat-tire biking.Read 
Packing GuideEssential gear and clothing for visiting Knik Glacier safely.Read 
Knik vs MatanuskaCompare Knik's remote adventure with Matanuska's drive-up access.Read Drive 1 hour from Anchorage to Palmer and follow Knik River Road. Because the road ends before the glacier, you must complete the final 8 miles via ATV, boat, helicopter, or hiking.
No direct road leads to the glacier face. You can only drive as far as the trailheads or tour operator bases in Palmer. The rest of the journey requires off-road vehicles or aircraft.
Tour prices change based on the activity. Airboat and ATV tours usually start from $100. Helicopter tours offering glacier landings start from $300, and extended combo tours cost up to $925.41. Check our Tickets guide for details.
It is located 50 miles east of Anchorage in the Chugach Mountains. Driving to the Palmer access points takes about one hour.
Yes. The safest way to walk on the ice is by taking a helicopter landing tour. Operators provide micro-spikes and safely guide you around crevasses and melt pools.
The route from the end of Knik River Road to the glacier face is about 8 miles each way. Expect a 4 to 8 hour round trip depending on trail conditions and your pace.
Book your transport early, as summer tour capacity is limited.
