Explore
Access the 25-mile-long glacier via rugged backcountry paths and riverbeds.
There is no direct paved road to Knik Glacier. You must cover about 8 miles each way from the end of Knik River Road using trails or the riverbed.
Summer travelers use ATVs and modified off-road vehicles to cross the mud and water. Winter visitors use fat-tire bikes or snowmobiles on the frozen river. Independent hikers should carry bear spray and prepare for zero cell service.
4-6 hours8 miles one-way
This multi-use route follows the wide riverbed toward the 400-foot ice walls. Summer conditions demand ATVs or off-road vehicles due to water crossings and deep mud. Winter transforms the river into a frozen path for fat-tire biking and snowmobiles.
2-4 hoursOff-road trails
This recreation area features an extensive network of dirt bike and 4x4 trails heading toward the glacier face. It is a prime location for motorized exploration. Summer rains and glacial melt make these paths extremely muddy and challenging. Ensure your vehicle can handle deep water and soft sediment.
1-2 hours1.5 miles
This steep, 1.5-mile hike scales Bodenburg Butte near Palmer. It requires physical exertion but pays off with a sweeping panoramic view of the Mat-Su Valley and the distant glacier. It is an excellent, shorter alternative if you lack off-road transport to the glacier face.
