Ultimate 3-Day Glacier Adventure Itinerary Near Anchorage
Embark on exhilarating flightseeing tours, snowmobile rides, invigorating hikes, or scenic glacier cruises. With 60 glaciers within 50 miles of Anchorage, endless opportunities await to explore these majestic natural wonders.
Day 1
Flightseeing
Glaciers
Wildlife
Discover stunning landscapes via flightseeing tours over Chugach State Park or distant Denali. Depart from Lake Hood, the vibrant floatplane base next to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of snow-capped peaks and shimmering glaciers—many tours include glacier landings for iconic photos amid glittering ice.
Then, drive to Eklutna Lake, source of Anchorage’s pristine glacier-fed tap water. Kayak, bike, or join an ATV tour—spot Eklutna Glacier at the end of the 13-mile Eklutna Lakeside Trail.
Day 2
Hike
Sightseeing Tour
Scenic Viewpoint
Head south to Girdwood: Take a helicopter tour over nearby glaciers, dine at the acclaimed Seven Glaciers Restaurant, or book a snowmobile tour or Alaska Train ride to Spencer Glacier. In summer, hike 3.5 miles up Crow Pass Trail for panoramic views of Raven Glacier from a scenic overlook.
Day 3
Scenic Drive
Visitor Center
Glacier Cruise
Follow the scenic Seward Highway south to Turnagain Arm, Portage Glacier Highway, and into Portage Valley.
Stroll the Trail of Blue Ice for towering glacier views, then visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center to learn about the geological forces shaping this dramatic landscape. The easy 3.2-mile round-trip trail to Byron Glacier offers close-ups of cavernous ice caves. For Portage Glacier, board the mv Ptarmigan for a 1-hour cruise across Portage Lake amid icebergs.
Drive 1.5 hours back to Anchorage, soaking in the sunset over Turnagain Arm.




