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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

Ultimate 3-Day Glacier Adventure Itinerary Near Anchorage
Credits: Juno Kim | Visit Anchorage
Know Before You Go
The world’s busiest floatplane base, Lake Hood, is the premier departure point for popular flightseeing tours.
Featuring
Flightseeing
Glaciers
Wildlife
 Average Duration: Half to Full Day
Google Street View

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

Ultimate 3-Day Glacier Adventure Itinerary Near Anchorage
Credits: JodyO.Photos
Know Before You Go
Once known as Glacier City, Girdwood reveals why with its stunning glacial surroundings.
Featuring
Hike
Sightseeing Tour
Scenic Viewpoint
 Average Duration: Full Day

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

Ultimate 3-Day Glacier Adventure Itinerary Near Anchorage
Credits: Donna Dewhurst
Know Before You Go
From glacier cruises to family-friendly hikes, Portage Valley offers intimate encounters with iconic glaciers.
Featuring
Scenic Drive
Visitor Center
Glacier Cruise
 Average Duration: Full Day
Google Street View

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.

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