Matanuska Glacier

Matanuska Glacier

We drove three hours North to Matanuska Glacier, which is a 27 mile long glacier and about 3 miles wide. The ice field behind it is about 40 miles long. The best thing about it, is you can walk right out on top of it very easily. The road is owned by an Alaskan that won the land in a frontier lottery and he began charging to use his road, he is now up to his armpits in money. It is a beautiful glacier.

On our way we stopped at Hatcher's Pass. Hatcher's Pass and the whole valley was carved millions of years ago by Matanuska Glacier, and the river is all glacial run-off.

Our first view of Matanuska Glacier

Putting on our crampons and helmets after we had crossed over the silt covered part of the glacier.

On the start of the hike we came across these gorgeous rivers and lakes from the melt off. 

King of the Mountain

Aaron

A little cave

Our Crampons really helped, but we all had sore feet by the end of it.

The more dense the ice is, the bluer and harder it is.

There were large cracks and crevices everywhere. Scary to fall in one of those!

There were ice climbers climbing this

Blue Ice-we were hoping for some ice caves, but they all collapsed over the winter season :(

Near the top

Our guide used a climbing anchor screw to get us some glacial water. We all filled up our bottles and it was delicious. I wish I would have brought some jars to bring back the glacial silt. We sell that at the spa for 40 bucks for two ounces. The mud draws out impurities and helps with imperfections in the complexion, bug bites, bee stings, and discolor. Oh well, maybe next time. We had great time!