Where is Matanuska Glacier,Sutton, Alaska?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Matanuska Glacier is located in Alaska, USA. It lies between Anchorage and Glennallen and is situated in the Chugach Mountains area. It is famous for its huge, easily accessible glacier and ice climbing opportunities.

Matanuska Glacier Location Map,Sutton, Alaska

Top Attractions Inside Matanuska Glacier

  • Glacier Hiking – Guided tours across ice formations, crevasses, and alpine landscapes.
  • Matanuska Glacier Viewpoint – Scenic overlook providing panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.
  • Ice Caves & Crevasses – Unique natural features accessible with guided adventures.
  • Wildlife Viewing – Spot eagles, mountain goats, and other Alaskan wildlife in the glacier vicinity.
  • Photography Opportunities – Dramatic glacier landscapes ideal for sunrise, sunset, and aerial shots.
  • River & Meltwater Streams – Glacial streams offering serene spots and adventurous crossings during hikes.
  • Educational Tours – Guided experiences explaining glacial geology, history, and climate impact.

Matanuska Glacier Facts

Official NameMatanuska Glacier
LocationSutton, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, USA
Latitude & Longitude61.7460° N, 147.1840° W (approx.)
Total Area~190 sq mi (492 km²)
EstablishedNatural feature; public access managed by state and private tour operators
FounderNatural glacier formation; Alaska State authorities manage visitor access
Managed ByAlaska Department of Natural Resources & private guided tour companies
RegionChugach Mountains / Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Southcentral Alaska
AddressMatanuska Glacier, Glenn Highway Mile 102, Sutton, AK 99674, USA
Zip Code99674
Area Code907
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneAlaska Standard Time (AKST) – UTC−9 Standard / UTC−8 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptGlacial Landscapes, Ice Hiking, Guided Adventure Tours, Photography, Natural Geology
Sections (Areas)Glacier Face - Ice Caves (seasonal) - Moraines - Hiking Trails - Viewpoints along Glenn Highway
Famous AttractionsMatanuska Glacier Ice Hiking - Glacier Face Viewing - Ice Caves Exploration - Photography of Glacial Landscapes
Annual VisitorsApprox. 50,000–100,000 (mostly summer season)
Entry Fee TypeFree to view from Glenn Highway; guided hikes require paid tours
Ticket Price RangeGuided Ice Hikes: ~$100–$200 per person depending on tour duration
Ticket OptionsGuided Glacier Hikes - Ice Climbing Tours - Photography Tours - Self-Guided Viewing from Roadside Pullouts
Best Time to VisitMay–September (summer months with safer hiking conditions and access)
Nearby AirportPalmer Municipal Airport (PAQ) – ~60 miles (97 km); Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) – ~120 miles (193 km)
TransportationCar access via Glenn Highway - Parking pullouts - Guided tour vans & shuttles - Hiking trails to glacier
Official Websitehttps://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/

Distances from Matanuska Glacier to Nearby Landmarks

  • Matanuska Glacier Trailhead – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Glacier View – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Matanuska River – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Palmer, AK Downtown – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Hatcher Pass – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • King Mountain Trail – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Independence Mine State Historical Park – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Glacier Point – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Susitna River – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Chugach State Park – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Wasilla, AK – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Talkeetna, AK – 100 km (62.1 mi)
  • Anchorage, AK – 135 km (83.9 mi)
  • Denali National Park Entrance – 230 km (143 mi)
  • Matanuska-Susitna Valley – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Caribou Hills – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Peter’s Creek Trail – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Mint Glacier – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Wrangell-St. Elias National Park – 350 km (217 mi)
  • Talkeetna Mountains – 80 km (49.7 mi)