A Glimpse Inside Alaska's Matanuska Glacier

Come with us as we explore an ice cave, stand at the edge of a crevasse, learn about the different types of ice in the glacier, squeeze through fissures, and do our best not to get sunburned.
Located roughly 100 miles Northeast of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway, the Matanuska is the largest glacier in the United States that is accessible by car.
Once you drive to the jumping-off point for the tour, the rest of the trip takes place by snowmachine (in winter) and on foot. You'll be on the glacier for a few hours, so come prepared for a mini excursion.
It is roughly 27 miles long and 4 miles wide, flows about 1 foot per day, and is the headwater for the Matanuska River. It is a valley glacier, which means it covers the valley floor. Most of Alaska's glaciers are alpine, which flow off mountain slopes.
It takes around 250 years for the ice that forms at the head of the glacier to make its way to the terminus. This means the ice in this video is 250 years old or possibly older.
You'll see some blue ice in the video. The pressure of the glacier compresses the ice so tightly it is technically classified as rock. Due to the density of this ice, it absorbs all spectra of light except blue, which reflects back and is visible to the human eye as blue ice.
Michael and I hope you enjoy this virtual tour of the Matansuska Glacier in Alaska.

[@afshanmughal]

That was a lovely video but going in the glacier is a bit scary to me.

[@meaganblessing]

I’m so glad you got to explore with us!
The glacier is monitored very closely, so I am comfortable going through. There is a pretty tight spot in the middle, but it’s not scary! The walls are slippery so you squish right through.
Since the glacier moves very slowly, that passage may be impassible next year. It is an amazing experience to be surrounded by ice. Very beautiful!

[@afshanmughal]

@@meaganblessing best wishes 🙏🏻