5 Must See Glaciers in Alaska

People come from all over the world to see the glaciers in Alaska – there are over 100,000 here alone! They are found all over the state, around a random bend in the round, and where the land end’s heading into the Gulf of Alaska. Here the five must see glaciers in Alaska that you want to check out.

Colgate Glacier

This glacier is only accessible by water taxi or cruise ship and is part of the Kenai Fjords National Forest. This is a very active calving glacier, which means the glacier breaks off into the ocean. You can see pieces of ice floating by and the glacier makes a huge sound each time it calves. It is quite an experience for all of your senses!

Bear Glacier

In the same general area as Colgate Glacier is Bear Glacier that is located 15 miles south of Seward, Alaska. This is the largest glacier that flows out to the Harding Icefield, which you can hike back to and see. It receded back quite a bit from the ocean, which formed a deep lake that the glacier flows into. When Bear Glacier calves now it creates very impressive large icebergs. Take a helicopter ride or kayak to go see this amazing glacier.

The Ruth Glacier

Head up to Denali National Park to see the deepest glacier in Alaska at 3,700 feet. It is surrounded by 5,000-foot granite walls that have created a gorge that is often called the Grand Canyon of Alaska. If you are seeking a mountaineering adventure, this is definitely the place to go.

Mendenhall Glacier

If you are in Southeast Alaska, check out the Mendenhall Glacier, which is close to Juneau. The Mendenhall Glacier is 12 miles long and you can hike up the west side of the glacier to get a better firsthand view. This glacier has a visitor center at its foot that tells the story of the ice field and talks about glacier formations and recessions.

Glacier Bay

Not just one glacier here but Glacier Bay has 16 glaciers to view! This one is best seen on a cruise ship whether a day cruise or a week-long cruise. The bay doesn’t have as many icebergs and you can get up close to see the glaciers and watch them calve into the water.

Kristi Trimmer is a full-time travel and fitness blogger at KristiTrimmer.com. One day she packed up her car and started the #GirlOnTheRun adventure travelling for 202 Days over 38 States and 2 Counties, and she ran in 10 Half Marathons. Kristi is currently on a trek to Alaska running along the way as she blogs about fitness tech, eating soy free, and enjoying good craft beers and yummy wines.

Elizabeth Lampman

Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!