Alaska is one of the few and best places in the world to explore glaciers. In Alaska, there are more than 100,000 glaciers with about 616 named glaciers. These glaciers are awe-inspiring with their icy beauty, and they are also a source of renewable resources for people and animals alike. Here are some of the top destinations for ice exploration in Alaska.
Hubbard Glacier
The Hubbard Glacier in Disenchantment Bay, located in the northern area of Alaska, is one of the most popular glaciers in Alaska. The glacier is also the largest tidewater glacier in North America, and it’s about 76 miles long. Visitors can explore the Hubbard glacier through organized tours and cruises in the area. The view from a distance is incredible, and people can see the glacier’s impressive calving displays, in which large chunks of ice break off and fall into the water.
Mendenhall Glacier
The Mendenhall Glacier is located in the Tongass National Forest near Juneau, Alaska. The glacier is about 13.6 miles long and is situated in the Mendenhall Valley. Visitors can access the glacier through tours and hikes. The glacier views from a distance or up-close are equally breathtaking, and the surrounding landscape is also stunning making it a great destination for both adventure and relaxation.
Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier is located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, close to Seward, Alaska. The glacier is about three miles long and is accessible through an easy hike. Visitors can explore the Exit Glacier by taking a guided tour that includes glacier walks and ice climbing. The glacier’s icy blue walls and massive crevasses are striking, so make sure you have your camera ready to capture this moment!.
Columbia Glacier
The Columbia Glacier is located in Prince William Sound on the eastern side of the Chugach Mountains in Alaska. It is the second-largest tidewater glacier in Alaska. Visitors can access the glacier through organized tours and cruises as well as kayaking tours. The glacier’s landscape is stunning and exploring it by kayak gets you up close to the massive icebergs.
Bear Glacier
Bear Glacier is another popular glacier located in the Kenai Fjords National Park, located just south of Seward. The glacier is about thirteen miles long and three miles wide. One of the unique things about the Bear Glacier is that visitors can camp on the glacier. It’s an adventure of a lifetime to spend the night on ice and experience the beauty of the glacier with locals who live near the glacier.
Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay is a national park and a true gem in Alaska. The national park includes several glaciers and is only accessible by boat or plane. Visitors can take cruises that tour the glaciers in the national park, including the Margerie Glacier and John Hopkins Glacier. These glaciers are some of the most impressive sights in the world, and visitors can witness the calving displays firsthand.
In Conclusion
Alaska is truly a magical place, and the glaciers in Alaska are a sight to behold. These glaciers not only provide a beautiful landscape, but they also provide essential resources for the surrounding communities. Visitors to Alaska can experience these incredible glaciers up close through organized tours, hikes, and boat excursions. The glaciers’ beauty is something that cannot be described in words, so the only way to truly experience them is to take a trip and explore them yourself. So put on your warm clothes, pack your camera and get ready to explore the best glaciers Alaska has to offer!