The Knik Glacier: Explore Alaska by ATV or Snowmobile
Come explore the Knik Glacier via ATV or snowmobile for an adventure you’ll never forget! No matter what season you visit, the glacier is a breathtaking sight to see. Opt to cross through creeks and enjoy a sunny day out at the glacier lake in the summertime. In the winter, you can ride around icebergs on the frozen lake and see the toe of the glacier up close.
Read on to see why an adventure to the Knik Glacier needs to be on your Alaska trip itinerary!
Why the Knik Glacier Should Be On Your Bucket List
The Knik Glacier is the closest and largest glacier to Anchorage and is a must visit during your trip! You only have to drive 45 minutes to catch a glimpse of this incredible landscape.
Going on an ATV ride will help you get up close views that you don’t get at the scenic pull offs or nearby hikes. The Knik Glacier is an amazing sight as it runs 25 miles up into the Chugach Mountains. It once flowed all the way to Anchorage, and over time as it receded, it carved the entire valley that we ride through today.
You can thank the Knik Glacier for the epic mountain views!
The glacier continues to recede and grow at different rates depending on the season. Taking a ride through the glacially carved Knik River Valley ensures that you have a chance to see this impressive river of ice while you still can!
Take an ATV Ride to the Knik Glacier
ATVing out to the Knik Glacier means that you get to have a full day of fun! Our Knik Glacier ATV Tour will have you taking in the epic views of the glacier and its iceberg lake while your guide cooks up a hot lunch. However, seeing the glacier is only half the fun! You and your whole family will enjoy an exciting ride through forests and across creeks to reach the glacier itself.
Once at the lake, stare out at the Knik Glacier and look for rolling icebergs. You’ll have plenty of time to explore and take photos so you can show all your friends back home!
On a nice day you can even go for a quick dip or take out one of our wild glacier flamingos before enjoying that hot lunch and riding out!
Polar Plunge in the Knik Glacier Lake
There’s nothing like cold plunging in a lake with icebergs in it! On nice, Summer days you can go for a dip in the glacier lake and earn yourself a polar plunge sticker!
It’s a great way to wake up and feel refreshed before the drive home! Don’t worry, you’ll have some time to warm up around the fire and with a hot lunch before getting back in your machine.
Snowmobile Out to the Knik Glacier
Did you know we also offer snowmobile rides out the Knik Glacier in the winter? You don’t have to visit in the Summer to see some glacier ice! When the conditions are just right, we can snowmobile across the frozen Knik Glacier Lake to explore among icebergs and find ice caves!
The glacier in the wintertime is just beautiful. The blue ice shines through the blanket of white snow for a view that would leave anyone in awe. Ride around icebergs frozen in place and stare up at the immense toe of the Knik Glacier.
Our Knik Glacier Snowmobile Tour is perfect for any adventurer! We provide all the gear you need to stay warm and safe plus hot drinks and snacks. Just bring your camera and excitement to explore!
Learn More About the Knik Glacier
How Long is the Knik Glacier?
The Knik Glacier stretches 25 miles from its origin point, Marcus Baker, to its terminus.
The terminus, or toe of the glacier, is where the glacier ends. The Knik Glacier ends in a beautiful lake full of icebergs!
How Does the Knik Glacier Form?
Over thousands of years, the Knik Glacier has grown as snow falls up in the mountains and compresses into ice. The weight and pressure on the ice causes it to be pushed forward following gravity.
As more snow turns to ice the glacier inches forward. In the wintertime the glacier grows more rapidly as snowfall increases. In the summertime the glacier recedes as it melts into the glacier lake and Knik River.
Why Is the Knik Glacier Blue?
When glacier ice forms under immense pressure the air bubbles are pushed out. These layers of ice reflect back a deep blue color to our eyes as the crystalline structure absorbs all other visible light. When there are less air bubbles, the light can travel deeper before being reflected back. Longer light travel leads to a deeper blue color.
Ice with lots of air bubbles appears to be white. Much like snow, this ice scatters light faster due to the air bubbles.
How Deep is the Knik Glacier Lake?
We aren’t quite sure how deep the Knik Glacier Lake is. We’ve seen immense icebergs flip in its waters so it must be pretty deep! We’ve hears rumors it could be 400+ feet deep but no one really knows…..
Where Do the Icebergs Come From?
Glaciers are constantly on the move. The Knik Glacier cracks, collapses, and shifts. This can cause ice to break off from the toe of the glacier and be set free to float around the lake. From there the icebergs move with the wind.
If you spot a deep blue iceberg it likely recently rolled over. Click on this video to see what an incredible sight that can be!
We Can’t Wait to Show You the Knik Glacier!
The Knik Glacier is worth visiting while you are in Alaska! Whether you make it a full day trip from Anchorage, or come stay in Palmer, you’ll have a blast riding out to the glacier, taking in the breathtaking views, and leaving with photos and memories to last a lifetime.
Book your Full Day ATV Tour or Snowmobile Tour today so you can visit the Knik Glacier!
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