10 Stunning Glaciers in Alaska

Glaciers, with their striking icy blue hues rising above the surrounding waters, are breathtaking natural wonders that awaken the senses.

Standing in their presence will leave a lasting impression, even on the most experienced travelers—especially when you can get close and witness colossal chunks breaking off and plunging into the ocean!

If visiting a glacier up close is on your bucket list, you're in the right spot. Alaska boasts the highest number of glaciers in the United States, with over 27,000, making it one of the best locations to experience these magnificent natural wonders during an Alaska cruise.

What is a Glacier?

While many recognize glaciers by sight, do you understand how they come to be?

Glaciers develop on land as snow accumulates and compresses into massive, thick ice over centuries. These enormous ice formations gradually flow downward, driven by the force of gravity.

The ice within glaciers features a distinct crystalline structure that both absorbs and reflects light, resulting in their famous ice-blue hue. This coloration is particularly striking in crevasses or where the ice breaks apart, especially noticeable on rainy or cloudy days, which are frequent in Alaska.

Before you set off on an unforgettable Alaska cruise, check out these top 10 glaciers that you absolutely must see!

1. Columbia Glacier

Situated on the eastern side of Prince William Sound, this glacier rises between 200 and 400 feet. It is also one of the fastest glaciers globally, retreating at an impressive average of 0.37 miles each year (which is quite rapid in glacial terms).

Columbia Glacier is notably active in calving, which can pose challenges for tour boats navigating nearby. To experience this magnificent glacier up close, we suggest booking a boat tour from Valdez.

2. Hubbard Glacier (Lingít: Sít'Sít' Tlein)

Stretching 76 miles long and 6 miles wide, with ice cliffs towering as high as a 30-story building, Hubbard Glacier is North America's largest tidewater glacier.

Situated in Disenchantment Bay, 200 miles northwest of Juneau, this dynamic glacier, often referred to as the "Galloping Glacier," has been thickening and advancing toward the Gulf of Alaska since 1885. Unlike many glaciers that have been retreating over the past century, Hubbard has been so active that it completely blocked Russel Fjord for two and a half months in 2002!

The highlight is that cruise ships can approach within half a mile of the glacier's face, offering an ideal vantage point to witness calving, which occurs approximately every fifteen to twenty minutes during the summer months.

Sailing toward Hubbard Glacier is a remarkable journey, as you navigate through Disenchantment Bay and catch sight of 5 of the 10 tallest mountain peaks in North America.

3. Valdez Glacier

Nestled in the Chugach Mountains, this valley glacier is easily reachable from Valdez and offers an ideal setting for kayaking or canoeing. As you paddle through the lake, you'll be captivated by the icebergs drifting around you. But act fast, as this glacier is quickly thinning and retreating! If kayaking isn't your style, rest assured you can still enjoy spectacular views from a distance!

4. Worthington Glacier

For snow enthusiasts, a visit to Worthington Glacier is essential. Located just 28 miles from Valdez, this glacier holds the title of the snowiest spot in Alaska and features one of the most accessible "walk-ups." A brief paved trail leads to a viewing platform where you can soak in stunning views and capture incredible photos of the glacier.

5. Glacier Bay

If you're eager to witness glacier calving, Glacier Bay is the place to be. With numerous glaciers and a rich variety of Alaskan wildlife, it's a true haven for glacier enthusiasts and photographers alike. Margerie Glacier stands out, advancing 12-14 feet daily and calving often! Other notable glaciers in the bay include Reid, Carroll, and John Hopkins.

The highlight is that you can enjoy all these glaciers right from your cabin's balcony. Don't forget your camera and binoculars! Cruises through Glacier Bay usually spend an entire day there, giving you ample time to admire these awe-inspiring natural wonders.

6. Mendenhall Glacier (known as "Sit" in the Tlingit language)

Mendenhall is the most iconic glacier in Juneau. Extending 13 miles from the Juneau Icefield to Mendenhall Lake, it reaches depths between 300 and 1,800 feet. At its broadest, Mendenhall Glacier spans over half a mile! For those looking to explore, there are multiple trails available, including the "Trail of Time," which is a half-mile walk featuring signs that illustrate the glacier's retreat over the years. If you're up for a moderate hike, the West Glacier Trail runs along the lake and glacier, granting access to the ice itself.

The best part is that this glacier is easily accessible, located just 12 miles from Juneau, making it reachable by road.

7. Sawyer Glacier

The twin North Sawyer and South Sawyer glaciers are located in Tracy Arm, 45 miles south of Juneau. The North Glacier is the easiest to access and spot, situated at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord.

The glacier's face is breathtaking, showcasing a stunning cobalt blue that plunges deep beneath the ocean's surface. If you're fortunate, you might witness calving events, where chunks range from small bits to massive blocks the size of a cruise ship! Don't forget your binoculars to catch glimpses of wildlife on the glacier, and keep an eye out for bald eagles if you're lucky.

8. Denver Glacier

If your cruise includes a stop in Skagway, a visit to this snow-covered glacier just 6 miles into Alaska's coastal rainforest is a must. You can reach the glacier by taking a short train ride from Skagway to the Denver trailhead, from where you can walk to the glacier. For a truly memorable experience, capture stunning photos and even land on a glacier by booking a helicopter tour.

9. Dawes Glacier

Standing at 600 feet tall and spanning a mile in width, the active Dawes Glacier is a breathtaking spectacle you can enjoy from your cruise ship's deck or your cabin's balcony.

As your ship approaches this glacier at the end of Endicott Arm Fjord (50 miles southeast of Juneau), you’ll experience the "white thunder," a dramatic sound created when a massive chunk of ice crashes into the water.

Endicott Arm, part of the Tracy Arm-Fjords, offers an incredible opportunity to witness other natural wonders, including granite cliffs, calving icebergs, and a variety of Alaskan wildlife such as bears, harbor seals, and eagles!

10. Portage Glacier

Situated south of Portage Lake on the Kenai Peninsula, approximately 60 miles from downtown Anchorage, this active glacier is retreating rapidly and is no longer visible from the visitor center. To get a good view of Portage, we recommend taking a boat tour, or if you visit in winter, you can walk on the frozen lake to see the glacier up close.

Honorable Mentions

11. Matanuska Glacier

Spanning 27 miles in length and 4 miles in width, this is the largest glacier you can reach by car in the United States. Its terminus feeds into the Matanuska River. If you're in Anchorage, don’t miss the chance to explore this stunning maze of blue ice. The glacier is located south of Glacier Park, near the Glenn Highway, roughly 100 miles northeast of Anchorage.

12. Exit Glacier

Situated in Kenai Fjords National Park, just 15 minutes from Seward, Exit Glacier is one of Alaska's most popular glaciers and is one of the few that you can easily drive or hike to, allowing you to witness its magnificent blue ice and hear its captivating crackling sounds.

Are you excited to experience these stunning glaciers and fjords up close? Explore Alaska cruises to book this unforgettable adventure, and make sure to subscribe to Dinogo's cruise deals for the latest offers and discounts sent straight to your inbox.