Alaska Glacier Adventure Tour: Train, Kayak & Heli Glacier Hike

Our Alaska glacier adventure tour combines guided glacier hiking and paddling among icebergs at Spencer Glacier. In addition, this full day tour features travel by the Alaska Railroad and helicopter flights by Alpine Air, getting you off the beaten path and providing unique Alaska wilderness experiences.

Travel by Rail & Glacier Kayaking

The Spencer Whistle Stop and Glacier are located just South of Portage Valley and the Turnagain Arm in the Kenai Mountains and the Chugach National Forest. It is entirely off the road system, so we ride the scenic Alaska Railroad from Anchorage or Girdwood with breathtaking views of glaciers and towering alpine peaks. Enjoy several hours paddling among icebergs (the goal for many is to touch an iceberg!) and a short hike to the face of Spencer Glacier.

Heli Hiking on Spencer Glacier

Hop in a helicopter for a short flight up glacier. After landing, your skilled and experienced glacier guide will outfit everyone with helmets and crampons, then provide a safety talk with crampon practice, before exploring the glacier ice itself. We typically have 2 to 3 hours (on average) to discover amazing ice features like: blue ice tubes, crevasses, caves, rushing surface rivers, moulins, blue pools and more!

No Experience Necessary

No previous glacier experience is necessary. Your guide will teach you how to paddle a tandem kayak and walk in crampons. However, this is a moderate to strenuous activity, so please be prepared for a full day of activity in most weather conditions. If you want the best Alaska glacier tour that packs everything into one day, this is the trip for you.

Ascending Path is operating under a 10 year permit with the Chugach National Forest.

THIS DAY TOUR INCLUDES:

  • Alaska Railroad ride to Spencer Glacier
  • Iceberg kayaking tour and hike to the face of the glacier
  • 2 helicopter Flights
  • Glacier hike on blue ice (Or, upgrade to include Ice Climbing for an extra $75 per person.)
  • World-class kayaking and glacier guide
  • All kayaking gear, all glacier gear and extra rain gear
  • Small ratios (max: 5:1)
  • Real time satellite tracking and communication devices
  • Deli boxed lunch, bottled waters, granola bars/snacks
  • Interpretative glaciology, ecology and natural history discussions