Mat-Su Valley Guided Hiking

There’s climbing a mountain – and then there’s climbing an ICE mountain. Regardless of your climbing ability or experience, you'll end the day feeling fulfilled and inspired. MICA also offers short, guided hikes and longer treks if you prefer a more leisurely explore of the glacier and its grandeur.

Explore Alaska on foot—take a scenic day hike into the South Denali area. Choose one of 3 great hikes; from an easy, 2-mile stroll to a moderately strenuous 5½-hour hike. You’ll get spectacular views and see plenty of wildlife as you trek with your experienced naturalist guide. Depending on the hike you may pass pristine lakes, see an old pioneer’s cabin, catch a glimpse of Mt. McKinley, and even have the chance to spot foraging bears. These hikes are a prime opportunity to get up close with Alaska’s natural beauty.

Get a unique view of the Alaskan wilderness on a four- or seven-day backpacking trip through the backcountry. You’ll be trekking on Kesugi Ridge in Denali State Park, with magnificent views of Mt. McKinley and of course plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. Your experienced naturalist guide will be with you the whole way, cooking up great meals at your campsites. You should be fit enough to carry a pack up moderate hills, though you’ll sometimes be dropping it off for side hikes to explore secret spots with your guide.

Go hiking in the Alaskan wilderness, but bookend your hike with a spectacular helicopter ride. Lift off from Talkeetna for a short, scenic flight into the boreal forest around town. Then get ready to start hiking with your experienced naturalist guide. You’ll get great views of Denali, the Alaska Range, and countless mountain peaks as you walk through the alpine tundra of the South Denali area—it’s a hiker’s paradise only accessible by chopper. Then get back on board the helicopter for your scenic flight home.

This fly-in wilderness lodge on a private lake in the Talkeetna Mountains is a great place to unplug. Choose from 3 private cabins and enjoy home-cooked meals served family style with other guests. Take guided walks to look for wildlife or wild berries, or just relax and enjoy the peace and blissful views.

Experience the thrill of walking or climbing on a glacier. The Matanuska is Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier, and it’s just 90 minutes from Anchorage, so it’s an easy way to get up close and personal with these amazing natural wonders. You don’t need to be experienced in either activity—just be in good shape and up for adventure. You’ll either walk around on the glacier with crampons or learn how to use an ice axe and safely work your way up the gorgeous river of ice.