Alaska presents an array of breathtaking adventures and stunning vistas, with its glacier ice caves standing as some of the most unique and awe-inspiring attractions. Scattered throughout the state, these natural marvels offer an up-close glimpse of glacial majesty, making a guided tour of these secluded treasures an essential addition to your itinerary.
In this guide, we'll explore a selection of the premier ice caves in the vicinity of Anchorage, along with a few exceptional sites slightly off the beaten path. As you prepare for this remarkable experience, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with glacier safety protocols and arrange a guided tour to fully appreciate these extraordinary natural phenomena safely.
What Is an Ice Cave?
Ice caves come in various forms. Alaska’s most common type of ice cave is a glacier cave, which is formed by flowing streams moving beneath glaciers or snowfields. This water carves tunnels that, when refrozen, create narrow and often temporary caves. While beautiful with dramatic blue hues, these particular types of ice caves are smaller and more susceptible to cave-ins due to their structure.
Some ice caves result from frozen vapor or water within existing rock cavities, presenting a spectacle akin to a crystalline winter palace. These caves, known for their ponded water formations, boast thick, blue ice sheets, transforming dark stone caverns into shimmering subterranean wonderlands. While not as common in Alaska, these caves exist, especially in the winter months.
How to Explore an Ice Cave
The ever-changing nature of ice caves means that safety is paramount. These structures can be inherently unstable, so it's crucial to always explore with an experienced guide, especially for extensive exploration (going further than just a few feet into the opening). To safely explore a cave, you will need proper equipment, awareness of your surroundings, and an understanding of the cave's condition are necessary for a safe adventure.
Every cave on this list has guided tours that lead groups through their beautiful scenery. If you are unfamiliar with glacier safety and Alaskan terrain, it is highly recommended to book a guided tour. You will also have the added benefit of having a guide to explain unique formations along the way!
Top Ice Caves Near Anchorage
Spencer Glacier Caves
Location: Located in the Kenai Mountains, south of Anchorage, within the Chugach National Forest.
The Spencer Glacier Caves offer one of the best cave experiences near Anchorage. These caves are filled with winding icy passageways that lead to stunning chambers of blue. The surrounding area is a wilderness paradise, featuring the glacier's massive icebergs during the summer melt, and wildlife like moose, bears, and various bird species. The sounds of ice crackling and the occasional calving of the glacier create an unforgettable atmosphere, making the Spencer Caves a must-visit!
How to get there: Visitors can reach Spencer Glacier by taking the Glacier Discovery Train from Anchorage, providing a scenic ride through some of Alaska's most beautiful terrains. Alternatively, you can drive via the Seward Highway, turning onto the Spencer Glacier Loop and following the signs to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop.
Matanuska Glacier Cave
Location: This cave is part of the Matanuska Glacier, situated in the Matanuska Valley, northeast of Anchorage.
The Matanuska Glacier stretches over 27 miles, making it Alaska's largest road-accessible glacier. The cave, with its towering ice formations and deep blue interiors, offers a fantastic icy realm exploration. The surrounding landscape is marked by dramatic views of mountains juxtaposed with the sprawling white glacier, and often, you'll find adventurers ice climbing and trekking in the vicinity.
How to get there: Driving from Anchorage, take the Glenn Highway (Highway 1) northeast towards Glacier View. The journey is about two hours and is filled with picturesque views. Once you arrive, there are guided tours available, which are highly recommended for safe access to the caves.
Byron Glacier Ice Cave
Location: In Portage Valley, about an hour south of Anchorage.
The Byron Glacier Cave is one of the most accessible ice caves near Anchorage, accessible via a short trail from the Byron Glacier parking lot in Portage Valley. This makes it one of the easier caves to go for a quick photo op and explore on your own for a few feet. The cave, although sometimes smaller and less stable, provides a quick glimpse into the blue world beneath the glacier, though you will need tall boots to access the cave.
How to get there: Portage Valley is located about an hour south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway. After parking, you will need to hike about 1.4-miles on the Byron Glacier Trail to the cave's entrance. Due to the cave's instability, check with local rangers at the Portage Valley Visitor Center about its status before going.
Root & Kennicott Glacier Ice Caves
Location: These caves are located about 300 miles from Anchorage in the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
The best part of visiting these caves is the ability to see two caves at once and to explore the rugged and remote expanse of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The glaciers themselves, especially Kennicott, are deceptive, with their rocky exteriors hiding the brilliant blue ice underneath. The Jumbo Creek Ice Cave in the Root Glacier offers an exceptional experience of standing beneath an arch of azure.
How to get there: From Anchorage, drive to Chitina from where you can catch a small plane to McCarthy. Walking a footbridge across the Kennicott River leads to McCarthy, and from there, it's a short journey to Kennicott Mine. Guided tours are available from McCarthy and are advised for safe and informed exploration.
Mendenhall Ice Caves
Location: Not near Anchorage, but located in the Mendenhall Valley near Juneau in Southeast Alaska.
While visiting the Mendenhall Ice Caves will require a trip down to Juneau, this is the one cave in Alaska that you won’t want to miss. The Mendenhall Glacier and its ice caves are a visual spectacle, with the caves' interiors showcasing walls of cerulean blue. The glacier itself spans approximately 13.6 miles, and the surrounding area is rich in lush rainforest, punctuated by waterfalls and diverse wildlife. This is one of the most photographed ice caves in the state and for great reason. The vibrant blues and arching interiors make the perfect backdrop for wedding and elopement photos.
How to get there: If you are in Juneau, you can drive to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center or take the bus from downtown. Reaching the caves will involve extensive hiking and possibly kayaking, depending on which caves are currently intact during your visit. Guided tours are highly recommended due to the constantly changing nature of the caves. If you do plan on exploring on your own, talk to a ranger at the Mendenhall Visitor Center for the latest report of cave conditions.
