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Alaska has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. This state is a true paradise for adventure seekers, with its vast, untouched wilderness and jaw-dropping landscapes that seem to stretch on forever.
While I enjoyed every moment of my time here, from hiking scenic trails to spotting incredible wildlife, one experience stands out above the rest—the Alaska glacier landing on Knik Glacier.
Not just any landing, but a triple glacier landing that took us to places so surreal, they looked like they were straight out of my dreams. This unforgettable adventure left me in awe, reminding me why Alaska’s wild beauty is some of the best in the world.
The Grand Knik Tour stands out as the best Alaska glacier landing there is. With three separate glacier landings, it provides access to remote and spectacular landscapes. You’ll touch down on the massive Knik Glacier, explore an alpine meadow, and marvel at crystal-clear melt pools – views that are impossible to reach any other way.
You’ll have the chance to walk on a glacier, peer into deep crevasses, and even taste pure glacial water straight from the source. The bird’s-eye views of vast ice fields and rugged mountains will make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming for now, I’ll give you a firsthand look at what makes a glacier landing so unforgettable—and why it deserves a top spot on your bucket list.
This experience was hosted as part of a FAM trip during TBEX Alaska – one of my favorite travel blogging conferences! Thank you to the organizers of the event and Alaska Helicopter Tours for putting on such a memorable trip.
Departure Point: Alaska Glacier Lodge
Staying at Alaska Glacier Lodge was the perfect base for our adventure, especially with the helicopter tours departing right from the property. The lodge itself is tucked into a beautiful, secluded area, surrounded by the mountains and vast Alaskan wilderness.
Waking up in my cozy cabin on the morning of the tour, I opened the door to a bright, sunny day—perfect weather for a glacier landing.
As I made my way down to the lodge for breakfast, I saw the helicopters gleaming in the morning sun and couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. Today was going to be something special, and the anticipation was electric.
After breakfast, our group was taken downstairs to the Alaska Helicopter Tour’s office, where the staff walked us through the safety briefing. They covered all the essential details: how to board and exit the helicopter safely, what to expect during each landing, and how to stay safe on the glacier itself.
Each of us was weighed to ensure proper weight distribution, and we were then assigned to helicopters. Since there were three of us in our helicopter along with the pilot, we decided to take turns in the front seat so everyone could experience that incredible perspective over the course of the three different landings.
Alaska Glacier Landing Tour
First Landing
The flight kicked off with us cruising over Lake George, which is famous for its natural beauty. Seeing it from above was unreal, especially with the autumn colors adding a beautiful warmth to the landscape.
As we started to descend, the glacier’s massive ice wall came into view, and the scale of everything hit me.
We landed on a rocky, grassy patch, and the pilot gave us about 15 minutes to wander around, snap photos, and just take in the views.
Stepping out of the helicopter, I felt like I’d been dropped into another world. The air was crisp and cool, and there was this quiet stillness all around. Standing there, surrounded by Alaska’s raw beauty, it felt like the kind of adventure that makes all the planning, flights, and early mornings totally worth it.
Second Landing: Alpine Meadow with a Bird’s-Eye View
For our second landing, we climbed high above to an alpine meadow with an epic bird’s-eye view of the massive Knik Glacier below. As we flew over, I was lucky enough to take the front seat next to the pilot, and the views from up there were next level.
Seeing the Knik Glacier from above, with Colony and Cataract glaciers stretched out across Lake George, was something I’ll never forget.
Once we landed, I hopped out and took my time walking around, snapping photos from every angle. The wide-open view from this spot felt like Alaska showing off—huge glaciers, rugged terrain, and layers of mountains stretching out into the distance.
Third Landing: Deep in the Heart of Knik Glacier
The final landing was right in the middle of the Knik Glacier, where we touched down next to these incredible blue melt pools. This spot felt like something out of a dream, unreal shades of blue surrounded by massive chunks of ice and towering mountains in the background.
We stepped out of the helicopter, and our guide offered us ice shoes to help us navigate the glacier terrain, especially around the huge crevasse nearby. With a little help from the guide, we carefully made our way over it, which added a thrill to the experience.
We walked up to one of the melt pools, and the color was mesmerizing. The shades of blue were so intense and vivid, almost glowing against the white of the ice. I filled up my water bottle straight from the glacier—it was hands down the best water I’ve ever tasted.
Standing there, with the mountains as the backdrop, I felt like I’d been transported to another planet. It’s a place that makes you pause and soak it all in, a reminder of how incredible and untouched some parts of our planet still are.
As we took off from the Knik Glacier, I took one last look at the icy landscape below, trying to burn every detail into my memory. The glacier stretched out endlessly, and as we lifted higher, it felt like we were floating above a world that barely seemed real.
The return flight back to the lodge was just as breathtaking, with views of the sprawling valleys, lakes, and autumn-colored trees that made Alaska feel so alive. The mountains slowly rolled by beneath us, and I couldn’t believe all that we’d seen in just a few hours.
What to Bring on an Alaska Glacier Landing
This adventure covers different terrains and temperatures, so here’s a checklist to keep you comfortable and ready to capture the experience:
- Clothing:
- Warm layers, even in summer—it can be chilly on the glacier!
- A waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the ice.
- Gloves and a hat, especially in spring or fall.
- Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are ideal; you’ll be walking on rough, icy terrain.
- Camera Gear:
- Your favorite camera and lenses; wide-angle lenses work well for capturing the vast landscapes.
- A portable charger or extra batteries—they can drain fast in cold weather.
- Essentials:
- A reusable water bottle to fill with glacier water at the final landing (trust me, it’s worth it).
- Sunscreen—it’s easy to forget, but the sun’s reflection off the glacier is strong!
Tips for Future Travelers
- Best Times to Visit: Summer and early fall are ideal for clear skies and longer daylight, but each season offers its own beauty. Fall brings rich colors in the landscape, and winter transforms the glacier with snow-covered views.
- Photography Tips: If you’re a photography enthusiast, set aside time at each landing to capture wide shots, but don’t forget the details too—like the intense blues of the melt pools and the unique textures of the ice. Take a few photos right after landing and then put your camera down for a bit to fully enjoy the views.
- Maximize the Experience: Sit in the front seat if possible (we took turns), as the views are unbeatable from there. Listen closely to your guide’s insights—they know this area well and share interesting info about the glaciers, local wildlife, and the region’s history.
- Be Ready for Weather Changes: Alaska’s weather can change quickly, so dress in layers and keep extra gear handy. Even on a sunny day, conditions on the glacier can be windy and cold.
This tour is a bucket-list adventure, so make the most of it by arriving prepared and ready to soak in every view and detail!
Final thoughts: Is a Glacier Helicopter Landing worth it?
Looking back on the tour, it’s hard to choose a single highlight. Each landing felt like a different world, from the massive ice walls and endless meadows to the glacier’s blue melt pools that looked almost otherworldly. The beauty of Alaska left a deep impression on me.
This experience was more than just a tour; it was a reminder of why I love travel. It’s these moments, when you’re somewhere so vast and wild, that make the whole journey worth it.
If you’re considering a trip to the 49th state, make room for this Alaska glacier landing on your itinerary. This isn’t just another tour; it’s an adventure that brings you face-to-face with some of the most incredible natural wonders on the planet.
