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Summer

Glacier Viewing

Valdez and the surrounding Chugach Mountains are home to hundreds of glaciers, and some of our most amazing glaciers are the easiest to access! We invite you to visit Valdez and explore our five magnificent and accessible glaciers: the Columbia, Meares, Shoup, Worthington and Valdez Glaciers.

Columbia Glacier

The Columbia Glacier is the
second largest tidewater
glacier in North America
and the largest in Prince
William Sound. This glacier
can be accessed daily by
taking a wildlife cruise.
You can also take a day tour
and paddle the calm waters
of Columbia Glacier,
which are teeming with
wildlife in a maze of icebergs,
and then enjoy
a walk on the moraine.

Meares Glacier

The Meares Glacier will blow
you away as it calves and
sends huge chunks of ice
into the ocean, while sounds
of ancient, cracking ice
reverberate through the air.
Meares is the only tidewater
glacier at the head of the
Unakwik Inlet that is currently
advancing. Day cruises will
take you a quarter mile
from the face.

Shoup Glacier

Shoup Glacier is tucked away in
Shoup Bay and can be accessed
by boat, kayak, helicopter, or by
foot. Kayak companies offer day
trips that allow you to explore
icebergs, marine wildlife
and more. For more experienced
hikers, the 8.5 mile hike to
Shoup Bay provides fabulous
views and an amazing
Black-legged Kittiwake rookery.

Valdez Glacier

Valdez Glacier is located on the
outskirts of the town of Valdez
and is full of amazing history.
It was known as the
All American Route by
gold seekers looking to
head over the glacier and
into the interior of Alaska
during the Gold Rush of 1898.
In the summer, Valdez Glacier
can be accessed by kayak
with one of our experienced
local adventure companies.

Worthington Glacier

Worthington Glacier is a must-visit stop on your way to Valdez if you're traveling by road. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska,
located on the infamous
Thompson Pass, just off the Richardson Highway. All you have to do
is stop your vehicle and get out for an
up-close and personal experience. You can also take a half or full day hike and ice climbing tour; the guide's choice for an adventure on the ice.

Hikers viewing Columbia Glacier photo by Pangaea Adventures. Shoup Glacier photos by Pangaea Adventures.